Page 80 of Wish You Would

“Well, I’m not sure I can help you out too much with that, but we’ll find out soon,” I laugh. “I’m surprised Holden hasn’t gotten in on that bet.”

“There’s still time.” He winks at me as he pulls his wallet from his back pocket. “How much am I in for?”

Before I can finish rolling my eyes, I’m pulled away againby Sierra, who apologetically explains that she needs me for a photo with the rest of the girls by the balloon arch.

I spend the next hour or so catching up with friends and Holden’s family, and answering the same questions over and over again:How are you feeling? What do you think you’re having? Are you ready for the baby to get here?But I don’t mind. Looking around the room, all I can think about is the fact that our baby is already so loved.

Standing by the bakery counter, Daisy taps a fork against her champagne glass and the room slowly quiets.

“I want to thank everyone for being here. I know we are all so excited to celebrate our friends Holden and Briar,” Daisy says, emotion in her voice. She pauses for a moment before continuing. “But it’s now time to find out if they are having a boy or a girl!”

Our friends holler and cheer as Daisy points to the beautiful cake that Sierra has made for the occasion. It’s heart-shaped, with three tiers, smooth buttercream frosting decorated with pink and blue alphabet blocks.

“Can I get you two over here to cut the cake?” Daisy calls.

I look around for Holden, who is on the opposite side of the room next to Tucker and Jake. When his eyes find mine, his lips tip up in a knowing smile. I take a deep breath.

We cross the room to join Daisy and as soon as I’m next to him, Holden pulls me close to his side. When he presses a kiss to the top of my head, I don’t need a mirror to know that I’m blushing.

I take a quick moment to survey the room with appreciation in my heart. We are surrounded by people here to celebrate our baby. The only thing missing is my family.

“One sec,” I say. “I need to FaceTime my mom and my brother.” I quickly grab my phone from my purse before dialing her number. My heart lurches in my chest whentheir faces appear on the screen. It’s times like these that my heart hurts being so far away. I’d do anything to have them here with me sharing in my happiness. “Hey, you two. We are going to do the reveal now. Are you ready?”

“We’re ready, baby. It’s so good to see you. Hi Holden. I can see you’re taking good care of my girl. She looks like she’s glowing.”

“Mom, everyone is listening.” I giggle. “I’m going to prop up the phone so you can see, okay?”

“Here, honey, let me hold the phone so they have a better view,” Holden’s mom offers, stepping forward to take the phone from my hands.

“Hi, I’m Donna, Holden’s mom,” she says to the screen as everyone listens on. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. We need to make plans to meet in person. We would love to host you! My wife, Barb, and Holden’s dad, David, both can’t wait to meet you guys too. We’ll have to exchange numbers—”

“Mom,” Holden laughs. “Maybe you can work out the details later? We’re kind of in the middle of something here. The wait is killing me.”

The room erupts in laughter.

“Cut the cake!” Daisy burst out. “I am dying for you to cut that cake!”

“Would you like to do the honors?” I ask Holden, picking up the knife. “I don’t think I should be holding a sharp object. My hands are shaking.”

“I’ve got this, babe.” Holden takes the knife from my hand, his other hand still wrapped tightly around my waist. I smile up at him, green eyes with flecks of gold staring back at me. "You ready?"

"I'm ready,” I whisper.

I watch the blade of the knife sink through the cake. Holden repeats the motion until he’s carved a perfect slice.Heart in my throat, I get a glimpse of the bright icing between the layers of cake.

It’s blue.

It’s a boy.

“Briar,” Holden shouts. “We’re having a boy!”

“Oh my god,” I cry next to him, my hands covering my mouth before he takes me in his arms, lifting me off my feet. I’m engulfed in his scent and comfort as he embraces me as fiercely as he can without squishing our little boy between us.

“You were right,” I whisper into his ear as my hands wrap around his neck.

“I knew it,” he spins me around. “I felt it deep in my bones. Holy shit, we’re a having a boy.”

When he puts me down, his parents are by our sides with tears streaming down their faces.

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