Chapter Nineteen
Camille
The sun dipped low as Trenton and I made our way toward Beldon’s, casting a warm, golden light over our small-town walkways and boulevards, making the budding trees look fresh and full against the warm spring air. Beldon’s was tucked into a quiet corner downtown, another one of Raegan’s finds—a spot she’d picked for its pregnancy-friendly menu and because it fit her latest mission to break us out of the rut of our usual spots. Lately, she’d been on a kick about exploring new places, claiming life was too short to keep eating at the same five restaurants. It was her way of adding a little adventure to even the simplest nights out, and I could tell she was proud of her role as our unofficial dining guide.
We parked, and Trenton jogged around to open the passenger side of his truck, waiting as I looked over my shoulder to eye Eakins’s newest upscale bistro. Its exterior was lined with dark wood paneling and climbing ivy, giving it a cozy, old-world feel. Globe lights strung along the outdoor seating area glowed softly, inviting anyone passing by to linger. I couldn’t sit still, fingering the buckle of my seatbelt and then fiddling with the button on my cardigan, my fingers restless. Every few seconds, I glanced over at Trenton, who shot me a knowing look, his mouth twitching as if he were trying to hold back a smile. “You sure about this?” he asked, his voice measured.
I exhaled slowly, my fingers drumming an uneven rhythm on my knee. “I think so. It’s just… she’s my best friend. She’s going to know I’m holding back.”
“You can tell her if you want, babe. Or not. There’s no wrong answer.”
“She’ll handle it the exact right way if something happens, too. I should tell her.”
“Okay, let’s do this,” he said, grinning wide with excitement as he held out his hand.
“But to celebrate and then mourn… I don’t know.”
Trenton’s hand settled over mine, warm and reassuring, calming my jittering fingers with a gentle squeeze. “Ray’s been there for you through everything. If anyone would understand, it’s her. Let’s just go in, and if it feels right in the moment, you’ll tell her. If not, don’t. Just please don’t stress,” he said, sweeping back a stray strand of my hair.
A small laugh escaped me, a half-hearted attempt to cover the tangle of emotions in my chest. “She’d show up for every visit with onesies and an emergency healthy snack stash. But if she knows, we should tell everyone. And after that, you know it won’t stay quiet for long. My mom would go into full pregnancy patrol mode. She’d be at our place daily, with all her herbal remedies and advice from who-knows-where.”
Trenton chuckled, his thumb tracing slow, soothing circles over my knuckles. “And the whole town would be on bump watch by day three.”
A reluctant smile tugged at my lips. That was exactly how it would go. The thought of hiding this from Raegan felt strange, like I was keeping her own secret locked away. She’d been my confidante for years, the one person I told everything to. But now, I wasn’t ready to let anyone into this quiet, fragile joy, not even her. At least, not yet.
Trenton helped me out and held my hand as we crossed the street. He pushed one side of the double doors open, gesturing for me to walk inside. Beldon’s interior felt just as inviting, a blend of Mediterranean and modern American touches. Low pendant lights cast a soft glow over reclaimed wood tables, and the open kitchen filled the air with rich scents of garlic, rosemary, and lemon.
I spotted Raegan and Wesley standing near the entrance, hands intertwined as they shared a private laugh. Raegan waved enthusiastically when she saw us, her small but noticeable baby bump on display, her free hand resting on it protectively. Her eyes sparkled with that unmistakable pregnancy glow.
“There you are!” she called, her face lighting up even more as she pulled me into a warm hug, her familiar perfume wrapping around me like a memory.
I grinned, letting myself get lost in the comfort of her embrace. “Ray, you look incredible.”
She rolled her eyes playfully, her hand brushing over her belly. “Says the woman who’s never looked a day over twenty-one. Meanwhile, I’m starting to feel like a beach ball already, and we’re not even halfway there.”
Trenton exchanged a handshake with Wesley, who somehow still looked sporty in dark, designer jeans and a suit jacket. He’d decided against a tie for once, the top two buttons of his crisp white Oxford left undone. The Hermès H belt—unintentionally, I was sure—upgraded his attempted casual look. In contrast, Trenton had bent his usually edgy style with a slim-fitted black button-down shirt, the sleeves rolled just enough to reveal the intricate designs on his forearms. As if he and Wesley had coordinated, his top two buttons were also left unfastened, showcasing a hint of the ink along his collarbones. He’d paired the shirt with black slacks and completed his look with his favorite leather Chelsea boots, polished but with a slightly worn edge. Around his wrist was a black leather bracelet, his wedding ring alone on his left hand, and two silver rings on his right—one a skull, the other with an Onyx stone.
