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Chapter 26
"Are we there?"
Nick and I laugh at Charlotte's impatient question. She's in high spirits in the back of the car while gazing outside. She woke us up this morning by sneaking into my bedroom at 6:30 am, and screaming at the top of her lungs, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEE.”
Nick's bewildered expression and his open-eyed stare at the rude awakening made me laugh hard. During breakfast, we told Charlotte that we were celebrating her birthday party in a secret location, and ever since, she's been asking nonstop, "Where is it? When are we going?"
Now her hands are fiddling with the end of her hair that's in a side braid. She wears a furry sleeveless vest over her dress and her lips are shimmering with my natural lip gloss.
I swallow a chuck of emotions by my overwhelming thoughts—my baby girl is seven. Seven years ago, I never thought my life could turn out the way it did. A lot of scenarios passed through my mind, but never this one. I turn in my seat and touch Charlotte's knee.
"Sweetheart, are you still sure you want to announce mommy's pregnancy and the wedding on your birthday?"
"Yes, I want to tell everyone I will be a big sister." She points to the long box next to her and an amusing grin sets on my lips.
"Giant? Aren't you disappointed we don't know if it's a boy or a girl?" she asks.
Nick looks in his rear mirror at Charlotte. "A little, but the most important thing is that the baby is healthy," he says, while stroking his hand over my belly.
Charlotte nods.
Two days ago, we went to the doctor for the twelve-week ultrasound. But the little one decided not to show what gender it was. It had crossed its legs. The disappointed faces of Nick and Charlotte made me snicker. Charlotte tried to talk to the baby, telling it to turn. But it didn't happen. As I turn back in my seat, my gaze falls on Nick, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel for the entire car ride. He's nervous.
A little while later, we arrive at Six-Pack.
"Are we there?" Charlotte opens the car door and jumps out. She looks at the large white building, and when she sees the name, she says out loud, "I know that name."
Nick chuckles and holds out his hand. We both take one of his hands and when we walk to the entrance. I recognize Vince standing by the entry door. I melt when I notice he's wearing a black suit with a pink tie, and holding a pink rose in his hand.
When we halt, he gives us a sunny smile and focuses his attention on Charlotte.
"You must be the birthday girl."
Charlotte's eyes grow wide when he speaks to her. "Yes." Her face glows with pleasure when they shake hands.
"I'm Vince," he says and takes a bow while holding out the rose. "For you, my lovely lady."
Charlotte giggles as she takes the flower.
"Thank you, Mister Vince."
Vince smiles back and asks, "Are you ready for your surprise?"
Charlotte jumps up. "Yes!"
He opens the door, and when we walk inside and see the room, my heart stops. Charlotte's happy yell fills the space. "Oh, my… "
They decorated the bar by hanging colorful birthday garlands throughout the entire place. An abundance of pink balloons are hanging from the ceiling and lying on the floor. Above the table with presents, they hung a garland that says, “Happy birthday, Charlotte.”
Enormous glass bowls filled with different candies take their place on the bar, and my mouth drops when I see a bouncy castle inside the bar. Before I can adapt to everything, Amanda, Martha, John, Bella, Alisha, Cole, and Brian jump out from behind the bar and start bellowing the happy birthday song. Even Vince comes in and shouts along. Charlotte’s eyes tear up, but she keeps on smiling. Nick puts an arm around my waist when he notices my emotional reaction and places a kiss on my temple.
"She deserves this, Angel."
When we finish singing, everybody comes our way. My mother’s heart is overflowing with love seeing her this happy. Bella and Alisha run ahead and overflow her with hugs and kisses. "Happy birthday, Charlotte. Did we do a good job?" Brian asks while squatting in front of her and pointing to the room.
"You did this?" she asks.
"Yep, together with this sizable man," he says, pointing to Cole, who is standing next to him.
