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Chapter thirty
Sickness
Em
“I’m so excited you’re here, I’ve missed getting ready with the girls,” I say, hugging Millie as soon as she walks through the door. Not giving her a chance to even breathe a word.
“I’m in need of some serious girl time, not being able to talk about the baby is killing me. I’m not sure I can hold off telling everyone much longer. Plus I’m starting to feel sick, morning sickness is kicking in, but luckily it’s not that bad, yet.” I know Dan knows something’s up, I think to myself but he has no idea, it’s funny really. I see him watching me, trying to figure out what’s wrong. Jack knows, I know he does, he’s not said anything to me yet, but the way he has been on my side about not drinking is a definite giveaway. Plus he’s been winding Dan up and it’s hilarious to watch them banter the way they do. They are going to be the best Dad and Uncle this kid could possibly ever wish for. I’m so lucky to have them in my life.
“I’ve got a bottle of Prosecco ready upstairs for you, and some Nosecco for me, nibbles and snacks too, I may have gone overboard just a little,” I say, pulling her behind me up the stairs. She laughs at me. I’m like an excited kid at Christmas. I’ve notreally been out much since the hen do, or the dress fitting. Only to the pub, but after the whole Jane situation, I’ve not wanted to. It’s put me off going out, I mean, if she can do something like that to Millie, then what is she capable of doing to me? If it wasn’t for Millie, then she would have hit me when we were having drinks after the dress fitting. Why Millie stepped in, I have no idea, I’m grateful she did, but I could have handled it. Janes tried to get in touch a few times since then, but I’ve not answered. I don’t want or need someone like that in my life. Or making trouble for Jack and Millie. They both deserve to be happy.
“Wow, really? That’s awesome, let’s start shall we? I need a drink after the week I’ve had. Can I take a shower before we pop the Prosecco?”
“Sure, the last door on the right, towels are in there,” I say, pointing to the door and heading to mine and Dan’s room. I’ve set up my room so we can both use the mirror and hair stuff, nibbles and prosecco chilled on the bedside table. I’m just finishing my makeup when she walks in, wearing joggers and a vest top, her hair wrapped in a towel at the top of her head.
“Perfect outfit for the ball.” I laugh, handing her a glass of prosecco.
“That’s what I thought, I might add some fluffy socks, maybe some slippers. At least I know no one will be wearing the same as me.” She giggles, twirling around like she’s showing her outfit off. I love the lightness she has; she makes everyone around her feel welcome. It’s slightly unreal how close we have become since she moved down here. It’s like she has always been part of our lives.
“Hit me with all the baby talk!” she says after taking a long sip of her Prosecco. “I know it’s been killing you not being able to.” She says, and that’s all it takes, it flows out while we get ready, everything I’ve been secretly reading, cute outfits I’ve beenbuying and hiding. I know it’s only been a few weeks but I never realised how much I wanted to be a mum. A mini-Dan would be amazing.
“I’ve even started sorting out the smaller spare room, it’s almost empty. And Dan’s not even questioning it,” I complain, shaking my head, like he should figure it out.
“He must think you want to decorate it,” she states, taking the towel off her hair.
“Yeah, but this time it will be cute stuffed toys, cots and rocking chairs.” I laugh, knowing Dan will be just as excited as I am about the baby’s room.
“Men! Sometimes I wonder what goes on in their heads,” Millie says and we laugh together.
“I need more snacks,” I say as I stand up and reach over for the crisps.
“You do realise we are having a massive three-course meal in less than two hours, right?” I should be offended really but I’m not. I’m hungry and it keeps the sickness at bay.
“Oh my god, I know, but the hunger never stops, it’s like they say, I’m eating for two now.” She smiles at me, shaking her head and sets about doing her hair. Catching a glimpse of the dress bag she brought in; I wonder what it’s like.
“Can I see your dress? And then can I do your hair? Is that weird?” I feel like she’s my younger sister! I’ve always wanted one. I tried to dress Jack up when we were younger but he was having none of it.
“No, it’s not weird, and yes you can do both.” Standing up, she walks to the wardrobe where she hung the dress bag and unzips it. The most beautiful emerald green silk dress hangs there. It is stunning, vibrant and so soft. The perfect colour to set off of her hair.
“Wow, it’s stunning Millie. So soft. I bet you look a million dollars in it, and that slit up the side, well we all know whatJack’s going to think. Oh shit, I shouldn’t have gone there. That makes me feel a little sick. I forgot he’s my brother for a moment.” She laughs and blushes next to me. I take it down from the wardrobe and hold it in front of her.
“Can I see yours? Would that be okay?” she says, nodding at the other garment bag on the back of the door.
“Sure, go ahead, it’s nothing like yours, in fact I think I’m a little jealous.” I shrug.
“Don’t be ridiculous, you would look amazing in a bin bag, I’m sure it’s spectacular.” When she opens the bag, I remember just how much I love that dress. It’s not the first time I’ve worn it, but it’s been a long time. It’s pale yellow, and very fitted, it has a bodice in a sweetheart neckline, with diamonds running down from the top left to the bottom right of the dress.
“Em, it’s magnificent! I’m lost for words at how beautiful this is!” And she really is; her face is taking it all in, tracing the diamonds with her fingers.
“I thought I would get it out for one last wear, I do love it,” I say, running my fingers over the satin material.
“Anyway, enough chit-chat, we need to get ready…Shall we put your hair up?” Waving her towards the chair by the mirror. “I may even have some bling we can put in for you.”
Just over an hour later, we are all set and ready to go, looking like we have stepped out of a movie set. There is a beep outside, just as we take the last sips from our glasses and apply a little more lipstick, letting us know the car Jack ordered for us is here. I can’t believe how quickly that went.
Stepping out of the car, we walk up the few steps that lead to the main door, our arms linked. It’s such a beautiful night, warm and still bright outside. When the light dims later on, Millie tells me they have set the terrace up to have fairy lights and lanterns. I can’t wait to see it; it’s going to look magical and so romantic.
As we walk into the reception area, some of the staff nod in our direction, as Mary comes over looking amazing in a floor-length deep red gown.
