Chapter 36 Harper
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
HARPER
The entire family has traveled to the Blackwood beach house for Ally and Dan’s wedding tomorrow. The gardens are set up for the ceremony and reception. The rehearsal dinner took place earlier tonight. Now, the men and women have separated.
Dan and his brothers are occupying the pool house, playing a game of poker. I’m with Ally and her bridesmaids in the main house, about to watch movies in bed while we paint each other’s nails.
Each day, I think it’s impossible to feel as happy as the last, but this incredible life keeps proving me wrong. Not only do I get to watch my best friend get married tomorrow, but I’ve just done the math and my period is one week late.
I’m never late. I’m pregnant. I know I am.
“Harper, there you are,” Amabella says as soon as I step out of a downstairs bathroom. “Oh, lovely, the pajamas fit you well.”
I just showered and changed into the pink nightgown Amabella bought for each member of the bridal party. It’s satin with a matching dressing gown that has a jeweled print of my name on the back and the word bridesmaid.
“Yes, the pajamas are perfect. Thank you.”
She smiles at me, though I can see the gesture is stiff.
There’s even an awkward silence between us, when usually she’s like a doting mother to me.
I know it’s because she feels strange about my relationship with Felix and Tyler.
Amabella and Josh haven’t offered their support of our relationship since we announced it two weeks ago.
They also haven’t rejected us, which I suppose is a good sign. But I’m not sure if their silence is because they’re trying to keep the peace for Ally and Dan’s wedding.
Whatever the reason, it doesn’t bother me. Though it would be nice to have their acceptance, I don’t need it. One thing is for sure—their behavior is far better than how my father reacted when learning that not only had Tyler gotten me pregnant but I was also involved with Felix.
“Where has everyone gone?” I ask, realizing we’re alone.
“Ally is upstairs in her bedroom with the bridesmaids. They’re waiting for you so they can start the manicures.”
“Oh, great. Can you tell her I’ll be right there? I need to speak with Tyler and Felix quickly.”
“Of course.”
I rush for the pool house, jittery with excitement over my late period and eager to share the news.
“Harper?” Amabella calls right before I’m out of sight.
I turn back to her, met with an awkward smile once more. Only this time, there’s a sincere look in her eyes.
“I made mistakes with Ally when I found out about her relationship with Dan. You’re family, like a daughter to me, and I like to think I learn from my mistakes.
I’m pleased for you and my boys. You look very happy.
The happiest I’ve ever seen you. I know you’ve had a difficult past with your parents.
Your father especially. I want you to know you’ll always be welcome in this family, no matter what. ”
I smile, my chest warming. “Amabella, that is so lovely. Hearing it means a lot. You’ve always been a motherly figure to me too. I hope my relationship with Felix and Tyler isn’t causing you too many issues.”
I’ve seen what the media says about us. On the one hand, there’s gossip articles praising my freedom of love.
Then there are reports about how sick the Blackwood family is and that we shouldn’t represent a charity for families.
That being said, all the Blackwood children have followed Tyler’s lead, stepping down from all association with Forever Families.
Amabella rubs my arm. “I don’t understand your dynamic with Felix and Tyler, but I’m trying to, darling.
What’s important is that you three are happy.
You’ve shared snippets of your past with me.
I hope you won’t hold it against Ally, but she’s helped me understand a little more about the heartache and loss you’ve experienced.
I’m sorry you’ve had to live through so much pain.
I’m sorry for any pain my husband may have caused you. ”
“I’m not mad with Ally one bit. As for Josh, I have mixed emotions. While he did a lot of terrible things, he also saved Felix. For that, I’ll forever be grateful. I just wish he’d gone about everything differently. I hope you and Josh are in an okay place.”
“It’s as you say—there are mixed emotions. But Josh and I will be okay.” Amabella exhales heavily and smiles, brushing out the fabric of her dress. “All right, off you go to Felix and Tyler. Then hurry back to Ally.”
She draws me into a hug, squeezing me tight. I welcome her embrace. A moment ago, the interaction between us was awkward. But as I sink into Amabella’s arms, not only do I feel at peace with her, but I feel closer to my mother.
Once we part ways, I’m racing out the back door, across the garden and into the pool house.
The lights are dim. The scent of cigars and liquor fills the air.
Felix is sitting at a round table with Dan and Killian, playing poker.
Wherever Tyler is, he can’t be far. There’s a fourth set of cards laid on the table, along with a lit cigar.
