Page 171 of Champagne Nights

“Mom, Piper, and I are going shopping today for wedding and baby things. Would you like to come with us?”

“Sorry, I can’t. I’m spending the day with Ben and Leah. Have fun! Why are you up so early?”

“Morning sickness. How about you?”

“Romeo wanted to eat.”

“Lol. Have fun with Ben today, and let’s do breakfast tomorrow morning at that café we love. I’ll ask Mom and Piper to come.”

“Sounds good. We can discuss the time later.”

I was so happy I was spending the day with Ben and Leah. The last thing I wanted to do was go shopping for wedding and baby things. I jumped into the shower and got dressed before going into my office to do some work before they came over. I pulled out the pale pink stationery and pen and began writing my weekly letter.

My dearest husband,

I made it through Thanksgiving. I think you would have been proud of me. At first, I didn’t think I would, but I did. Remember my friend I told you about? His name is Ben. He and his sister spent Thanksgiving with us. I’m spending the day with them so we can show Leah around L.A. Long story short, she’s seventeen and lives with her mom in Texas. I think Keaton has a crush on her. It was weird on Thanksgiving when I introduced them. I saw something in his eyes that I’d never seen before. But you know Keaton. He’s too much of a ladies’ man, and I don’t want either one of them to get hurt. Anyway, I wanted you to know that I’m doing okay. I’m going into the office more, and I’m actively being more social. I love you, and I miss you so much. I have to go now. Until next week.

Love forever,

Paisley

The doorbell rang just as I was putting the letter in the envelope. My stomach did its usual fluttering at the thought of seeing Ben. Romeo followed me to the door, and when I opened it, Ben and Leah stood there.

“Come on in.” I smiled.

“You look great,” Ben said as he stepped inside and kissed my cheek.

“So do you.” I placed my hand on his chest.

Smiling, I signed hello to Leah like Ben had taught me on Thanksgiving. She said hi and then bent down to pet Romeo. She looked up at Ben and began signing to him.

“Leah said that she loves your cat.”

“Tell her thank you, and from the looks of it, he really likes her too.”

“Are you ready to go?” he asked.

“Just let me grab my purse.”

We pulled into a parking space, and when we started to walk the walkway to the pier, Ben grabbed my hand and held it. I looked over at him and smiled while he smiled back. I couldn’t help but notice how Leah stared at the ocean.

“Why don’t we take her down the beach first to see the ocean up close? She hasn’t stopped staring at it since we got out of the truck.”

“Good idea.”

He signed to her. “Do you want to go down to the beach first and stand by the shore?”

“Yes! I would love that.”

We took off our shoes, and I grabbed Leah’s hand, and we ran down to the water. We stopped just before it could touch our feet. She bent down and held her hands out as the water crashed into them when it hit the shore.

“Has Leah ever had a hearing aid?”

“Yeah. She’s had dozens of them when she was little. They never helped.”

Leah stood up, pointed out into the ocean, and then looked back at us.

“I think that’s Keaton out there.” She signed.

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