Chapter 29
Hannah
Brooks wasn’t kidding when he said it was just the beginning with the sordid details of my mother and stepfather’s private life. It’s been three weeks since the first story broke, and each day brings a new announcement. The church was quick to put distance between them and Pastor Sullivan. Now there’s talk of legal action, because of the amount of money that was taken from the church. I hope my mom likes orange because it looks like she’s going to be wearing it pretty dang soon.
Brooks rubs his hand over my stomach absentmindedly. We still haven’t taken a pregnancy test, and I haven’t told him I’m late. My hand goes over his. I’m pretty sure I’m pregnant, but there’s a part of me that’s terrified that once I know for sure that something bad is going to happen.
“What time do we need to be at the airport?” Brooks asks.
“In an hour.”
He groans. “Guess I better pack. What does one even wear to a baby shower?”
I snort. “I’m sure slacks and a nice shirt will be fine. I’m wearing a sundress.”
He gives me a wicked grin. “A dress, eh? Does that mean we can sneak off for a quickie?”
“Only if you’re a good boy.”
“Oh, Angel, I’m the very best.”
He pads to the closet. I’m already packed, so I can relax and try not to freak myself out about if I’m pregnant.
I reach for my phone and send Isa a text.
Isa
I can’t wait to see you! How’s everything going?
Is there a male equivalent of a Bridezilla for a baby shower? A Dadzilla?
Sure, LOL. What’s he doing?
He made the event planner cry because there weren’t enough balloons.
Were there?
YES!
Does he know you’re going to reveal the gender at the shower?
No, and I can’t wait!
It’s going to be epic.
Is Greer there yet?
Not yet. Her meeting in New York ran late. She’s getting in at the same time as Grant Carter.
Grant Carter is coming to the shower?
Believe me, I was just a shocked, but Alessandro said it’s because it looks good for him to be seen at events like that.
Well, I won’t hold you up. Let me know if you need me to bring anything!
Just your smiling face.
And maybe a tranquilizer for my husband.
I bark out a laugh as Brook walks out of the closet.
He looks down. “What? Is there a sock stuck to my shirt or something?”
“I was laughing at Isa. She said Alessandro is being a handful right now.”
“Can’t blame the man. I’d be the same way.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him I’ve missed my period, but his phone rings. He scowls as he sits next to me on the bed.
“This is Henderson.”
So, it must be Brotherhood related. That’s the only time I hear him refer to himself by his last name.
“Yes, I’m aware OWF wants me to appear at their pay-per-view event. As I told them, we’ll talk if the money is right.” He pauses. “I don’t give a shit if the Pope is going to be there. I don’t get in that ring for less than a million.”
He ends the call, dropping his phone between us.
“Who was that?”
“Jones. He has stock in OWF and is worried that I’m not going to be at the event. He’s bringing in a guest that he wants to impress.”
“Are you going to wrestle?”
He makes a face. “They want me to.”
“But?”
“You know me so well, Angel.” He sighs. “My knee is finally getting to a point where it doesn’t kill me every day. I love wrestling, but there’s a part of me that’s worried that I’ll get in that ring and fuck up my knee.”
“What does your physician say?”
“He said I should be fine, but I don’t know.”
“I can’t tell you what to do, Brooks. You’re the only one who knows your body. Listen to your gut.”
He smiles. “Damn, angel. How’d I get so lucky?”
“I ask myself the same thing every day. Now we need to get to the airstrip. We have a baby shower to get to.”
Two hours later, we’re at Isa and Alessandro’s penthouse near the Vegas strip. I’m sure the space is beautiful on a normal occasion, but today it’s breathtaking. White balloons with blue and pink ribbons float high above, touching the ceiling. A perk of having such high ceilings. There are floral arrangements everywhere, which is almost overwhelming, but somehow still very elegant. There’s a champagne fountain in the center of the room with rose petals floating in the lower pool.
Brooks leans down. “Damn. Think there’s going to be storks walking around?”
I snort because he’s not wrong.
