Chapter Twenty-Seven #2
Once I was dressed, we settled into the chairs across from Mel's desk. Carter took my hand again, intertwining our fingers. I focused on that point of contact, using it to center myself as Mel went over the details of the ultrasound.
“Olivia”—Mel's gentle, firm voice pulled me back to reality—“I know you're scared. After everything you've been through, it's natural to be anxious. But I need you to hear me when I say this: You're healthy, the baby is healthy, and we're monitoring you closely.”
“I know,” I whispered. “I wish I could stop these worries creeping in.”
“I want you to consider talking to someone about your anxiety. It's understandable given your history, but it's important to manage it, both for your sake and the baby's.”
“I... okay,” I conceded, my voice barely audible. “Maybe talking to someone would help.”
Carter gripped my hand tighter. “Whatever you need.”
I nodded, so grateful for his unwavering support. As we left Mel's office, a tiny flutter in my belly caught me off guard. It was too early for proper kicks, but I knew it was our son making his presence known.
Hope bloomed in my chest, pushing back the shadows of fear. I placed my hand over the spot, a small smile forming on my lips.
“What is it?” Carter asked.
“I think... I think he moved,” I whispered. “Our little boy.”
Carter grinned from ear to ear and his hand joined mine on my belly. We stood in the hallway, both waiting for another flutter. It didn't come, but it didn't matter. For the first time since we'd found out about the pregnancy, I let myself believe that just maybe, everything would be okay.
* * *
I stood in front of the full-length mirror, tugging at the fabric of my dress. My belly protruded prominently, stretching the material taut. No matter how I adjusted it, I felt like a beached whale.
“I don't know about this dress.” I sighed, turning to the side. “Maybe I should just wear sweatpants.”
Carter appeared behind me, resting his hands on my waist. “Are you kidding? You look incredible.”
I pouted. “You have to say that. You're the one who did this to me.”
“I mean it. You've never looked sexier.”
“Really?” I raised an eyebrow at his reflection.
“Really.” His hands slid down to caress my swollen belly. “In fact, if I had my way, I'd keep you pregnant for years.”
I laughed, slapping his hands away. “Oh no, mister. Gonna need you to keep it in your pants.”
“Aw, come on,” he teased. “Don't you want a whole brood of little Cassidys running around?”
I turned to face him, wrapping my arms around his neck. “How about we compromise? Two kids—one boy, one girl.”
He tapped his chin thoughtfully, pretending to consider. “I suppose I could live with that.”
“You'd better.” I grinned, pulling him down for a kiss.
As our lips met, I felt Pete's paws scratching at my legs. We broke apart, laughing as we watched our furry friend dance excitedly at our feet.
“See?” Carter bent down to fondle Pete's ears. “Even Pete thinks you look amazing.”
I smiled, basking in the love of my little family.
“Alright, we're going to be late if we don't leave”—he glanced at his watch— “five minutes ago.”
“Crap!” I scrambled to grab my purse, nearly tripping over Pete in my haste. Carter stood by the door, his eyebrows raised in amusement.
“It's fine. You're only the guest of honor.”
I shot him a glare, waddling as fast as my pregnant body would allow. “Shut it, Cassidy.”
His lips twitched. “Yes, ma'am.”
The drive to Callie and Emmett's house was short, but my nerves grew with each passing minute. As we pulled up, I gasped. The front yard was decorated with blue and white balloons, and a banner reading “Welcome, Baby Boy!” hung across the porch.
“Wow. They went all out.”
Carter gave me an arm to lean on as I heaved myself from the car. “Of course they did. They love you.”
We made our way inside, and I was nearly tackled by a hug from Meghan. “You're here!” she squealed.
“Hey, careful. Precious cargo.” Carter put his hands on my arms, steadying me. I rolled my eyes, feigning exasperation at his overprotectiveness.
“Sorry, sorry. Come on, everyone's waiting.”
Meghan led us into the backyard, which had been transformed into a magical oasis.
Twinkling lights hung overhead, and tables adorned with blue and white flowers dotted the lawn.
A group of familiar faces turned to greet us, and my eyes brimmed with tears at the sight of so many people gathered to celebrate our baby.
