Alpha’s Baby(55)

“Bella, can you get the mail?” my mom asked when we were halfway to the front door.

Shit.

I was so excited about everything that was going on, I had forgotten to check it earlier in the day. But, judging by the stack of the mail stuffed in the box, so had everyone else.

As I glanced over the bundle, I was glad when nothing was out of the ordinary.

Lucky. Damn lucky.





Chapter 25





Bella





The governor’s party was a ritzy affair. Prominent people, young and old, from all over town were in attendance. Dad had rented a limo for our arrival—a long, white, pristine one that had a bar inside and plush, cream-colored seating.

I absolutely enjoyed the ride and was kind of disappointed when it was over.

When we stepped out, serving men quickly rushed up to usher us into the estate. As we were led in, I marveled at the estate’s grounds. Lush, green, freshly-cut grass surrounded the walkways. Marble fountains and statues were erected at each intersection, inspiring points and stares.

I always thought we had been pretty well off, but the governor’s mansion was on another level.

Inside, the opulence continued, with vast, vaulted ceilings, white marble floors and walls decorated with Victorian finery. The furniture was also either white or cream-colored with gold trimmings.

“Holy shit,” I overheard Stefan muttering to Terry, “this dude is loaded.”

Terry chuckled and muttered something in response, but I didn’t quite hear what he said.

We were led into a packed ballroom filled with elegantly dressed people. Tables lined with real gold plates and silverware were situated around the room.

All around us, there were packs of people talking to one another. Quite a few male eyes turned on me when I stepped into the room, but I was surprised I had quite a lot of competition in the young female demographic.

There were plenty of girls who had absolutely gorgeous dresses, their hair and makeup immaculate. I tried not to look at them. There was no need to compare.

And there was one person in the giant ballroom who wasn’t checking out the competition either, and that was Stefan. He’d had his eyes on me since we left the house. He hadn’t said much to me on our way here, not to arouse suspicion for our parents, but I could tell that he really liked the way I looked in my dress.

A couple, an older man and woman, walked up to our little group and began speaking with Terry. That’s when Stefan took his opportunity to approach me.

“You look absolutely gorgeous in red,” Stefan told me under the murmur of the crowd, stepping up close so that I could hear him. “Absolutely stunning.”

A flush ran through my chest and up through my cheeks. I was glad he appreciated the work I’d gone through to look good for him.

Before the party, Mother and I had gone to the beauty parlor and had gotten our hair, nails, and makeup done.

“You look good too,” I replied. And I meant it.

Stefan was dressed in a black and white tux, a bowtie at his neck. With his hair slicked and parted to the side, he looked unbelievably GQ, as if he’d just stepped out of a high-powered photo shoot.

I had already caught more than a few girls stealing glances at him, and it made me feel more than a little protective—and slightly jealous.

But I couldn't let him see it, not when I had promised that I would be strong for us.

I mean, how could I break down when Stefan was being so cool about everything?

Despite the worry over our heads, Stefan looked like he was on top of the world.

“I want to sweep you off your feet and carry you up to the balustrade overlooking the ballroom,” Stefan said. “So I can show off my future bride to everyone.”

The words ‘future bride’ brought up strong emotions inside me and I nearly started crying in front of everyone. But with great control, I kept my face from cracking and simply said, “I would love that.”

That was another bad thing about my pregnancy. My emotions were starting to go up and down like a rollercoaster.

The governor interrupted our little conversation when he walked up with a young, handsome blond man with vivacious green eyes and dressed in a tux similar to Stefan’s at his side.

The governor was a big man with broad shoulders, greying hair at the temples, and a bald pate on the top of his head. He looked rather imposing, but I guess if you’re the governor, you have to be.

“You have some beautiful children, Terry,” the governor remarked after shaking hands with Terry and my mother, mainly looking at me.

My mom beamed. “Thank you, Gary,” she replied, even though the governor hadn’t been talking to her. “She got her looks from me.”

I can’t believe she said that, I thought, holding back a roll of my eyes. Seriously, Mom, we get it. You’re hot for a woman your age. Certified MILF. Don’t go fishing for compliments.