Chapter Thirty Nine
Caroline
What. A. Day. I lift the bottom of my dress up to glance at my ankles and am met with Michelin man swollen cankle rolls staring back at me. I tried to sit as much as I could today, but I am ready to rip my bra off and kick my legs up on the couch for the rest of the evening.
The baby shower turned into an all day party once the rest of my out of town friends showed up. It was so nice to catch up with them in a safe environment. I thought I would feel uneasy having everyone from all chapters of my life in one room together like that, but it was surprisingly comforting.
After the excitement calmed down, Reid loaded the big boxes into the bed of his truck while we finished mingling and drove us back to his place…
well, I guess my place now? Poppy sat in my lap in the passenger seat like the little princess that she is.
When we walked in the front door, I kicked my shoes off and was so ready to melt until Reid said that he had another surprise for me.
“Oh Reid, I am surprised out today! What on earth could you have up your sleeve now?” I exclaim in exhaustion. He knows I don’t like surprises, but he just keeps dishing them out.
“Just trust me, it will be quick and then you don’t have to move from the couch. I just need you to come upstairs first.” Reid begs, trying to peel me up off the cushion.
Jill and Lola glance at each other in a ‘should we excuse ourselves?’ look. “Come on, everyone follow me.” Reid reassures that this is nothing nefarious. “Okay Cara, keep your eyes closed.”
He guides me up the stairs and turns to the left of the hallway. I am trying to remember the blueprint of his house and what room he could be leading me in, but I think this is a guest room over here. He stops me and stands me in a doorway as he lets go of my hand.
“Okay, open!” he says and displays the room behind him. I gasp in utter delight as this is so not what I was expecting. Before me are baby pink painted walls, a floral accent rug and a wood sign that says ‘Chloe’ on it in script.
“Oh my god, Reid. It’s… beautiful.” I am truly taken aback at the generosity, time and thoughtfulness of this man. I push aside the thoughts of wonder and just soak in the gratitude.
“I’ll build the crib this weekend and get everything set up, but I thought this would be the perfect spot to bring her home to. Do you like it?” He asks, as if he has just given me a Hallmark card and not a literal home for me and my child.
“Like it? Reid, I love it… I don’t think anyone has ever done anything like this for me before.” I say softly, suddenly realizing just how much I was settling for in my previous relationship. “This is amazing, thank you so much, truly.” I rushed over to hug him tightly.
Lola and Jill stand back in the hallway, oohing and ahhing and looking so happy to be here.
“Okay, are we done with surprises for the day? I really need to put on some sweats.” I break the sappy moment because I really would like to get out of this dress and take my bra off.
He laughs. “Of course. Make yourself at home.” Reid winks back.
∞∞∞
Lola, Jill and I hang out together on the couch for the rest of the evening, eating leftover cookies from the shower and gabbing away while Reid carries box after box of baby gear inside from the truck.
“What a man,” Lola says, glancing over at him hauling a stroller in the door. She looks over at me in awe. “You really like this guy, don’t you?”
“Ugh I do, I really do.” Sighing and smiling like a little school girl.
“We are so happy for you, Caroline.” Jill chimes in. “I’m sorry we ever doubted your small town life. It’s actually pretty cute. And honestly, Grant is such a jerk. You deserve better. You deserve all of this.”
“Thanks guys, I appreciate it. It’s been an interesting journey, but I’m finally accepting it for what it is.” It’s true, and I’m glad they came around to show some support.
“Well, we really should get back on the road to head home but please reach out and keep in touch with us! We’d love to come back and meet the baby,” Lola says, clasping her hands together.
“Of course. And you two keep me filled in on all of the juicy gossip in the city. Thank you guys for making the trip down here.” I embrace them in a group hug. “Here, take some food for the road. I have more leftovers than I know what to do with.”
“Bye love!” Layla yells back, as they head out the door behind Reid. And finally, it is bedtime for mama bear.