Chapter 34
CHAPTER 34
Roman
“Hi, Mom.” Morgan and I took turns hugging the three of them.
“You got here just in time. Dinner is ready,” Pippa said.
“Sorry, we’re late. There was an accident on the freeway, and we were stuck in it,” Morgan told them.
“And why the hell were you on the freeway?” Julian walked over and hooked his arm around me. “We don’t need to get on the freeway to come here.”
“We were doing some shopping,” I said.
“Oh, for the?—”
“Yes, for Morgan’s office,” I said, shooting him the ‘shut the fuck up’ look.
“Everyone sit down and eat while it’s still hot,” Katherine said.
“Can I pour you a glass of wine, Morgan?” Calista asked her.
“Um, no, thank you. I’m good.”
We walked into the living room, and Parker already started eating .
“Wow. You couldn’t wait for us?” I asked.
“Nope. Not my problem if you can’t get here on time.” He grinned.
Katherine walked into the room, holding a bottle of wine and pouring some into our glasses.
“You have to try this wine. I met this man a few weeks ago, and he owns a winery.”
“No, thank you, Katherine. I’m good.”
“Oh, come on, Morgan. I know you like stronger drinks, but this wine is so good. You have to taste it at least. Just a sip.”
“I’m sure it’s great, but no thanks.”
“Well, I don’t take no for an answer.” She poured some into Morgan’s glass.
“Mom, Morgan’s pregnant,” I blurted out.
“You’re pregnant?” She looked at Morgan.
“Surprise.” She grinned.
Our mothers screamed with excitement, just like I knew they would.
“Oh my God. We are going to give you the best baby shower!” Calista said.
“Ah, I can’t believe we’re going to be grandmas!” Katherine exclaimed.
“You three will be the prettiest grandmas ever,” Julian said.
“Thank you, my sweet boy.” Calista smiled.
After dinner, my brothers and I went into the living room.
“Did you see how excited they were about the baby?” Parker asked.
“I still can’t believe you’re going to be a father,” Julian said, pouring himself a scotch. “I really hope Morgan doesn’t hurt you, bro. ”
I stared at my brother, noting the hurt he still felt from Danielle.
“She won’t. She’s not Danielle, Julian.”
“You don’t know that. Nobody ever really knows anyone.” He threw back his drink.
“You’ll meet someone one day who will steal your heart and never give it back,” Parker said.
“Not interested. Don’t think I’m not happy for you and Morgan, Roman. If you’re happy, then I’m happy.”
“Thanks, bro. I appreciate it.”
“I still can’t believe Dad is getting married,” Parker said.
“What did you just say?” Katherine asked as she and the women walked into the room.
“Did you say your father is getting married?” Pippa asked.
“To that child he has living with him?” Calista asked.
“Yeah, Mom. Dad is going to ask Love to marry him,” Julian said. “Oh my God, our stepmother is only a few years older than us.”
“That is not right.” Parker shook his head.
“Clearly, the child was deprived of oxygen when she was born,” Katherine spoke.
“I hope to God she has enough sense not to sign a prenup. I would love for Harrison to screw up and lose half of everything.” Calista smiled.
“Wouldn’t that be grand?” Katherine grinned.
“It sure would be. Boys, tell your father he’d be making a grave mistake if he tries to get her to sign one,” Pippa said.
“We’re not telling him anything, Mom.” I sighed. “I love you, but we have to head home now.”
“Maybe the three of us could have a little chat with the child,” Calista said .
“Maybe the three of you need to stay out of it.” Parker pointed at them.
I hugged and kissed them goodbye before Morgan and I left.
While she went to take a bath, I went into my office to do some work. It seemed like she was in the tub for a long time, so I went upstairs to check on her and found her standing in one of the guestrooms.
“What are you doing in here?” I wrapped my arms around her from behind.
“I think this room is perfect for the nursery,” she said.
“What makes this room more special than the other two?”
“It’s a little bigger than the others and more natural light. What do you think?”
“I think it’s perfect.” I kissed her cheek.
“We’ll have to move all this furniture out. Do you know anyone who would want it?” she asked.
“Julian will take it. One of his guestrooms is empty. I’ll get a moving company to come by and get it out of here and over to him. What colors are you thinking about?”
“It depends if it’s a boy or girl.” She smiled, turning her head and looking at me.
“Are we going to find out the sex?” I asked.
“Do you want to?”
