Page 41 of Fighting for Family

“Why don’t you open presents while we eat cake?” Kassie suggested.

“Ladies, you have outdone yourselves. Bryanna, the cake is beautiful. I wish Patch could see it,” she said, then paused. “I’m sorry, Catherine. How insensitive of me.”

Catherine shook her head. “It’s only natural you’d want him here. I take no offense. Please enjoy the shower and stop worrying about me.”

Claire smiled as she stood in front of Bryanna’s creation. “Thank you, everyone.”

Kassie sent Claire back to her seat of honor while they cut the cake. Samantha and Kassie passed them out while Maddie, Carol, and Edie offered punch or tea.

Carol stood behind Catherine and placed her hand on her shoulder. “To Claire and Patch, may this little blessing bring you joy and happiness.”

Claire blushed and glanced down at her stomach and wiped her eyes.

“Let’s get to the fun part and open presents,” Addyson said, passing Claire a gift.

“Victoria’s missing seeing Claire this happy,” Carol said, watching the glowing pregnant woman carefully undo the bow.

“Ha,” Kassie said. “I can hear her now. Darling, time is short,” she mimicked Victoria’s voice. “Rip that paper like you’re tearing your husband’s clothes off. He does have a nice set of abs. Of course, not like my Ivan’s. He’s a stud.”

The women burst into laughter and then suddenly stopped. Claire’s eyes grew huge as she stared at Kassie.

“Claire, dear, if you continue to hesitate, you’ll be giving birth in Chase’s favorite chair. Get going,” Kassie said, encouraging her.

Catherine smothered her giggle, and Maddie laughed out loud.

“It appears I arrived in the nick of time,” a voice came behind her. “Kassie’s determined to destroy my terrible reputation.”

“She has been behind me this entire time, hasn’t she?” Kassie asked, grinning.

“Yup. You’re in trouble now,” Catherine gloated as the room erupted in amusement.

Kassie hugged Victoria. “I’m glad to see you. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”

“I didn’t plan to arrive this early, but I’ve missed my Nick. I imagine he’s helping with the kids?” she asked.

“Yes, they have them playing at the pool and watching movies,” Kassie said. “Can I get you something to eat? Claire only started opening her presents.”

“Then I arrived at the perfect time,” Victoria said smugly. “I brought her present with me.”

The door opened, and Patch walked in. His eyes immediately searched for Claire. The gift tumbled to the floor as she whispered Patch’s name. Samantha helped her from the chair as Patch strode toward her with tears in his eyes.

“Patch,” she said brokenly as she tightly clung to him.

“You look beautiful, Claire Bear,” he whispered reverently as he pulled her back to get a better glimpse at her. He used his thumb to wipe away the tears as he smiled at her.

“I picked up a little something for you, too, Gabby,” Victoria said as the door opened again and Knight entered.

Gabby’s hand went to her mouth as Bryanna helped her up. She rushed across the room, right into Knight’s arms.

“Oh, Knight,” she cried as he kissed her head, her cheeks and her lips.

“Hey, baby,” he greeted her, putting his hand on her belly. “Hello, little one. Daddy’s here.” Tears glistened in his eyes, and the room seemed to disappear with only the two couples in it. Everyone watched the beautiful scene before them.

Patch held on to Claire as he gazed around the room. “I’ve never crashed a party, but you ladies do it in style. Do you mind if we join you? I’m afraid I’m not ready to leave Claire yet.”

“I’ll get you a plate,” Maddie said. “You must be starved.”

“I’ll grab Knight’s,” Edie called. “Carol, you grab them a beer. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it more than tea or punch.”