Chapter Forty-Eight
Brooklyn
“Another baby shower?” Kip says. “I’m still worn out from the last one.”
There’s a twinkle in his eye.
“I didn’t even know about the other one when we planned this one,” I respond.
We’re heading to the White House for a baby shower Elizabeth is throwing.
His fingers are laced through mine. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind since we got back from Alaska.
We moved into a new place together and worked to settle in - including setting up the nursery.
I’ve started working a few hours a week with Zadie now that I’ve left my regular teaching job.
Kip’s new book was released a few months ago. It sat on top of every bestseller list. Fraternity is his fastest selling book to date. People were thrilled he’s writing again, obsessed to learn more about why he stopped.
We tried to keep our relationship a secret, but it leaked out a few weeks ago.
We’re trying not to feed the frenzy and maintain as much privacy as possible.
We haven’t shared how we met or any particulars about our relationship.
Most of the press has assumed we met through Will since he and Kip have been friends since college. We haven’t corrected the record.
The whole family is waiting for me when we pull up to the White House. I spot my mom and sister Kayla right away. There’s a tickle in my throat and a stinging in my eyes when I see them. I still can’t believe they are safe - that we are all here together.
Juno is the first to reach me when I exit the car. She wraps her arms around me, or as much as she can considering the size of my swollen belly.
“I can’t hug you anymore,” she laughs.
“I keep thinking I’ll pop if I get any bigger, and then I just keep growing.” I give a laugh.
We work our way through the group hugging and talking.
When I get to Mom, I notice that Kayla is not beside her anymore.
As I’m looking around for her, Mom nudges her chin toward the lawn, and I see Kayla and Vivi throwing a ball for MarryMe.
It’s such a carefree sight. I couldn’t be happier as I watch her running around and playing.
“You look beautiful.” There are tears in Mom’s eyes. “I never thought I see you like this - grown up, happy, having children of your own.”
I squeeze her hand. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me too.”
We make our way inside to the Rose garden. Elizabeth has decorated it beautifully with linen covered tables and elegant flower arrangements. I make my way over to her.
“Thanks for everything.” I squeeze her hand.
She rubs my back. “Nothing makes me happier.”
I spot Kip speaking to Will and James. He’s completely relaxed and smiling. I’m glad he’s not terrified of James anymore. I overhear James say as I join them, “I think it’s your best one yet. Congratulations on all your success.”
Kip’s face reddens slightly, and Will’s nodding in agreement. “Have you started anything new?”
“I’ve been trying to get a lot done before the babies come.
I’m planning to take time off for a few months when they arrive.
I just polished up two screenplays that I wrote a decade ago and sold them.
I have another novel in the works. I’m pretty far into it.
Not sure the first draft will be finished in time though. It’s okay if it has to wait.”
“I’ll do my best to keep them inside as close to their due date as possible,” I say.
Kip squeezes my shoulder. “Well, I do want them to stay inside as long as possible, but not for my sake.”
Someone pulls James and Will away. My arm is wrapped around Kip’s waist, his around my shoulder.
“You know we met a year ago next month,” he says as we watch our friends and family mingle.
“Feels like longer.”
“I hope that’s a good thing.” He shoots me a side-long look.
“It is!” I say.
“It’s not that long when you’re thinking about forever.” He grins over at me.
“That’s true. The adventure is just getting started.” I lean toward him, letting my mouth drift toward his.
“I’m so glad I’m doing it with you.” He dips his head down, so his lips just hoover over mine.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I say as I press my lips to his.