Wesley might’ve been the famous baseball star, but my husband was the rockstar of the group.
Raegan was the perfect example of a professional athlete’s wife, effortlessly turning heads, blending sophistication with a hint of her small-town warmth. Her dress was bump-friendly yet flattering on her figure while still subtly glamorous, a fitted knee-length sheath in deep emerald. Even behind her thick hair, her diamond stud earrings caught the light, a thin, matching bracelet practically sparkling back at the gems on her earlobes as if they were having a conversation about the undeniably luxurious pendant hanging from her neck. Everything about her look exuded a quiet confidence and a refined sense of style without being over the top, every piece fitting seamlessly into the small-town setting while hinting at the world beyond.
I… was wearing a comfy slip dress. Black, as usual. It skimmed all the right places without trying too hard, but even in a college town among my high fashion companions, I still managed to be the odd man out.
“Wes, good to see you, man,” Trenton said, his voice warm.
“You too, buddy,” Wesley replied with a nod before turning his attention to me and pulling me into a quick side hug. “Thank you both again for saying yes. We couldn’t imagine anyone else as godparents.”
I felt a sudden warmth bloom in my chest, gratitude mixed with something deeper, something I couldn’t quite put into words. “We wouldn’t have it any other way, Wes. We’re honored.”
Wesley gave Raegan a look, one filled with so much tenderness it nearly broke my heart. “You know,” he said, his voice soft, “I always thought if we were going to ask anyone, it’d be you two. You’re… solid. We know you’d be there for this little one, no matter what,” he said, gently touching her slightly protruding belly.
A flicker of guilt tugged at the back of my mind, and I glanced down, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. If only he knew. Here we were, smiling and accepting their trust, their excitement over us stepping into this role for their child, while my own life felt like it was standing on the edge of a cliff. Madison’s return lingered like a shadow, impossible to ignore, creeping closer with each day. And then there was the baby, this tiny, fragile hope inside me that I couldn’t bear to risk. It felt surreal, trying to balance the joy of being chosen to support Raegan’s baby with the fear gnawing at me for my own.
For a moment, I had to look away from Wesley’s earnest eyes. They were filled with so much certainty, so much belief in us. But beneath my smile, I could feel the strain of all the things left unspoken—Trenton and I hadn’t even let ourselves dream too far ahead, not when everything was so uncertain. It was as if we were holding our breaths, afraid that any excitement would tip the scales too far and bring everything crashing down. And yet, here I was, putting on a brave face, as if we had everything under control.
A host appeared, leading us to our table. We settled into the comfortable warmth of Beldon’s, where soft lighting and the smell of garlic and fresh bread wrapped around us like a cozy blanket. As the server approached to take our drink orders, Raegan raised an eyebrow in my direction.
“No wine tonight, Cami?” she asked, a hint of curiosity slipping through her smile.
My fingers tightened around my menu, and then I put it down gently as I forced a light shrug. “Just trying to keep it clean, you know? I told you the labs came back a little weird and that’s why they postponed the surgery, so I figured I’d try to keep everything in check.”
Raegan’s smile softened, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. “Good for you. This little guy over here, though, has me eating ice cream like it’s going out of style.”
My chest burned. It wasn’t just an omission; it was a deliberate, calculated lie. The heat settled heavily in my stomach, twisting with the knowledge that I was hiding something so huge from my best friend, the one person who had stood by me through every other secret and stumble. Raegan looked at me with that open, trusting smile, so willing to share every detail of her own happiness—every craving, every kick, every tiny triumph—while I sat there with my hands clenched in my lap, guarding my own news as if I couldn’t trust her with the truth. I wanted to tell her so badly, to let the words tumble out and see the happiness light up her face, but the fear of loss—of having to explain a heartache I wasn’t ready for—kept me silent. I tried to match her warmth, all the while feeling like I was slowly drifting away from her.
“Oh, shit. I’m sorry. You’re talking about a hysterectomy, and I come back with baby talk,” she said, sheepish.
“No! No,” I insisted. Raegan had always been acutely aware of my energetic changes, but this time she’d gotten it wrong. “I didn’t even think about it.”
Trenton leaned back, his hand finding mine under the table, his touch grounding me in a way words couldn’t. “It’s a boy? That’s fucking exciting,” he said with a grin, easing the tension already gathering in my chest.
Raegan pulled in her shoulders with excitement. “Yes, but we don’t have a name yet, if that’s your next question. It’s everyone’s next question,” she added with a wink.
