Page 16 of Our Little Wedding

“Yes, baby shower. I planned one for her.”

“I see,” I said, looking at Ainsley. “Don’t you think it’s a little early to be inviting people to a baby shower?”

“God, you sound just like Ainsley.” Carly shrugged.

“Yes, we haven’t even seen the OB/GYN yet, and besides, we aren’t even married yet!”

“Yes, but we aren’t having the baby shower until July, and I wanted to make sure people save the date.”

I rolled my eyes. “Who did you invite?”

“Don’t worry. I will tell you who I didn’t invite, and that is Ainsley’s father and Jane.”

“For the love of God.” I breathed under my breath, praying that she was only joking with me now. “I’m concerned,” I said.

“Why?”

“It’s not like her to sleep in the middle of the day. Was she feeling okay?”

“She was feeling fine when we returned today. However, if you wake her, I will hurt you. Got it, Big Guy? She probably just needs some rest.”

“Yeah, I got it, but is she okay?” I questioned again, worried that perhaps something happened today to make her not feel well. I knew that her and Ainsley were going to the bridal shop again for sizing and to pick out a bridesmaid dress for Carly. Maybe it was all the baby shower talk, or that Carly had apparently sent out invites. Then there was the thought that perhaps she had run into Brittany again.

“My God, what do you mean is she okay? You knocked her up! She may be twenty, but it seems your baby is sucking the life out of my best friend. Also, be forewarned, you may have ruined that body forever!”

I rolled my eyes and let out a sigh. “Yes, I knocked her up, fine. However, women give birth every day, Carly. Her body will not be ruined.”

Carly shrugged. “All I’m saying is I hope you aren’t too attached to it.”

“For the love of God, Carly. You do realize that I am in love with the person, not the body. The body is just a bonus. It’s not a requirement.”

“Huh?”

I looked at the shock on Carly’s face and smiled inwardly at myself. “Exactly what I said. The body is a bonus, not a requirement. I’m in love with Ainsley.”

Carly was quiet for a moment as she stared at me. “God… make me want to puke.”

I smirked to myself as she turned her back to me and slipped her feet into her shoes. “I’m going home now, before you begin growing on me. Can’t have that happening or the next thing I know I’ll be rooting for the pair of you.”

Just then, Nikki appeared in the kitchen doorway and attached herself to my leg. “That’s probably a good plan,” I said.

“Just don’t you wake her up. I’ll keep you guys updated as to the RSVPs for the baby shower.”

“Great.” I chuckled to myself as she pulled the door open. “Good night, Carly. See you soon.” As much as she annoyed me, she was growing on me. However, I was concerned with the slew of phone calls Ainsley may get once her friends began getting invites to a baby shower.

When the door clicked shut, I turned to Nikki. “She is crazy,” I said, crossing my eyes and sticking out my tongue. Nikki burst into a fit of giggles.

“What do you say you help me with dinner? We have a surprise for Ainsley,” I whispered.

“We do? What is it?” she whispered, her eyes growing wide.

“It’s a surprise for you too. Now come into the kitchen and we will quietly get things ready. Plus, you can help me put this up,” I said, producing a package containing a banner.

Nikki jumped up and down and then turned and ran into the kitchen while I followed behind her.

Ainsley

I woke up to the sound of music and Spencer’s voice in the kitchen, then the aroma of garlic bread hit my nose, making my stomach growl. I looked at my phone to see it was almost eight. I must have fallen asleep, I thought to myself as I kicked the blanket off me. I got up off the couch, stretched, and made my way into the kitchen. Nikki was sitting on the counter, helping Spencer. “Okay, sprinkle the cheese into the pot,” he said.

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