“I think it would be easier if we knew ahead of time,” I said.
“Okay. We’ll find out.” She turned around and wrapped her arms around my neck. “I love you, Roman Hamilton.”
“I love you too, Morgan Ashley.” My lips softly brushed against hers.
Two Months Later
I went upstairs to see if Morgan was ready to leave. I smiled when I saw her standing in her dress, which showed her baby bump.
“You look beautiful. Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah. I’m ready. This is my first family function with your moms and dad in the same space.”
“I won’t lie. It will be eventful.” I sighed. “Remember, this gender reveal party is about us, not them. So, just ignore whatever is going to happen.”
My father insisted that the gender reveal party be held at his bar. I had a surprise for Morgan, and I couldn’t wait for her to see it.
We stepped inside Harrison’s, which was overly decorated with pink and blue balloons, giant banners, and a floral archway of pink and blue carnations.
“If this is how they go all out for a gender reveal, I can’t wait to see what they do for the shower.” Morgan smiled.
“The one thing you’ll learn about the moms is that they always go all out.” I winked.
“Are the moms and Dad behaving so far?” I asked my brothers as I walked up to the bar.
“You tell us.” Parker turned his head and stared at our moms, who stood there staring Love up and down, whispering.
“I will not let them ruin this for Morgan.” I left my brothers and walked over to where they stood.
“What’s going on over here? You three look like your claws are out and ready to pounce on Love.”
“Don’t be silly, darling.” Katherine smiled. “We’re just commenting on her choice of clothing. She looks like a hooker. ”
“Hello, Katherine, Calista, Pippa.” My father walked over with a drink in his hand. “You three are looking as lovely as ever.”
“Where did your child bride go?” Calista asked.
“Oh, come on, ladies. Jealousy does not look good on you.”
“Ha!” Pippa laughed. “Does your little pea-sized brain really think we’re jealous, Harrison?”
“Cute, Pippa.” He rolled his eyes.
“I’m warning all four of you. This is a special day for Morgan and me. If you can’t get along, leave. I will not have you ruin this for us. Do you understand me?” I spoke through gritted teeth.
“Calm down, son. We understand. Right, ladies?”
“We would never do anything to ruin this day for you.” Katherine placed her hands on each side of my face.
Morgan walked up and hooked her arm around me. “What’s going on?” She smiled.
“I was just telling Roman that it’s time to find out what the baby's gender is,” Katherine said. “You two go take your places behind the table over there.”
“Not yet, Mom,” I said. “We have to wait.”
“Why do we have to wait?” Morgan glanced at me.
I turned and stared at the bar door. It opened, and Uncle Louie walked in.
“We had to wait for him.” I pointed.
“OH MY GOD!” She ran over and hugged him. I followed.
“Hello, sweetheart.” Uncle Louie smiled. “Roman, I’m sorry I’m late. My flight was delayed.” He shook my hand.
“No worries, Louie.” I smiled.
“You didn’t find out the gender yet, did you?” he asked .
“Not yet. We were waiting for you. Now, it is time. Come on, babe.” I grabbed Morgan’s hand and led her over to the large table.
“Why are there three boxes?” Morgan leaned in and whispered.
“I have no idea.”
“Okay, everyone. Listen up. It’s time to find out the baby’s gender. Roman and Morgan are standing behind three boxes,” Katherine spoke.
“But only one box contains the baby’s gender.” Calista smiled.
“Will they choose the correct box first? Let’s find out!” Pippa shouted.
“It has to be the middle box,” I whispered to Morgan.
We placed our hands on each top end and slowly lifted it as several yellow balloons flew out.
“You picked the wrong box!” Julian shouted.
“Come on, you two. You got this.” Parker clapped.
“I think it’s this one.” Morgan pointed to the box on the right.
We gripped the top and slowly lifted it, and several green balloons flew out.
“Ma, why must you three make things so difficult?” I heard Julian ask.
“Shush up, Julian,” Calista said.
“Okay. Here we go.” I smiled at Morgan. “Are you ready?”
“I’m ready.” She grinned.
We slowly removed the top of the box, and several pink balloons flew out. We smiled as I grabbed Morgan and hugged her tightly, and everyone shouted and clapped.
“We’re having a girl,” I whispered in her ear .
“I’m going to be a girl mom. Thank you for giving me a daughter. I love you.”
“I love you more, babe.” I kissed her lips. “And you’re welcome.” I winked.