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I turn to look at Bambi and pray that she agrees with me. There’s no doubt a look of complete vulnerability on my face. I try to relax my features and act cool, but I think I’ve already shown my hand so to speak.

Bambi looks back at me for a long silent moment before she finally answers.

“Yeah, I think that would be okay.”

My heart practically bursts as my lungs fight to breathe through my relief. I’m breathing heavier than normal when I slip an arm around Bambi and turn back to face Izzy. She’s beaming with excitement and nearly bouncing on her toes.

“Awesome, because I also have these for you.”

From her back pocket she produces two giant buttons bordered in blue ruffles, one saysMommyand the otherDaddy, matching the signs for our chairs.

“I made ones for us too.” She gestures to her chest where I don’t know how I missed the ruffle button that readsAuntie. “Owen has one that saysFuncle, fun-uncle, his idea not mine. And Gigi has one that saysGreat Gigi.”

Izzy hands me the buttons and I turn to attach Bambi’s first, only to find her crying and whipping at the tears. My smile instantly falls, and I cup her face with my free hand helping to wipe at the tears.

“Why are you crying? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” she sniffles through gulping breaths. “It’s just really sweet and I appreciate everything Izzy’s done, and because I’m pregnant I cry at everything.”

She cries a little harder and I wrap her in my arms and pull her face into my chest, Izzy instantly at our side rubbing soothing circles on her back.

“It’s okay if you wanna cry,” Izzy coos. “We probably all will before the day is over.”

It takes a few minutes for Bambi’s tears to dry, and I hold her the entire time. Izzy sticks close by but continues her arranging and organizing since people will be arriving soon.

Bambi leans back and sniffles, her eyes red but a smile on her face.

“Okay, I think I’m all good now.”

“Anytime you need to cuddle into me and cry, you go right ahead. Would you like me to put your button on now?”

I hold up the ridiculous buttons with a cheesy grin that makes her smile and giggle.

“Sure, as long as I can put on yours.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Chapter 27: Raelyn

I didn’t swoon

I was a little wary of having a baby shower. I didn’t even want to have one originally, but Izzy convinced me to. She said I would regret it if I didn’t, plus she promised there would be presents. Many of which will be things I need for the baby. Like onesies, diapers, baby shampoo, burp rags, and peepee teepees. Something I learned will be necessary when having a boy to avoid getting peed on while changing diapers.

Having Warren by my side the entire time has been helpful, easing me into conversations and gently directing people away when I need a moment to rest. People eye his button clearly labeling him as Daddy, but few have commented on it so far. A few quirk a brow, others just grin.

It’s nice to have it out there for everyone to see. Keeping it a secret has been agonizing. Far too much work than it’s worth, especially now that he’s back. Not once since he’s returned has he mentioned missing the sea or how much he hates Homer. For the first time in our long friendship, he seems happy with exactly where he is. Which makes me happy, because he’s here with me.

Izzy did indeed invite a few more people than we originally planned, not too many more thankfully. I don’t want the entire town here, just friends and the little family we have. I knew Warren’s parents wouldn’t be invited and he has no other familyto speak of in town. Gigi is my only blood relative, which is why I cried when Izzy and Owen proclaimed themselves aunt and uncle. They’re the closest thing to family we have, and our son will most definitely be calling them Auntie Izzy and Uncle Owen.

There are others here too, a few friends from school we still keep in touch with, Lauren from the store and of course Mrs. Niedermeyer who is more than ecstatic to be out of the house and socializing.

“So, you’re the father then?” Mrs. Niedermeyer asks Warren as we stand near the refreshment table, one of my preferred places in the house at the moment. I think I’ve been continuously eating since we arrived.

“Yes, I am,” he answers proudly and a little sharply.

“That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you two, and that the little fella will have a daddy to look up to. Though I suppose you might want to refrain from telling stories of your youth. Don’t think those would be proper,” she says lightheartedly with a smile and conspiratorial wink.

Mrs. Niedermeyer can talk way too much and always somehow knows everybody’s business, but she’s a nice lady and I appreciate that she doesn’t ask why I lied about who the father was.