CHAPTER FIFTEEN
LORI
As soon as Lori entered her mother’s house to help with the baby shower, Aurelia approached her. “Well? How was the date with Guy?”
Lori shrugged. “It was nice to spend some time with him, but, really, it was just friends meeting up.”
Aurelia studied her. “Are you disappointed? I thought you’d be thrilled. Guy was a catch back in the day and is considered one today.”
“I’m not saying I won’t go out with him again if he asks. However, as I mentioned, it was more like old friends getting together.”
Aurelia chuckled. “Trust me. He’ll respect you as you are. You are considered a very special woman by many in town.”
“We’ll see. Now, let me help with the party,” Lori said. “Flo told me she doesn’t plan to have more children after this one. And heaven knows if I’ll ever be more than an auntie. Let’s make this fun!”
Aurelia threw her arm around Lori. “You really are making this new year different. Love you, sis.”
Later, after decorations were up, they made punch, plated cookies and other treats, and set the table. Then, Aurelia, Lori, and their mother sat in the kitchen with a cup of coffee.
“I can’t believe all the lovely things Flo will be getting. I think the dollhouse is my favorite,” said Lori, smiling at Aurelia and her mother.
“Sarah and Lizbeth have enjoyed theirs, and I wanted to make sure Flo’s little girl has one too,” said Aurelia. “Mom and you helped me pay for it. I think Flo is going to be surprised.”
“She’ll know Mom will be giving books, but she won’t suspect this,” said Lori, thrilled she was included in buying this gift and fitting it out with all the furniture and decorations.
“With the children close in age, Flo didn’t need a lot of equipment for this baby. Still, I’m glad she’ll be getting lots of girly things,” said her mother.
“But who doesn’t love Hudson and all his boyish toys?” said Lori. She loved having a boy in the family.
“Of course we love him,” said Lori’s mother.
Lori rose. “I’m going home to change. I’ll be back a little early to help greet guests.”
As Lori got into her car, she sat for a moment to look at the two-story colonial home that she’d always loved. Perhaps because the house had always been filled with warm acceptance and eager encouragement for each person who was there. That’s what she’d wanted with Nick.
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Two hours later, Lori entered her mother’s house just before their guests were due to arrive. The pink balloons tied to the front porch banister were a dead giveaway that not only was a party going on, but it was for a girl.
Aurelia and her daughters were already there. Sarah, 9 years old, was selected to help greet guests at the door with Lori’s mother, and 7-year-old Lizbeth was thrilled to help Lori with placing coats in the den. Both girls were wearing their holiday dresses and looked adorable.
Aurelia was tending to the buffet table, where Lori would join her after the guests got settled in.
Flo wasn’t allowed in the kitchen or near the laundry room because that’s where the doll house was hidden.
When the time came, Aurelia and Lori would carry it into the living room, where the gift opening would take place.
After twenty family members and friends had arrived, the party began with plenty of food, drinks, and talk. Lori’s father had taken off for the day with a buddy to attend a high school football game in a neighboring town, declaring his ears were too sensitive to hide out in the house.
Lori sat on the couch in the living room, enjoying the bantering, food, and company.
When she was younger, she’d been tempted to move into the city, but something about the friendly town had held her back.
She’d reasoned she could travel there any time she wanted, but she couldn’t duplicate the sense of community anywhere else.
Cara Trainor, her high school friend and co-worker at Bright Beginnings, sat down beside her. She nudged her and whispered, “How was your hot date?”
“It was fine,” said Lori.
“That bad, huh?” said Cara.
“No,” said Lori, horrified at the idea of that thought being spread around. “It was a very pleasant time. I haven’t seen him in fifteen years. What did you expect?”
“I thought it would be much more than pleasant,” Cara said softly.
A neighbor took the remaining seat on the couch, and the conversation about Lori’s date ended.
Flo came into the room and sat in the comfortable armchair by the fireplace, lowering herself with an audible groan.
“I can’t imagine being like that,” Cara whispered to Lori. “Poor thing. She looks like she’s carrying a football player, not a baby. And a girl at that.”
“She’s more than ready to deliver,” said Lori. Flo did look uncomfortable.
Sarah sat on the floor next to Flo, threading ribbons from packages through a hole in a paper plate, creating what would become a flower arrangement by the end.
Lizbeth handed the gifts to Flo.
It seemed to take forever until Lori’s mother signaled for her to go get the dollhouse with Aurelia.
They went to the laundry room and took out a red wagon on which they’d placed a wide board holding the dollhouse.
Together, they wheeled the wagon into the living room.
When Flo saw them, she burst into tears of surprise and joy. Anxious to see it closer, she struggled to stand. As she did, she cradled her stomach and gasped, “Oh, no!” and quickly headed to the bathroom. But before she could get there, fluid streamed from her body onto the wooden floor.
Lori’s mother rushed to her. “Come, let’s see what I can do to help you.” She turned to the others. “Help yourself to more food and drinks.”
The women stayed long enough for Lori to announce that Flo was leaving to go to the hospital.
Flo’s husband, Blake, arrived and, with Lori’s help, got her into his car. As principal of an elementary school in the next town, he was used to crises and handled the situation calmly.
As they drove off, Lori stood with her mother and sister, watching them go.
“That’s one way to end a baby shower,” said Aurelia.
“Let’s hope everything is all right,” said her mother. “Flo’s contractions were coming pretty fast. She’ll be much more comfortable in the hospital.”
“I can’t wait to see this baby. She’s a sassy one already,” said Lori, and the three of them laughed.
“I’ll never look at that dollhouse without seeing Flo’s reaction to it. Tears of joy and a baby announcing herself,” said Aurelia. “Now let’s go clean up.”