Isa is sitting on an actual throne with the view of the Vegas strip behind her. The throne is an iridescent white that glimmers in the sunlight. She’s looking up at Alessandro, a serene smile on her face. The way he’s looking at her melts my heart. Brooks grabs my hand, bringing it to his lips.
“That’s going to be us soon,” he says in a low tone. “Maybe less in your face, but still us.”
I say, “I love you, Brooks Henderson.”
“I love you, too, wife.”
We make our way to Isa and Alessandro.
Leaning, I hug Isa and say, “You look beautiful.”
She fans her face. “I’m burning up. Is it hot in here or just me?”
“I think maybe just you.”
Alessandro says, “Let me get you some punch, Dolcezza.”
He leaves, and Brooks follows.
When he’s gone, she says in a hushed tone, “Oh my god, whose idea was it to have a gender reveal that my husband doesn’t know about? Wait. It was my dumb idea.” She fans at her face faster. “I’m sitting here, literally melting because of guilt just because I want to make this perfect for him.”
I take the empty seat next to her throne and reach for her hand. “Isa, breathe.”
Her frantic gaze meets mine, and we both inhale together.
“Thanks. That actually helps.”
“I thought it might. Now, is the party planner here?”
“She’s by the elevator.”
“Does she know about the gender reveal?”
“Yes.”
“Would you feel better if I spoke to her?”
Isa’s eyes fill with tears. “You are a lifesaver, Hannah.”
“I’m going to check in with her while our guys are detained at the punch bowl. I can’t imagine what’s taking them so long.” I squint across the room, searching out Brooks. My eyes widen when I spot him. “Is that…”
“A man dressed like a baby? Yes. Alessandro saw it online and thought it would be a unique element to have at the baby shower.” A laugh bubbles out of her lips. “Unique is definitely the right word.”
Brooks and Alessandro are speaking to the man, who is, indeed, dressed like a baby. He’s wearing a big white bonnet and a white cloth diaper.
“Do they know him?”
“He’s being inducted into the Brotherhood. There are a few more of them roaming about. I think it’s part of their hazing.”
I snort before I can stop myself. “My god.”
“My thoughts exactly. Don’t worry. They’re leaving as soon as everyone arrives.”
“Okay, sit tight. I’m going to speak to the planner. What’s her name?”
“Jessabell Redford.”
“How very Vegas of her.”
Isa snorts and I give her hand one last squeeze before crossing the room to the woman next to the elevator, holding a clipboard like a lifeline. The poor woman looks stressed out, and I can relate so hard.
“Hi,” I greet with a smile. “I’m Hannah?—”
“Lee,” Jessabell finishes. “Oh my gosh! I’m such a huge fan!” Her eyes widen. “Wait. Am I getting fired?”
“Nothing like that. I’m a guest of Isa’s. We must have slipped past you when we entered.”
Her eyes water. “I was probably in the kitchen. The doves arrived late.”
Doves? Nope. Not even going to go there, because I have a feeling it’s a long story.
“Well, our mommy-to-be is stressing that the gender reveal won’t go off without a hitch, and I told her I’d check in and make sure that everything was on schedule.”
“Oh, it is.” Her brow creases. “I think.”
Oh boy.
“I’d love to hear what the plan is.”
Her eyes are bright as she says, “Since Mrs. and Mr. Moretti were married here in Vegas by an Elvis impersonator, I thought it would be fun to hire another impersonator to sing them a song, revealing the gender.”
“I like it. Very original and will speak to their personal experiences with each other.”
“But…” her voice waivers. “The impersonator hasn’t returned my calls today and, when I looked at his social media, well, it looks like maybe he was out partying last night. I’m not sure he’s going to show, and it’s too late to change the plan.”
“Was the impersonator supposed to make his own song, or were you providing it?”
She taps her clipboard. “I have it, thankfully.”
“May I see it?”
She hands me the sheet music and I smile. “I think I may have a solution for you.”
“You want me to what?”
“Sing this song for the gender reveal.” I give Brooks my best puppy eyes. “Please. Jessabell, the event planner, is about to freak out because Elvis hasn’t returned her calls.”