The drinks had barely hit the table before Wesley leaned forward, his brow creasing. “I wanted to talk about something a little less fun tonight, if that’s all right.”
“Wesley,” Raegan warned, shooting him a look as she nudged his arm, but he held her gaze, determination written across his face.
Trenton, unfazed, finished his sip of Old Fashioned and placed the glass down, a slight nod toward Wesley. “It’s okay, Raegan. Go ahead, man. What’s on your mind?”
Wesley shifted in his seat, visibly wrestling with the words. “The real duty of godparents is worst-case scenario,” he said slowly. “And I know the chances are slim. Really slim. But I have to ask. This whole Madison situation… will it be wrapped up before the baby’s here?”
Raegan let out a sigh, irritation sparking in her eyes. “We’ve been over this,” she muttered, her tone sharp. She looked at him as if silently pleading for him to drop it, but Wesley wasn’t budging.
“I know, honey,” he said gently, remorse softening his face as he reached for her hand. “But… I mean, what kind of dad would I be if I didn’t ask directly?”
I swallowed, glancing at Trenton. “We hope so,” he said carefully. “She’s getting help out of state, and her parents have sworn to the judge who signed off on our protective order that they’ll be keeping a close eye on her. Word is, their house is for sale.”
“It is?” I asked.
Trenton looked to me. “It’s not a sure thing, so I didn’t mention it.”
I nodded, then Trenton turned his attention back to Wesley.
Wesley nodded slowly, concern etched across his face. “Good. Because if that was my family, I’d be… well, I’d be on edge, too. And now, if my son were to ever be in your care, it would be… you know, my family.”
“I understand. It makes perfect sense. I wish I could make promises, but best case scenario, she’s gotten the treatment she needs and is thinking more clearly. Worst case, my home is like Fort Knox now. My entire family is aware and on alert. We have a Plan A, Plan B through E, and Plan F.A.F.O., if you know what I mean.”
Raegan laid a comforting hand on Wesley’s arm, squeezing gently. “I told you they’d have it handled. The Maddoxes are as good as a small army.”
Our server returned, and we ordered, each of us picking something different. I chose the grilled salmon, aiming for something light and easy, while Trenton opted for the Short Rib Pappardelle. Once the server left, Trenton turned to Wesley, a curious glint in his eye. “So, Wes, how does it feel knowing you’ll be a dad soon?”
Wesley leaned back, a half-smile tugging at his mouth. “Honestly? It’s like standing in the batter’s box, staring down a fastball, and not having a clue if it’s a strike or coming right at your head. It’s… terrifying, but I’m excited. I think I’m ready.”
Raegan laughed, nudging him playfully. “He bought a bag of flour just to practice diaper changes on. He’s going to be a pro before the baby’s even here.”
Trenton chuckled, giving Wesley a nod. “Flour, huh? Maybe you should name him King Arthur.”
The table erupted in laughter.
“That’s not bad actually…” Wesley mused.
“No,” Raegan said, shaking her head, prompting another round.
Trenton took another sip, then began again. “Sounds like you’re getting things down, though. So, have you guys got everything set up? Nursery, gear… all the stuff? When did you feel like it was the right time to start all of that?”
Raegan’s eyes flickered with a hint of suspicion, her brows furrowed as she studied me.
Wesley’s face was positively lit up, and he leaned in, enthusiasm spilling into his words. “We’re getting there. It’s unbelievable how much there is to do,” he said, shaking his head with a mix of awe and exhaustion. “The crib’s finally up, and Ray got this adorable mobile that plays lullabies. She’s so in love with it, she’ll stand there watching it spin for ages.” He laughed, glancing at Raegan with a softness in his eyes. “But there’s still so much to get done—nightlight, blackout curtains, a diaper station… you’d think we were outfitting a whole house.”
Raegan chimed in, “We haven’t even started on the closet organization yet, but there’s no point in doing that until the baby shower.”
“Oh!” I covered my mouth quickly and then pulled it away.
“No, no, no, don’t you worry about it. His mother would spiral if we let anyone else take over. You’re good.”
“You sure?” I asked, sheepish.
“Yes. Just show up and write things down in that little book thing. We’ll stuff our faces with cake and quietly make fun of the stupid baby shower games everyone secretly hates.”
“Deal,” I said with a smile.
“That’s… a lot,” Trenton said.
