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“Hey hey hey,” Jake booms. “I hear the party’s started!”
“So, what’s the weirdest craving you’ve had thus far?” his wife asks with a kind smile. “I loved Hot Cheetos with Marshmallow Fluff. That was my thing.”
I smile and think.
“Hmm,” I hum. “Spicy pickles and ice cream? I don’t usually like spicy foods, but tell that to the little one.” Everyone laughs as we congregate in the kitchen, milling about while snacking on finger foods. But then the doorbell rings one last time, and I waddle over to answer it eagerly. Sure enough, it’s Rachel, her brown curls bouncing as she hands me a gaily-colored gift bag.
“Hey,” I laugh. “What’s this? You didn’t have to bring a present. It’s a gender-reveal party, remember? Not a baby shower.”
She waves that away. “Oh, please. I couldn’t come empty-handed. Besides, a pregnant lady needs to pamper herself before the big day because I hear labor is hard!”
I click my tongue at her in faux disapproval, but then peek inside the bag to find a bunch of bath bombs and lotions from one of my favorite stores. “Oh my god, thank you so much, Rachel.” I pull my friend into a side hug since it’d be silly to make her reach around my huge stomach.
“Don’t mention it, Lina. I’m so happy for you,” she smiles as we join everyone in the kitchen. “By the way, are there any good-looking guys at this party?”
I shake my head with mock disappointment.
“Yes definitely, but they’re all taken because they’re mostly Tim’s co-workers from the hospital. I’m sorry, girlfriend! We’ll find you someone soon.”
Rachel merely giggles.
“Well, I suppose I can always start dancing at the Krazy Kat,” she says under her breath. “It worked for you at least.” I elbow her in the ribs, and we both start giggling.
The party gets under way and it’s really fun. People laugh, talk, and eat, and a good time is had by all. But soon, it’s time for the main event and I clap my hands together. “Attention everyone! The big moment is here, and it’s time to cut the cake!”
Tim comes out balancing a huge cake iced with cream-cheese frosting in his hands before setting it down carefully. I hand him a large, shiny knife.
“Go ahead, love,” I say in a sweet voice.
He smiles at me and takes the knife. Several people start to take pictures and it’s … pink! We’re having a girl! Tim beams at me and pulls my ungainly form in for a kiss. Our friends and family congratulate us, and tears spring to my eyes from sheer happiness.
Later, after everyone’s left, I stand at the sink washing the dishes while Tim takes his place beside me, drying them.
“Did you have a good time?” I ask.
He grins down at me, those blue eyes dancing. “Yeah definitely.”
“I did too. Our friends are the best, aren’t they? I’m so glad they were able to come.”
“Agreed. Oh, wait. I think I forgot a dish in the living room. Just a sec, honey.”
I shake my finger at him. “You better not be trying to get out of cleaning duty, Mr. Carlton. You better be back here in about five seconds otherwise your very pregnant girlfriend is going to be mad.”
“Of course.” He winks at me, and then disappears into the living room before reappearing in a flash.
“You know,” I hum as he returns to his spot at my side, “since our daughter’s going to be coming soon, I’ve been thinking about what to do about Amazing Blooms. I met a young woman recently who might be a good fit for a part-time job. What do you think? That way I could work fewer hours.”
Tim nods enthusiastically. “That’s a great idea, honey, because I was worried you might work even more hours after the baby is born.” He moves behind me and wraps his hands around my belly, and as if our daughter knows it’s him, she kicks under his touch. “I want you to get as much rest as possible, both before and after the delivery.”
“I know,” I smile. “You always take such good care of me.”
But then his arms drop and he steps back from me. “Lina?”
“Yes?” I ask, still busy at the sink. “What is it?”
“Lina,” he repeats again, more insistently this time, and I turn with a dishrag in hand, only to find my boyfriend down on one knee. My jaw drops, and my sudsy hands fly to my face. “Tim?”
He takes a deep breath while holding up a gorgeous diamond ring. It’s easily the most beautiful piece of jewelry I’ve ever seen, and to my surprise, Tim has tears in his eyes as he begins to propose. “Up until I met you, I never believed in soulmates, but now that I’ve met you, Angelina Hall, I know that such a thing exists. You’re the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with, and whom I want to have children with. I want to grow old with you, and to breathe your name every day of my life. Will you marry me, Angelina? Please say you’ll be mine.”
