As I close my eyes, I feel the baby kick again. It’s like a little reminder of what’s to come, a promise of the life we’re building together.
“You have the most amazing mommy,” I whisper again, this time more to myself, letting the reality sink in.
I fall asleep with my girl beside me and my baby tapping away at my hand, feeling a profound sense of peace and purpose. This is where I’m meant to be. This is my family.
Chapter 30
DELILAH
My eyes flutter open, and I see Wells standing beside the bed, balancing a tray loaded with food. A slight curve of his lips has the corners of his eyes crinkled as he sets the tray on the bed.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he says, his voice warm and tender. “I thought you might like breakfast in bed.”
I blink sleepily, my heart fluttering. “Thank you,” I reply, my voice thick as I sit up. The sight of scrambled eggs, crispy toast, fresh fruit, and a steaming cup of coffee makes my mouth water.
As I dig into the food, I steal glances at Wells. Last night’s confession echoes in my mind—Wells saying, “I love you.” The words play over and over. I want to tell him I heard him, to acknowledge his feelings. But then how can I be sure this is real? He has a history of disappearing every time I’ve started to trust him.
Can I risk my heart on these three little words when I’m still unsure of where we stand? I’ve been burned before, and I can’t afford another heartbreak.
Wells breaks the silence, his brows slightly raised and a twinkle in his eye. “So, I’ve got a surprise for you today.”
I quirk an eyebrow. “Oh? What kind of surprise?”
“You’ll see,” he says with a grin. “But first, get dressed. I want you to look as beautiful as ever.”
I nod and head to the closet. I pull on a simple sundress and sandals before combing my hair and braiding it to the side so it’s off my neck.
As I make my way back to the living room, Wells is waiting by the door, his gaze appreciative.
“Ready?” he asks, holding out his hand.
As our hands touch, a wave of warmth courses through me. We head out and drive through the neighborhood. I can’t help but wonder what’s in store.
We arrive at a large, charming white house with a black door and windows that’s close to my place.
“Where are we?” I ask, looking around, noticing the lush green lawn and landscaping.
“My parents’,” he replies with a smirk.
“Oh. Why couldn’t you just tell me? Why the surprise?” I ask.
“Look, when my mom speaks, I listen. So, I just do as she says.” He laughs.
He opens the door for me and leads me up a brick walkway to the front door. He knocks, and Rhonda opens it, her face lighting up when she sees me. Behind her, the foyer is decorated with a huge pastel banner that reads “Delilah’s Little Boba,” with tiny boba tea images. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
“What’s going on?” I step inside and see it’s as sophisticated and elegant as the outside. The earthy tones and textures on the floor and walls add warmth and coziness, making it a welcoming space.But the vases and art littered throughout speak more to their wealth.
“Well, every mom deserves a baby shower,” Rhonda explains. “So, I decided to throw you one. Nothing crazy, just close family and a few of our close friends. I didn’t want to overwhelm you.”
I’m speechless. The effort Rhonda put into making this special for me makes my eyes water with unshed tears. My heart swells with appreciation.
“Okay,” I whisper, nodding as if to confirm that this is really happening. Rhonda takes my hand and leads me into the living room, which is beautifully decorated with boba-themed decorations in various colors. The space is grand, with high ceilings that draw my eyes to the two magnificent, cascading chandeliers.
Roy, Jonas, and Derek are seated on a sprawling sectional sofa upholstered in a creamy, neutral fabric. To the right, a handful of other people I don’t know are gathered around a cozy armchair. It’s not the overwhelming crowd I feared, but it’s intimate.
“Delilah, this is my best friend, Lisa,” Rhonda says, introducing me to a woman with long, dark hair and high cheekbones. “Lisa has been my friend since I married Roy. Lisa, this is my granddaughter, Delilah.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say, extending my hand.