Page 63 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

I raised an eyebrow at her. "Why? You've hung out with the group before."

She straightened herself. "Yes, as Cayden's sister who was just divorced. I would like to be looked at like a person rather than a divorce."

I understood that since moving out, she's been making a life for herself and doing a good job at it.

"Well, I don't see you like that."

April smiled and walked over, leaning onto the island. "Thank you." She sighed, "So, how are you feeling today? Have you been able to hold everything down?" April's eyes went to my stomach. I was four months along now. Everyone kept telling me this was when it got good, but I wasn't so sure that was true. I'd been having morning sickness still, and I was over it. I wanted to get the glowing part everyone kept talking about.

"I've been able to keep things down today. I'm really looking forward to some good food and time with everyone." I pushed off the counter and walked towards the living room where the gift for Zayden sat.

"What did you get Zayden?" I asked, grabbing the bag and pulling it up.

"I got him a bubble-blowing machine. What did guys get him?"

"We got him some new clothes. Wendy said he's growing out of everything so quickly."

"Well, you'll know the feeling soon enough."

I rested my hand on my stomach, knowing that was true. I would be.

"All right," Cayden said as he came down the hallway with his arms out. I'm dressed. I have pants and a shirt on. Are you happy, April?"

April glared at her brother. "You're going to be the reason that we're late."

"We're not going to be late," I corrected, walking over and sliding my shoes on. "And if you two are done bickering, we can go."

We left and drove across town to the fire station. The station was decorated for Zayden's second birthday, and Wendy and Ayden looked like proud parents.

"Hey, thank you so much for coming," Wendy said, pulling me into a hug. "How are you feeling? You look great."

"I'm doing okay," I said, looking past them towards the inside of the fire station. Banners and balloons were everywhere. The kitchen was covered with food, and another table was set up for the gifts. There were kids all around, including a bunch from the daycare center.

"Looks like you guys had a good turnout," I said, feeling Cayden wrap his arm around my waist.

"We did; everyone came." Wendy's eyes went to April. April, I'm so glad you came to join us."

"Of course. Everything looks lovely." I watched as April's eyes scanned the crowd and landed on Thomas standing with Poppy.

Over the last few weeks, I noticed that she and Thomas had been talking a lot lately. I would need to ask her about it.

"I'm going to go say Happy Birthday to little Zayden." April slipped past us.

"Oh, before I forget. We have a bunch of clothes from when Poppy and Zayden were little that I wanted to give you."

I raised my eyebrows at Wendy. "Are you sure? You guys had some pretty cute outfits for them."

"Oh yeah, we've decided we want to wait before we have any more kids, and I would hate for the clothes just to sit when they could be used."

"Well, if you're sure, I would love them. Thank you." I looked over at the food, feeling my mouth water. "Would it be wrong to grab some food?"

Wendy shook her head with a laugh. "Not at all, dig in."

I thanked Wendy and Cayden and headed for the kitchen, grabbing some roasted potatoes. I softly moaned as I ate them, adding a scoop of cold salad to my plate. I looked over towards the living room, watching the kids running around.

"Okay, how about we all get settled to open gifts?" Ayden said, scooping Zayden up into his arms. "The birthday boy is excited."

Zayden laughed loudly, his eyes looking at the table of gifts.

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