“Only in Vegas,” he mutters.
“So…is that a yes?”
“Yes,” he grumbles.
I hand him the sheet music and kiss his cheek. “I knew you would save the day. I’ll let the planner know.”
“But I’m not wearing a costume.”
I spin to face him, my expression serious. “But I think you’d make a lovely man-baby.”
“Angel…”
“I’m kidding. What you have on is fine. Just don’t let Alessandro see the lyrics. This reveal is mostly for him.”
“So I know something before Ace?” He gives me a cheeky smile. “Excellent.”
“I’m sure he’ll be happy to return the favor one day.”
I spot Jessabell and call out her name as I hurry from Brooks. I know my man—he’s going to have a follow-up question about my remark, and I’m afraid my face might give something away.
Jessabell is more than relieved when I give her the news.
“Oh my gosh, you’re a lifesaver! Thank you so much.”
“Girl, no need to thank me. I’ve been in your shoes before! Now, I’m going to let Isa know, so she can relax.”
I find Isa at the buffet table, loading a plate with mini sandwiches and fruit cut in the shape of small hearts.
“Everything is under control. Brooks is going to do the reveal since Elvis is nowhere to be found.”
“Thank god.” She pops a kiwi into her mouth, moaning. “Oh, that really hits the spot.”
“Been craving a lot of fruit?”
She nods. “Fruit and gelato.”
Which explains the gelato station near the balcony. It seems Alessandro took care of every last detail.
“Are you going to eat anything?”
I shake my head. “I’m kind of nauseous today.”
Her eyebrows lift. “Nauseous from excitement, or because you might be pregnant?”
“Both.” I glance around, making sure we’re alone. “I’m late.”
“I have a test. We can sneak away and take it. It’ll give me something to do until the gender reveal.”
I nod because it’s going to drive me crazy not knowing. And it’ll be nice to have a friend with me while I wait. Of course, I want Brooks there, but I’m worried that if it’s negative, it will ruin our good day. No, I’d much rather know one way or another and then tell him afterward.
“Let’s go,” Isa says, putting her plate to the side.
I follow her away from the party, up a flight of stairs, to her room. In the bathroom, she explains how to take the test and then leaves, giving me a moment of privacy. After taking it, I leave it on the counter, wash my hands, and then join Isa in the bedroom.
“Sorry for crashing your big day.”
She waves her hand. “You’re not. In fact, I’m glad I get to be here for you. I know how hard it is to do this alone.”
“I want to tell Brooks, but I also don’t want him to be disappointed if I’m not, you know?”
“I get it.” She smiles. “We’ll know in three to five minutes.”
Five minutes later, we look at the test together.
“Oh, Hannah,” Isa breathes out. “Congratulations.”
My eyes water. I’m pregnant. Brooks and I are going to have a baby.
“This is…wow.” I wipe at the tears on my cheeks. “I’m going to be a mom.”
Isa hugs me. “Want me to get Brooks?”
I nod because there’s no way I can go out there right now. Isa leaves and a few moments later, Brooks is at my side.
“Angel? What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”
I shake my head. “They’re good tears, I promise.” I meet his gaze. “I was late, and my period is never late. Isa had a test, so I took it. Brooks, it was positive. We’re going to have a baby.”
Joy, unlike anything I’ve seen before, fills his face. “We’re having a baby?”
I nod.
“You’re sure?”
“Well, as sure as I can be with a home test.”
He runs his fingers through his hair. “Shit. We need to get you to a doctor.”
I laugh. “Hold up there, big guy. We don’t have to go right now.”
“But is it safe to fly?” His eyes widen. “Oh, no. I was too rough earlier. What if I hurt the baby?”
His gaze goes to my stomach, making my damn heart flutter.
“Brooks, look at me.” He does, so I say, “You weren’t too rough and I’m sure the baby is fine.”
He exhales shakily. “Fuck. Now I get why Ace wants to wrap Isa in bubble wrap.”
I’d like to think he’s joking, but I’ve seen how protective Alessandro is of Isa.
