We’d bought a house. We were about to have a baby. We loved each other.
We were soulmates for life.
Oh, whoa. A wave of heat washed over me. I let out a slow breath and pursed my lips to contain my smile.
Was there something I could do to make our life even better?
Maybe.
“How’s Kara? How’s my dress coming along?” Sutton interrupted my train of thought as she topped up her wine.
“She’s good, and she’s on track with your wedding dress.” I tucked a cushion behind my back. It already ached. Not sure I wanted to be pregnant anymore. “I saw some of the flowers shewas making for your skirt. They’re beautiful.”
The biggest smile lit Sutton’s face. “I know. Kara keeps snapping me photos and sending updates. I can’t wait for my first fitting after Christmas.”
“I won’t fit into anything by then other than stretchy leggings and hoodies.” Luckily, it was coming into winter. I could at least be comfortable in what I wore.
“You look gorgeous no matter what you wear.” Sutton handed me another cushion for my feet. “Tell us more about your trip. Are Gem and the other guys good?”
“Yes. They’re back in the studio recording again.” I put my aching feet up on the old coffee table, propped the cushion under my heels, and stretched out my legs.Oh...that’s better.“Lewis and I spent a day in the studio with the four of them. They’re working on a new album. It was so freaking amazing to see them lay down tracks. They’re magic to watch. Lewis jumped at the chance to work with them to refine some riffs and progressions for one of their songs. Reynold, their producer, showed me around the studio’s new channel mixer and recording equipment. That was incredible.”I was certain I’d never return to acting. I loved light and sound engineering and working for the band too much. I couldn’t wait to tour again. “But a week away was long enough. Like always, it’s good to be home.”
“Hmmm. Not for long.” Ava raised her glass and took a big gulp. “We’re about to hit awards season again. The next few months are flat out with invites and functions. I’ve got everyone scheduled for fittings at Gabrielle’s boutique in two weeks.”
“You’re an angel. Thank you.” I’d go with Lewis to his events as long as pending motherhood didn’t cause me grief. But lately, every position I sat, stood, or lay in had gotten more and more uncomfortable. Where hadthatinformation been in the baby books I’d read? Where did it say you’d be tortured from themoment you became pregnant—morning sickness, having to pee all the time, and having sore tits? Those things weren’t fun, but I still couldn’t wait to have a baby.
“Have you had an update from Slip and Maddy? Are they coming home for any of the functions?” I asked. Last time I’d talked to Slip two weeks ago, he’d said he had no plans to attend anything. That plan had better change soon. Wasn’t the end of the break approaching?
“April’s talking to Maddy’s publicist.” Ava sighed and relaxed back onto the sofa. “We haven’t had a final confirmation on anything yet.”
“Mads has said nothing to me either.” Sutton swept her long hair back over her shoulder. “She hasn’t been happy at work. I worry about her.”
“Iworry about these guys. Look at them.” I jutted my chin toward the three of them playing. Heads bobbing. Bodies swaying. Totally in sync with each other. “They need to get back together.”
Christmas was only two months away. I prayed Slip was ready to make the move in the new year.
There was a loud knock on the door.
Wait. What?I knew that knock.Didn’t I?Holy shit!
Everyone froze.
I looked at the girls, then the guys. They knew that rap as well as I did.
Or did I have baby brain?
Ergh!Highly possible.
The door flung open and in rushed Slip and Maddy.
“Argh! Surprise,” Slip hollered and jumped through the doorway. He charged over to the guys and hugged them.
I was right! Only one person banged on the door like Slip.
“Oh my God.” Sutton leaped from the sofa and charged toward Maddy. She flung her arms around Maddy’s neck andhugged her tight, rocking from side to side. “I didn’t know you were coming to LA this weekend.”
“So good to see you.” Maddy clutched onto Sutton for dear life.
With a skip in her step, Maddy dashed over to Ava and me and gave us a huge hug. Maddy hovered her hands toward my tummy. “Oh. You’re getting so big. May I?”