Page 108 of Irreplaceable
Today was about celebrating Aiden and me. About enjoying what little was left of my pregnancy.
“You’ve outdone yourself,” I said, scanning the room.
How many times had I dreamed of having a baby shower where I was the one expecting? And yet this exceeded my wildest dreams because my best friend had gone above and beyond. I’d always admired the chic style and understated elegance of the events she planned, but to be on the receiving end… I shook my head, swiping away tears.
“I’m sorry you had to rearrange everything at the last minute,” I said, knowing how many changes she would’ve had to make when we’d altered it from a couples shower to girls only.
“Are you kidding? That was no big deal. Honestly,” she said when I raised my eyebrow.
“You okay?” Lauren asked, wrapping her arm around my shoulder.
I nodded. “It’s all so beautiful.” I turned to Juliana. “Thank you.”
She hugged me as best she could with my big belly in the way. Thirty-five weeks down, only five to go. Every time I blinked, another month seemed to pass.
My body had been telling me to slow down more, and I was finally listening. Enzo was right. I’d been working too hard, and I wanted to relax a little. Christmas was just around the corner. Not that you’d know it from the weather. It was nearly seventy degrees, and with my baby bump, I was hot all the time.
“Come on.” Juliana threaded her arm through mine, and I waddled along beside her. I couldn’t stop staring at everything. The vintage steam trunks, the passports, my… I stopped in my tracks. My photographs.
“Jules,” I gasped, my heart swelling with gratitude. “You’ve outdone yourself.”
“Really?” She gave me a cheesy smile, excitement bubbling out from every pore.
“Yes. Seriously amazing. Perfect theme. And the decorations.” I shook my head, taking it all in. It was so beautiful and thoughtful. So me. And seeing “Aiden” everywhere was…surreal.
“Isn’t this amazing?” Mom asked, glancing around. “Juliana.” She held a hand to her chest, overcome with emotion. “So incredible.”
Juliana smiled. “Thank you, Linda.”
“If this is what you do for the baby shower, I can’t wait to see their wedding.”
“Mom.” I glared at her. I wasn’t sure there would be a wedding. I wasn’t sure of anything anymore.
Mackenzie pulled me in for a hug, and then Jo.
My mom, Jo, and Mackenzie had come down to LA for the shower, and I loved spending time with all my favorite women. I felt more supported and loved than I had, maybe ever. And I was excited about the baby, about becoming a mom. Even if I was concerned about what the future held.
Enzo’s mamma and nonna joined us on a video call while I opened gifts, and I was overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity. Finally, Alexis said, “One more surprise!”
When she returned, she was wheeling in the stroller I’d wanted, and she said, “From Enzo.”
Everyone oohed and aahed, and I felt a little lighter. He’d listened to me.
“Time for a game!” Juliana said.
I went to grab my phone and realized it was missing. Though I found that pregnancy often made me forgetful, I could’ve sworn I’d left it in my purse.
I frowned. “Juliana, have you seen my phone?”
She shook her head and continued passing out the supplies for the game. Where is it? I rummaged through my purse. Checked the counter nearby. What the heck?
“Mom?” I asked. “Have you seen my phone? I know I brought it with me.”
“Oh, um—” She swallowed a bite of her street taco. The menu had featured some of my favorite street food from around the world. It was delicious. “I’m sure it’ll turn up.”
When I turned to ask Jo if she’d seen it, she quickly busied herself, fussing with all the gifts. I furrowed my brow. Why did I get the feeling they were hiding something?
“Guys.” I frowned. “What’s going on?”