He asks, “Can I tell Ace?”
“Sure can. After you do their gender reveal.”
He pulls me into his arms, kissing me. “How are you feeling about the baby?”
“I’m happy.” I bite my bottom lip. “A bit nervous, if I’m being honest.”
“Me, too, but we’ve got this. And no matter what happens, we have each other.”
My eyes water. “I love you, Brooks Henderson.”
“Not as much as I love you, Hannah Henderson.”
After touching up my make-up, Brooks and I make our way back to the party. Greer is at Isa’s side, and she’s scowling across the room at Grant Carter, who is surrounded by a group of people.
“Did Greer and Grant ever date?”
Brooks’ eyebrows lift. “Not that I know of. Why?”
“I just get some weird energy off them, like maybe they have a past.”
He looks at Grant and then Greer.
“Grant’s a dick. Many people look at him like that.”
I laugh. “Maybe so.”
“I’m going to grab the mic. Be prepared to be wowed, Angel.”
“I’ve heard you sing before.”
“True, but you’ve never heard me freestyle.”
“I can’t wait. Just keep it classy.”
He puts his hand over his heart. “You wound me.”
But the devilish smile on his face lets me know I’m right to be worried.
As I approach Isa and Greer, I hear Greer say, “That man is vile! How anyone is fooled by his ‘nice guy’ act is beyond me.”
“Hi,” I greet the two. “What did I miss?”
“Nothing much.” Greer turns to me. “But I get the feeling I missed something.”
I say, “I might be pregnant.”
“Congratulations! But what do you mean by might?”
“I took a test, but I don’t want to get my hopes up until I see a doctor.”
“That makes sense. Does Brooks know?”
We all look at my husband, who blows a kiss at me.
“He knows.”
Greer lets out a dreamy sigh. “I’m jealous. First Isa snags up Alessandro and then you get Brooks. Sometimes I feel like there aren’t any good guys left.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, little fae,” a deep voice says from behind us. “There’s always me.”
Greer spins slowly, planting her hands on her hips. “I wouldn’t marry you, Grant Carter, if you were the last man alive.”
“Ah, see, I said nothing about marriage, but I like the way you think.” His gaze moves slowly down her body, taking in her appearance. “I like it a lot.”
“Pig.”
He smiles. “Brat.”
Heat floods Greer’s cheeks. “Get away from me. Now.”
His smile widens. “As you wish.”
When he’s gone, she exhales. “I hate that man.”
Each word is full of heat.
“Greer, I have to ask. Is Grant an ex?”
“God, no! He’s just a pest that I have to deal with because of my cousin.”
Again, I’m not sure I believe her, but I don’t have time to question her any further because there’s static and then a soft tapping on a microphone that carries over the speaker throughout the room.
“Good afternoon, everyone. I’m Brooks, but many of you know me as Ace’s best friend.”
There are chuckles throughout the room.
Brooks turns to face Alessandro. “Now, Ace, I know you didn’t know there was going to be a performance today, but your sweet wife has a little surprise for you. So, sit back and enjoy.”
Alessandro crosses the room, coming to Isa’s side. She looks up at him, smiling, as music comes over the speakers. The music is a piano version of an old Elvis song. Of course, the lyrics have been changed to fit this gender reveal.
Brooks’ smooth voice croons over the speakers, serenading everyone in the room. He sings a tale of love and sweet moments between Alessandro and Isa. But the shining moment of the song is when he announces that Alessandro and Isa are expecting a boy.
“A son?” Alessandro pulls Isa close. “Dolcezza.”
“Did I surprise you?”
“Surprise? Yes.” He shakes his head. “I love you so much.”
Brooks’ voice interrupts the moment as he says, “And now a song for my wife, who told me earlier that we, too, are expecting a bundle of joy.”
My eyes fill with tears as he sings to me. By the time he’s finished, there are several people wiping at their eyes.
Greer lets out a dreamy sigh. “Again, I’m so jealous.”
But I don’t reply because I’m crossing the room, going to Brooks’ side.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too, Hannah.”