Wesley burst into laughter. “Why do you look overwhelmed?” he asked, clapping a hand to his chest a few times. “ I’m the one drowning over here! And I haven’t even scratched the surface.” He shook his head, an amused smile tugging at his lips. “We’re still waiting on the glider rocker Ray custom ordered. Apparently, there wasn’t one in existence that was just right .”
“It’s perfect,” she said, beaming up at him, her hand gripping his arm as excitement sparkled in her eyes.
He looked down at her, matching her expression. “It is. It’s absolutely perfect.” He returned his attention to Trenton. “We couldn’t do much until we painted, and we had to do the gender ultrasound before Raegan decided on a color palette. She designed this whole, amazing forest theme—woodland animals, little trees, the works. We’re still waiting on these custom originals of deer and foxes from an artist friend of mine.” He sighed, though there was a hint of pride in his voice. “Every time I think we’re close to being ready, we add three more things to the list.”
Beneath the table, I felt Trenton’s hand tense slightly, and I quickly squeezed his leg, hoping he’d get the message. We needed to tread lightly; Raegan’s intuition was sharper than most, and she’d catch on if we weren’t careful.
Dinner went on, the conversation flowing from baby names to Raegan’s odd cravings to Wesley’s many attempts to decode the endless world of baby gear. By the time dessert arrived, I felt a dread I couldn’t shake, the same feeling as when you’re halfway to the airport and can’t remember if you locked the front door—or anything that you’d walked away from, that if left unchecked, could mean disaster. Being unable to put my finger on it was making me feel suddenly and irrationally irritable. We’d made it through dinner without letting the truth slip, after all, but the effort of holding back left an ache under my ribs, like my secret was pressing from the inside out, desperate to be free.
I’d justified keeping our baby a secret so I wouldn’t have to mourn a miscarriage after finally celebrating a pregnancy, the thought of explaining it to everyone, of seeing their faces fall, feeling their pity—that was almost unbearable. But then it hit me: if the worst did happen, it would mean I’d never get to celebrate this precious, fleeting joy with the people I loved most. The excitement, the thrill of telling them, the hugs and laughter and happy tears, the very conversations we were having at that table—I’d miss it all. I’d be left holding it in the shadows, never getting to feel the kind of happiness that only comes with sharing something so miraculous, even if it was just for a little while.
Wesley insisted on paying the check, and while he walked Raegan to the restroom, Trenton and I lingered just outside the entrance.
“I think I’m going to tell her. Are you okay if I do?”
He couldn’t contain his excitement, his grin spreading nearly from one side of his face to the other. “Really? We’re gonna tell ’em?”
My heart began to pound. It was a steady rhythm, matching the nervous anticipation bubbling up inside me. “Yeah? I’m guessing that’s okay?”
Trenton grabbed me and held me tight, covering my cheek and temple with kisses.
“I knew something was up with you guys!” Raegan said, stepping out onto the sidewalk as Wesley held the door. “Spill it.” She paused. “Oh my God. The wine. The surgery was postponed. The baby prep questions…”
I took a breath, looking at Raegan’s face—even with her mouth hanging open in shock, she was still stunningly beautiful.
“Say it,” Raegan said, practically leaning toward me.
Something shifted inside me, a quiet but undeniable feeling that I couldn’t ignore any longer. Before I even realized I was speaking, the words tumbled out. “Ray,” I said, my voice soft. “It’s super early, but…”
Raegan covered her mouth, her eyes already filling with tears. “Say it,” she said, her voice muffled.
“I’m pregnant.”
Raegan’s eyes widened, her entire face frozen in an expression of shock and absolute joy, like time itself had hit pause while she tried to process every layer of what I’d just said. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out at first. Her gaze locked onto mine with an intensity that made me feel like we were the only two people on the block.
Then, as if someone had pressed fast forward, her reaction burst forth. She let out a sound—a wild blend of a shriek and a sob—that could only be described as pure elation. Her arms wrapped around me in an instant, pulling me close, her laughter spilling out between breaths as tears streamed down her cheeks. “Cami! Oh my God! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Her words tumbled over each other, her grip so tight it felt like she was anchoring herself to the moment.
“Probably because she knew you’d scream in the restaurant, my love,” Wesley teased, shaking his head as he pulled Trenton in for a quick embrace. “Congratulations, Dad!” He clapped Trenton on the back with a grin that radiated pride, both of them exchanging one of those unspoken looks—filled with excitement, relief, and that subtle understanding that only men seem to have in those moments.
“Oh my God, oh my God! My best friend’s going to be a mama! And we’re doing it together!” Raegan’s voice was choked with happy tears, her words barely making sense as she hugged me again, her hands moving to grip my shoulders tightly. “We’re going to go through all of it, Cami, all the milestones, side by side!”