“Big day tomorrow, bro. How are you feeling?” Felix’s lips twitch when he catches sight of me in my pink nightwear. He crooks a finger, signaling for me to join him.
“Excited.” Dan counts his poker chips, laughing when noticing my arrival. “Hey, no ladies allowed.”
“I’ll be quick.” I sit on Felix’s lap.
Before I can get a word in, he pulls me close and whispers in my ear, “If you only came here to tease me with this outfit, you’re in trouble.”
I giggle and whisper back, “My period is late.”
Felix freezes, his eyes locking with mine. “How late?”
“A week.”
He groans against my ear, the deep sound sending tingles down my spine, all the way to my clit. “How am I supposed to spend tonight without you in my bed now that you’ve dropped this news on me?”
“I suppose you’ll enjoy me more the next time we’re together.”
“I’m buying you a test. I need answers.”
“Right now?”
His lips brush against mine. “Yes, right now.”
“No. You’re supposed to be here with Dan. We’ll wait till after the wedding.”
Killian clears his throat. “Can you two take the kissing elsewhere.”
“Get Violet in here if you feel left out,” Felix shoots back, earning himself a foul look from Killian.
Tyler steps into the room, carrying a new bottle of whiskey and smiling when seeing me. As soon as he takes the empty seat beside us, I slide onto his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck and whispering the news.
“I’m one week late.”
“You are?” He gasps, searching my eyes in disbelief. Then he’s smiling, laughing and pulling me into the next room with him. The moment we’re out of sight, he’s pressing me against the wall with kisses. He’s hard between my legs.
Killian calls out, giving us shit. “Seriously? Is this what it’s going to be like between the three of you from now on?”
We ignore him, lost within each other’s kisses. “Have you taken a test?” Tyler asks.
“No. But I’m pregnant. I know I am. My period is never late.”
For a moment, we just look at each other and smile. He brings each of my palms to his lips and kisses my fresh scars. “How the fuck did we get here, baby? I’m so happy.”
“So am I.”
While this moment is incredible to share with Felix, this happiness feels truly earned with Tyler. The two of us have been here before, except the first time it was filled with fear and shame. The pregnancy even felt tainted, being the reason I chose between Felix and Tyler.
This time, it’s different. There’s nothing but excitement and love.
“Felix, get in here,” Tyler shouts.
He’s with us in an instant, leaning against the door frame with a drink. His gaze rakes my body, enjoying what he sees, but his mouth presses into a concerned line. “I know you’re excited. I’m not trying to bring you down. But I want you to take a test before we get too swept away.”
“I will. I just know this time is different.”
Felix places a finger beneath my chin, tilting my lips up to meet his in a slow kiss that tastes of whiskey and makes my heart flutter. “You sure you have to run off to Ally?”
“Harper,” Violet calls. “I was sent to get you. No missing out on the girls’ night.”
I peer through the doorway, seeing her next to Dan and Killian at the poker table in her pink dressing gown. Her dark hair is tied in a knot on top of her head.
Killian looks her up and down, trying to smother a laugh. “Look at you, Vi, all pretty in pink.”
She laughs with him, blushing and definitely flirting. “Don’t tease me.”
“I’m too scared to tease you.”
I press up on my toes, kissing my husbands. “See you both in the morning.”
“I still can’t believe you’re getting married tomorrow,” I say, painting Ally’s nails a soft pink.
We’re upstairs in her room, along with Violet and her little sister, Zara, all painting each other’s nails on the bed as the night grows close to ten p.m.
Dainty boxes of macarons are scattered across the floral sheets. We’re eating strawberries dipped in chocolate. Champagne is flowing—though I’m not touching any, given my condition.
Perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself, believing I’m pregnant, but I feel the truth within me and I’ve never been happier. I’m smiling non-stop, envisioning my life with Felix, Tyler, and this baby.
“Tomorrow you’ll be Mrs. Daniel Blackwood,” Violet says, drawing my thoughts back to the present.
I won’t mention anything about my late period. Though Ally would be excited, I want this weekend to be all about her and Dan.
Ally smiles, glowing with pre-wedding happiness. “I keep having to pinch myself that this is all real.”
I finish up with her nails, unimpressed with the job. It’s not that they look bad, they’re just not wedding nails, clipped down to the skin. “Babe, I think I should call a nail technician in the morning to give your nails some length.”
“Absolutely not. I can’t play the piano with long nails. Besides, no one will be paying attention to my hands.”