She carried her gift for Jason and Lauren’s baby boy into the house. Blue balloons and decorations filled the foyer and the large living room had been made ready for the baby shower.
Lauren, with a big baby bump, glanced up as Elle walked into the room. “Elle,” she said, rising to her feet. “I’m so glad you could come. Look at that gorgeous gift. Tell me what’s in it,” she said, beaming with pregnant radiance.
Elle couldn’t help smiling. “You’ll have to open it,” she said.
Lauren made a face. “You can’t give me a hint?”
“It’s blue,” Elle said.
Lauren laughed. “Come here and have some wine,” she said. “I can’t drink it but the rest of you can. I want to toast your engagement.” She put her arm around Elle and guided her to a table. “How did you keep it so quiet?”
Elle bit her lip. “It just kind of happened. I don’t think either of us expected it. Hey, that punch looks delicious.”
“That’s for me,” Lauren said, “since I’m on no booze. But you can have some.” Lauren poured a ladle full in one punch cup and then another. She lifted hers in a toast. “Wishing you the happiest, most wonderful marriage ever.”
Elle felt her throat knot with emotion. How could this marriage possibly be the happiest ever? “Thank you,” she said and took the teensiest sip possible. The last thing she wanted to do was get sick at the shower.
“Give me the scoop,” Lauren said. “From the press release, it sounded like you two will be married soon. What’s the rush?”
Elle felt her stomach turn. “You know Brock. When he makes a decision, he moves fast.”
Lauren laughed. “You’re so right.”
Elle felt the rise of nausea in the back of her throat. “Excuse me. I need to use the powder room. Could you tell me where it is?”
“Oh, right through that hallway,” Lauren said and pointed. “Go right ahead. I’ll be here when you get back.”
Elle rushed to the powder room. After she recovered, she splashed her face with water and rinsed out her mouth. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself. She walked outside and immediately ran into Lauren, who studied her with concern. “Come here for a moment,” she said and whisked her away to a private bedroom. “Are you okay?”
“Of course,” Elle said. “I just feel a little off. It’s probably a little virus or something I ate.”
Lauren paused and shook her head. “You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”
Elle’s heart leaped into her throat. She would have tried to lie but the sympathy in Lauren’s eyes prevented her. “Please don’t tell anyone. Brock insisted that we get married.”
Lauren nodded. “I’ve been in your same situation.”
“I’m not sure it’s exactly the same,” Elle muttered, thinking of her grandfather and how she had betrayed Brock.
“Close enough,” Lauren said. “Just try to be open to possibilities. It could turn out much differently than you expect—I speak from experience. Most importantly, take care of yourself. You’ve got someone precious growing inside you.”
Elle felt a sudden urge to cry. Her eyes burned with unshed tears. “Thank you,” she said. “You don’t know how much I appreciate that.”
Lauren pulled her into an embrace. “Have you thought about names?”
“That’s way in the future,” Elle said. “I’m still just getting through today.”
“The good times will come soon. Believe me,” Lauren said.
Elle could only hope her friend was right.
Two days later, Elle put on the dress she and her mother had found on sale at an exclusive shop not far from Maddox Communications. Elle had thought about visiting Brock at the office at the time, then quickly dismissed the idea. He wouldn’t have wanted her there.
“You look beautiful,” her mother said, hugging her. “I’m so happy you’re getting married. I’m so happy your baby will have the father you never had. You have no idea what a relief that is, Elle.” Her mother sighed. “I wish I could have given you that.”
Elle’s heart twisted. “You gave me the best things in the world. You, attention and bubbles.”
Her mother laughed. “You always did like bubbles.” She put her hands on Elle’s belly. “I bet your baby will like bubbles, too.”
“You and I both will blow bubbles for him or her,” Elle said, unable to resist a smile.
“Yes, we will,” her mother said. “But first, it’s time for you to get married.” She leaned toward Elle and brushed a kiss over her cheek. “You’re beautiful, sweetheart. Your Brock is so lucky. Be happy, my girl. Be happy.”