Chapter 33
DANIELLE
Kayla James is stunning.
She meets us at the door with a broad smile, her hair shimmering in the afternoon sunlight. Blake can’t stop grinning and waves towards me when his mom holds her arms out for a hug.
“Danielle, you look radiant!” Kayla holds me at arm’s length, examining me. “Truly beautiful.”
I chuckle nervously, wondering if she will spot my bump or not. I’m six months now, and it’s pretty huge. As predicted, she pulls me in for a hug, gasping when my stomach presses into her.
“Wait!” Kayla gasps, stepping back with a frown. “Are you…” Her words die on her lips as she crouches down, her hands covering her mouth. “Blake!”
Blake joins us, sliding his arm around my shoulders. I wait for Kayla’s reaction, praying it’s better than my mother’s was.
“You’re having a baby?”
Blake glances at me, throwing me a wink when I stare up at him with adoration.
“We are,” Blake says proudly, pulling me close to him as Kayla lets out a little squeak.
“But...how far are you?” Kayla reaches for my hands, her eyes filling with tears.
I’d already had this conversation with Blake, panicking that his mother was going to feel left out. But Blake had insisted we wait until we knew the DNA results, and then the time had slipped by as we cocooned ourselves in our little world.
“Six months,” I respond, glancing at Blake once more.
Kayla pales, sending an accusatory glare in Blake’s direction. “Six months?”
I panic, the truth ready to spill from my tongue. “We had to wait for—” I begin as Blake squeezes my shoulders, cutting me off.
“The all-clear from the doctors. It’s hopefully going to be smooth sailing from here on out.”
Kayla beams at us, pulling us both into a hug. “I can’t tell you how happy I am! Me, a grandma!”
My body eases with her words, and I release a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding.
“Well, you’re old enough now,” Blake teases as his mom swats him on the arm.
“And you’re also not too old for a slap, Blake James.” She turns to me with a sparkle in her eyes. “Let’s get you inside, and you can tell me everything!”
I let her pull me into the house, the relief sweeping through me.
Kayla is happy.
Beyond happy.
“I don’t care what time it is; I’m opening a bottle of champagne!” Kayla declares, striding into the kitchen.
I try not to gawp at the mammoth size of the house we’re standing in, but it’s hard not to with the high ceilings and sprawling staircase that curves out of sight, while every direction I look leads to a different room.
“Your house is amazing,” I compliment, trying to take it all in.
Paintings that must be worth more than a year’s salary for most people hang on the walls, but Kayla laughs lightly, uncorking the champagne with a loud pop.
“It’s too big,” Kayla remarks with a wink. “I want to fill it with the pitter-patter of tiny feet!”
A warmth spreads through my heart when she takes my hand, guiding me to what must be a lounge, though not one in the way I’ve ever seen.
“And I thought your house was big,” I whisper to Blake as he shrugs.
“It’s hard being the only one in it.”
I follow his gaze to his mom, who pats the white leather sofa beside her.
“So, how long have you known?”
Blake answers the questions with ease while I sit back and relax.
“I wish your dad could be here,” Kayla chokes out, sipping her champagne as she pours a glass for Blake. “Sorry, lovely, I’m assuming you don’t want one? Would you like anything else?”
“I’m great, thank you. Blake made me pancakes this morning; I’m still stuffed.” I rub my stomach as her eyes soften.
“How have you been feeling? I was terribly sick with Blake.”
I smile, nodding with empathy. “I wasn’t well at the beginning, but it’s subsided now, thankfully.”
Kayla beams at me with delight. “What about cravings?”
Blake laughs, muttering something under his breath as I roll my eyes at him.
Chicken with onion has become a firm favorite, but the onion has to be raw and cold. So, each time I eat it, my nose and eyes stream, and Blake just watches me like it’s a live horror movie.
“It’s gross, Mom.” Blake wrinkles his nose, his navy eyes sparkling as I elbow him in the ribs. “Grilled chicken with raw onion, sliced thickly.”
Kayla throws her head back, showing her sparkly white teeth as she does. “Oh, Blake, I had your father running to the store regularly for Hot Cheetos and spicy salsa.”
I laugh, sticking my tongue out at Blake, who sits back with defeat.
“I just do what I’m told,” he grumbles with a wink.
“I still can’t believe my baby is having a baby!” Kayla fans herself, her eyes filling up again. “Have you told anyone else? Does Issac know? He’s a daddy already; he’ll give you all the tips!”
Blake says nothing, dropping his gaze to the floor as he nods. Kayla frowns, leaning forward with concern.
“Blake?”
Blake sighs, shaking his head slowly. “Issac and I aren’t speaking right now.”
Kayla blinks, a short laugh leaving her mouth. “What? Why?”
Heat flames on my cheeks, giving me away. But Kayla doesn’t miss it, her eyes widening as she figures it out.
“I see.”
“It’s complicated,” Blake adds quickly, placing a reassuring hand on my knee.
My heart thuds in my chest as Kayla shrugs.
“It’s not my business,” Kayla says, turning her attention back to me. “I have to ask, have you guys found out what sex the baby is?”
I love her dismissive attitude and how she isn’t nosy like my mother. I’m envious that my mom didn’t treat us this way, and I bow my head.
“We have,” Blake answers, leaning down to tilt my head up. “You okay?”
“Yes,” I reply quickly, turning to smile at Kayla. “We’re having a boy.”