My mom rushed over, enveloping me in a tight embrace. “Oh, sweetheart. You’re glowing.”
I hugged her back, still gazing around, overcome with emotion.
The next hour was a non-stop merry-go-round of hugs, congratulations, and laughter. I was surrounded by love from every direction—my brother Wick and his partners, Meghan and Marco; Callie and Emmett; my neighbor Amelia; and even Carter's father, who had become a surprising source of support.
I sat in the middle of the yard, taking in the charming details that made Victorian Village homes so distinctive.
A wrought-iron fence encircled the space, its intricate scrollwork peeking out from behind lush greenery.
Climbing roses wound their way up trellises, their delicate blooms adding splashes of color against the weathered brick of the house.
In one corner, an ancient oak tree spread its branches wide, providing a natural canopy for a cozy seating area beneath.
A wooden swing hung from one of its sturdier limbs, gently swaying in the breeze, and a stone pathway meandered through the yard, leading to a small fountain that bubbled quietly.
The sound of trickling water mingled with the chirping of birds, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Despite its modest size, the yard felt like a secret oasis, tucked away from the bustle of the city beyond the fence. I was definitely in full nesting mode.
“Cal, it's so cute back here.”
Callie's lips curved into a proud smile. “Thank you. Emmett insisted we hire gardeners because I killed that bonsai tree he got me last year.”
I laughed. “Callie, bonsai trees aren't that hard to keep alive.”
She grimaced, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. “I know, okay? I don't know what happened. Hopefully it's just plants I'm horrible with.”
As she spoke, her hand hovered over her stomach in an unconscious gesture. I eyed her shrewdly. “Um, Mrs. Price, any news to share?”
“Shit.” Callie quickly moved her hands to the armrests of her chair, her eyes darting around nervously. The other guest continued laughing and chatting, oblivious.
I glanced at her drink. “That’s an awful lot of orange juice in your mimosa.” Without warning, I snatched her glass off the table and took a sip. “Mhm. Just as I suspected.”
Her voice dropped to a whisper. “We haven't told anyone yet.”
I set the glass down, fighting to contain my excitement. “Your secret's safe with me. I'm so happy for you. Our kids can be besties!”
Before Callie had time to do more than squeeze my hand, Carter, Emmet, Wick, and Marco approached.
“I'm telling you,” Emmett was saying, “sleep deprivation is no joke. You might want to consider hiring a night nurse.”
Carter scoffed. “Please. I think I can handle a few midnight feedings.”
Wick clapped him on the shoulder. “Oh, sweet summer child. You have no idea what you're in for.”
“I don't know,” Marco said, eyes sparkling with mischief. “It doesn’t take much to get Carter up in the night. Just ask Olivia.”
A flush scorched my cheeks as the men erupted in laughter—everyone except Carter, who still kept that same grumpy expression on his face, save for a wink in my direction.
Meghan clinked her glass, calling for attention. “Alright, everyone! It's time for gifts!”
I protested weakly but was overruled by the enthusiastic crowd. As I opened each present, I was overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness behind them. Soft onesies, tiny shoes, books to read to our son—each gift perfectly represented the village that would help raise him.
When Carter's father revealed his gift from behind a tarp—a handmade wooden rocking chair—I couldn't hold back my tears. “This is beautiful,” I said, running my hand over the smooth wood.
Bill cleared his throat, looking slightly uncomfortable with the attention. “I made it for Carter's mother when she was pregnant with him. I thought... well, I thought you should have it.”
I stood up, awkwardly maneuvering my pregnant belly to give him a hug. “Thank you,” I whispered. “It means so much.”
I turned to look at Carter as he scrubbed a hand across his mouth and forced back the unshed tears pooling in his eyes.
As I finished opening the last of the gifts, he crouched down beside my chair and rested his hand on my belly. “How are my two favorite people doing?”
I leaned in, kissing him softly. “We're perfect.”
As the sun began to set, I looked around at the faces of those who had gathered to celebrate us. My family—both blood and chosen—surrounding me with love and support. I’d never felt more at home.