I laughed through the tears that were now running down my face, nodding, a bit overwhelmed by her enthusiasm. “I wanted to tell you so badly, Ray. I just… I am so afraid something might go wrong.”
Her gaze softened, and she pulled me even closer. “You don’t have to be afraid anymore, okay? We’re in this together, every step. Our babies are going to grow up as close as we did, and we’re going to be there for every laugh, every scraped knee, every silly story. Can you believe it?”
The images unfolded in my mind—our two little ones, as close as we had always been, inseparable and woven into each other’s lives. I could almost see them, running around barefoot, sharing whispered secrets, holding hands like best friends who had their own little world. They’d laugh at jokes only they understood, swap toys, and eventually, stories of dreams and heartbreaks.
I leaned into Raegan, finally feeling the full spectrum of gratitude and hope settle over me. That’s what I needed to make it real. I needed to share the news and celebrate with everyone who had prayed for this baby almost as much as I had.
I laughed, trying to hold back tears that were already stinging my eyes. “I… I wasn’t sure. It’s so early, and I was scared. I didn’t want to jinx it.”
“Oh, my sweet friend,” she murmured, pulling back to look at me, her hands gripping my shoulders. Her eyes shimmered, mascara streaking her cheeks as she took me in, her expression one of fierce love and understanding. “You deserve this, more than anyone. It’s going to be fine. I’m so, so happy for you. This is amazing.”
Wesley hugged me then. “I can’t believe you waited that long. I had no clue.”
Trenton’s face softened, a grin spreading across his face as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “Surprise.”
Wesley let out a whoop, pulling me into another embrace, this time a bear hug, his laughter filling the night air. “This is incredible news! You’re going to be a fantastic father, Trenton. I have no doubt.”
A fresh wave of emotions hit me then. More tears streamed down my face as Raegan squeezed my hand, her own eyes glistening. “It’s finally happening. We made it. We’re here.”
Her words wrapped around my heart, filling every crack of doubt and fear that had settled there. We hugged again, tighter this time, our laughter mingling with happy weeping, and for the first time, I let myself fully lean into the joy of it all.
We eventually said our goodbyes, but the drive home was a quiet one, Trenton’s hand warm in mine as the city lights blurred past us. My mind was a swirl of fresh memories, of Raegan’s glossed over eyes and the warmth in her hug, of the laughter and disbelief in Wesley’s voice. I could still feel their happiness, how it filled all the spaces my worries had occupied for so long.
Trenton broke the silence, his voice gentle. “What made you decide to tell her tonight?”
I looked over at him, our fingers still laced together. “I realized that if something did happen…” I swallowed, letting the words sit with me for a moment. “I didn’t want to miss the joy of celebrating. I didn’t want to hold back, to live in fear of something that might never happen. Telling her felt like choosing hope over fear.”
Trenton nodded, his expression thoughtful, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “It makes perfect sense,” he said softly. “She looked so happy, Cami. I’ve never seen her look at you like that.”
I smiled, remembering the pure, unfiltered joy on Raegan’s face, how she’d held me as though we were back to being two young girls with dreams and shared secrets. “No matter what happens, I’ll never forget that moment,” I whispered, mostly to myself.
He pulled into our driveway and then squeezed my hand, putting the gear into Park. His eyes poured over me, half pleading, half hopeful. “So, does this mean we’re telling everyone?”
I nodded, feeling a surge of excitement wash over me. “Yes. I think it’s time.”
For a moment, Trenton didn’t say anything, and then he turned to face me fully, his eyes glistening with something deeper, something more vulnerable than I’d ever seen. He blinked once, twice, but a single tear slipped down his cheek, catching the glow of the corner streetlight.
“Baby,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “This… this is everything I’ve ever wanted.”
I reached up, brushing the tear from his cheek, feeling my own eyes sting with the intensity of everything we’d been holding inside, even if it had been just a few days. I leaned over, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek, my hand lingering on his face as he turned to meet my gaze. “I know.” My voice was barely a whisper. “It’s everything I’ve ever wanted, too.”
The silence between us was thick, filled with everything we hadn’t yet put into words. All the plans we’d whispered about in quiet moments, the future we’d sketched in bits and pieces over the years, felt closer now, real and within reach. It was as if all those fragments were aligning, finally coming into focus, settling into something we could both feel. This was the life we’d been building toward, and in that quiet moment, it felt as solid as his hand in mine.