Page 78 of Summer on Sunshine Bay

“Well, I think she’s adorable. Look at that cute nose,” Willow said, then glanced at her cell phone. “I have to go. Let’s celebrate this weekend, and we can talk about decorating the baby’s room. This is so exciting,” she squealed, hugging Lila again. “We’re having a girl! We’re going to have so much fun.”

“We are, and I should go too. I want to check on David.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Lila. Especially if Gavin or Junior are there,” Sage said.

“They’re blaming Mom, aren’t they?”

“Yeah, the Rosettis are pretty much persona non grata at Windemere.”

Lila was sure that didn’t apply to her. After all, she was marrying Gavin’s son and having his grandchild.

Her mother and aunt joined them. Sage and Willow said a quick goodbye and then left.

Dr. Alva looked up from her iPad. “I’ll see you in a month, Lila, and I’ll see you in September, Eva. If your symptoms haven’t improved by then, we’ll talk about hormone replacement. Yes, Gia, I know menopause is as natural as childbirth, but it doesn’t mean women have to suffer.”

They followed Dr. Alva from the room, and Lila thanked her for everything.

Eva’s mother offered Lila a ride as they walked out of the health center. “Thanks, Mom, but I think I’ll walk. I want to check on David.” She hugged her mother and aunt and then handed Eva a copy of the sonogram.

Her mother stared at the picture with a soft smile on her face. “She’s so beautiful. Look at her little hands and feet. Isn’t she beautiful, G?”

Lila’s aunt smiled, nodding her agreement before wagging a stern finger at Lila. “And you are going to take better care of yourself.”

“Gia’s right. You need to eat more and rest more. And remember what Lexi said about stress.” Eva glanced down the road. “Do you think you should be going to Windemere today? Sage told you how Gavin reacted to Jennifer’s announcement, didn’t she?”

“She mentioned it. But I want to show David the sonogram and tell him about the appointment.”

It took several minutes for Lila to convince her mother and aunt that it would be fine, but as Lila walked through the doors of Windemere ten minutes later, she wondered if maybe she should’ve listened to her family.

Gavin had just come out of the office when he spotted her. He slammed the office door and strode toward her. “This is your family’s fault. Your mother and your cousin have torn my family apart, and for what? To get rid of the competition? Is that their plan?”

David must’ve heard his father because he opened the office door and hurried to her side. “Dad, keep your voice down.” He put his arm around her. “This has nothing to do with Lila.”

“Are you sure about that? Maybe she’s in on the plan.”

“I understand you’re upset, Gavin. But my family—”

“Upset? You think I’m upset? My wife of thirty-three years just asked me for a divorce. My wife who was perfectly happy in our marriage until she started hanging out with your mother!” he bellowed, then stormed off.

“This might not be the best time for you to be here, Lila,” David said, and began walking her toward the door.

“You want me to leave?”

“Yeah. I’ll drop by the beach house tonight… Actually, I’d better stick around here. I’ll call you later.” He gave her a perfunctory peck on the cheek and started to walk away.

“David, I’ve just come from our appointment with the doctor.”

He turned, rubbing a distracted hand over his head. “Was that today?”

She nodded. “I texted you, but you didn’t respond. I went ahead and had the ultrasound.” She took the sonogram from her purse and held it out to him.

“What’s that?” He pointed at the picture.

“Our daughter,” she said, striving to remain calm despite the hurt and anger bubbling up inside her. She knew he’d had a horrible couple of hours, but couldn’t he work up a little enthusiasm?

“Really?” He leaned in to look more closely. “I was sure we were having a boy.”

“Well, we’re not. But in case you were wondering, she’s fine, and so am I.” She put the sonogram back in her purse.

---