Chapter Fifty Three
Caroline
We hop back in the car while I try my best to figure out where else this man could be taking me.
I snap a few photos of my ring in the passenger seat before looking up to see us pulling back up to Oak Ridge Drive and I look over at Reid.
Are we going back home? As we make it back down our street, I start to see an influx of cars parked along the side of the road.
“Reid… you didn’t.” I reach over, smacking his chest.
“Oh, but I did,” he says, so proud of himself. “I know you hate the spotlight, but I thought we could at least celebrate in the comfort of our own home.”
“Well at least you got that part right,” I snark back, preparing myself to walk into the abundance of people in this house. I’ve lost count of how many cars we’ve passed and unsure of who half of them belong to… could this many people even fit in this house?
After parking in the driveway, Reid runs over to open my door. I carry my heels together in my hand, I'm definitely not putting those back on. He helps me out of the car and I head towards the sidewalk to the front door.
“Nope, this way.” I turn around, realizing he’s not following me. Instead, he is walking in the opposite direction, towards the gate in the fence along the side of the yard. I furrow my brows together in confusion.
I pivot to follow him, as he unlatches the gate.
This house has always had a great back yard.
Decent size, good shape, privacy fence, and beautiful blooms along the edges.
But tonight, I am unexpectedly greeted by an array of string lights strung across the lawn to light up the entire yard.
I hear chatter, but don’t see anyone yet.
As we round the corner of the house, everyone yells “SURPRISE!” in a large group on the back patio.
I see my mom, my dad, Reid’s mom still holding Chloe, even his dad is here in a wheelchair.
All of my friends are gathered beside them - Kate, Sydney, Bree and all of Reid’s best guy friends too.
Even Martha and the ladies from the clinic were there.
I am so overwhelmed that so many people cared enough to gather and celebrate with us.
I rush over to give everyone hugs and have never felt this loved before in my life. Maybe being in the spotlight isn’t so bad when you’re surrounded by the right people that let you be yourself.
“Let me see that rock, girl!” Sydney grabs my hand to show off my new bling. “Damn! Someone needs to find me a man already, I’m running out of energy being the only fun single girl in town.”
“Careful what you wish for, you know we will arrange that!” Bree answers with a little side eye.
“Congrats dear, I’m so glad you get to join the fiancée club.” Kate interjects. Mike finally popped the question to her a few weeks ago, so I guess I have a wedding planning buddy.
“Did you know about this?!” I ask her.
“Oh, we’ve all known about this. What do you think we were doing last weekend?” Kate shares.
I pause. “Having a girls night without me…”
“Yes, so we could have a party planning meeting. Sorry, I hope you didn’t think we didn’t want you there!” Bree comes over to hug me and I relax in her arms.
I really gotta get out of my head and stop assuming the worst of scenarios. I am beyond blessed to have such amazing people in my life that care about me and forgive my distance after all this time.
“Thank you guys so much, seriously. Everything looks amazing and tonight has just been perfect.” I try to express my gratitude as best I can, without getting too sappy.
“Congrats dear,” Reid’s mom taps my shoulder. “I’m going to put this little one down in the crib. You all enjoy yourselves out here.” She rests a yawning Chloe on her hip.
“Thank you so much for all of your help, we really appreciate it.” I give her a long hard hug then kiss Chloe on the forehead and tell her goodnight. That woman is heaven sent, at least I lucked up in the mother-in-law department.
Finally, I break away from the group to go greet my parents.
“Hi sweetheart.” My dad gives me a side shoulder hug.
“You look beautiful.” My mom leans in for a hug next.
“Thank you guys for coming.” I say softly, hoping I don’t regret the next sentence that comes out of my mouth. “I know he’s no fancy billionaire, but I think Reid is exactly what I need.” I glance over at him chatting with his buddies and yearn for their approval.
“Oh Caroline, we’re sorry for being so hard on you.” My moms tone is a lot less condescending for once. “We are really proud of the woman and mother that you have become.”
“I’m sorry we ever doubted you, but I assure you that you have our support and I gave Reid my blessing. Shoot, Grant didn’t even bother to ask.” My dad chuckles, lightheartedly.
“You’re kidding?!” Wow, I didn’t even know that. “Well, enough about that loser. On to the next great chapter… right where I was supposed to be all along.” I raise my glass of champagne and clink it to both of theirs.
After making my rounds to greet everyone else, I finally found my way back to Reid. We stand next to each other, away from the crowd, his arm around my hip and take in the scene together. He leans down and kisses me on the cheek.
“I think the next ten years are going to look a lot better for us.” I grin up at him, fully smitten.
“Do you want me to kick all of these people out?” He suddenly asks.
“What? Why?”
“I just thought that maybe we could start working on making the next baby tonight.” He winks down at me.
I slap his bicep. “Hahah very funny, I think my uterus needs a bit of a break from that. But I am cleared and ready for some relations with my new fiancé…” I wink back.
“I will cheers to that.” He clinks his glass to mine, both taking a sip and leaning in for a kiss before enjoying the beautiful evening and life we've built.