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“Out here stuffing dessert in your face?” I ask, strolling onto the back deck of the farmhouse where Rae is looking out at the barn and the woods.
She laughs. “I’m not you. Though I’m starving all the time, sometimes I can’t eat much since this baby is growing like a weed.” She smiles as she puts both hands on her stomach. “I love that he’s growing like a weed. I can’t believe we’re already halfway through.”
“It feels short and long at the same time, doesn’t it?”
“It really does. I love it so much. Like I lay on the couch and just lightly poke my belly and talk to him. I can’t wait for Aaron to really get to feel him move. He’s felt a couple soft kicks, but that’s it.”
“If he’s anything like Emmie, he’ll be trying to kickbox his way out in no time.”
Her smile is effervescent. “I can’t wait. I’m lucky we got pregnant so quickly—that it was healthy this time. It feels strange to say I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for this, but I have. It’s the culmination of so many years of mine and Aaron’s love story.” She sighs softly, then looks up at me. “Speaking of love stories and things I can’t wait for.” She looks over at the back door, then lowers her voice and says, “Are you ready for next weekend?”
I swallow hard. “I think so. We’ve got everything ready. It’s just a matter of pulling off the final leg of the surprise.”
“I’ll have my acting skills locked down.”
“Thank you for sacrificing your birthday party for this.”
She laughs. “I’m going to be twenty-three. I really don’t think I need crazy birthday parties anymore. Besides, seeing you ask the woman you love to marry you is kind of the best birthday gift ever.” Her eyes fill with tears. “I’m really happy for you.”
“Thanks. I’m excited. Nervous. A little terrified, and it’ll probably get a lot worse by next weekend, but I can’t wait to put that ring on her finger.”
My cheeks heat and Rae elbows me. “Proud of you.”
I wrap my arm around her back. “I’m proud of you too. Of all of us.”
Chapter thirteen
My Future
Amelia
“God, that dress looks gorgeous on you,” Rae says, shimmying her shoulders, though it’s more of a full-body wiggle now that she’s pregnant.
Hyla holds up a hand. “Can I just say how stunning every single one of us looks tonight? Tight and shimmery dresses. All done up. We’re fucking gorgeous!”
We all laugh, and Chelsea says, “You have even managed to make me feel gorgeous, and I wasn’t sure that was possible. I’ve been in swamp witch mode for the last month.”
“Glad we dragged you out of the swamp,” Amanda says with a wink.
“Almost done,” Sarah says as she finishes curling my hair. Which sounds silly since I have curly hair, but she told me to come with wet hair so she could do it up fancy. She and Hyla have been our hairdressers for the evening, helping us all look fantastic. I’ve never experienced one of the friend group birthday parties before. Last year they didn’t really do one, but I’ve heard tales of past ones. Hopefully, it’ll be like that, but with less drama. I don’t need anyone getting punched.
I wasn’t expecting to be getting all dolled up, but Rae said she and Sarah decided—not Joel because he supposedly didn’t care—to do a fancy cocktail party theme. Rae said with everyone having babies and getting more settled, we might have fewer opportunities to do something like this in the future.
I get that big time. Mostly because I hate being away from Emmie, and the more I wear leggings, the more I hate uncomfy clothes, even though they make me feel sexy. Like this dress. It’s a silver-blue long-sleeve sequin dress that falls at my midthigh and has a cut-out back. It’s gorgeous, reasonably comfortable and hugs every curve of my body perfectly. And Rae freaking ordered it online. She took all of our measurements and we sat together and picked dresses online. They all fit. Crazy. But I love the idea of avoiding shopping. Not that I hate it, but it’s not my favorite activity. Unless it’s for pillows, blankets, or baby clothes, then you could lose me for a day.
Sarah blew out my hair, has used all kinds of hair products, and now I have big, perfectly styled curls that, combined with my dress, have me in awe. It makes me wish I had the energy to be this kind of person every day, but I one thousand percent don’t.
Looking around the room, I’m surrounded by a beautiful group of women in all shapes and sizes, celebrating each other and lifting each other up. My tribe. My girls.
The only one missing is Emmie, who Katie stole so Miles and I could have a relaxing time getting ready. Though getting ready for the guys probably means sitting around sipping bourbon and giving each other shit. That’s their love language, though.
“One last thing,” Sarah says, grabbing a sash off the bed and putting it over Rae. Birthday Girl is printed on it in pink letters.
Rae laughs. “Perfection.”
“Are we ready?” Hyla calls.
We all cheer in response, and I feel a little jealous I didn’t grow up with them. All the high school dances and parties they must’ve had a blast getting ready for. All the nights spent laughing together. I’m grateful to be one of them now, though.
