Ruby recalled Alex and Jayden’s wedding over a year ago. It was fantastic, full of life and fun. It was also quoted as “the wedding of the decade in New York City.” Ruby—as the maid of honor—was very proud of her best friend indeed. She had to admit however, her own wedding—if she ever managed to find herself a man—wouldn’t be anywhere near as grand as Alex’s. How could it be? Alex married one of the most eligible bachelors—not to mention, one of the youngest multi-billionaires—in the States. A year ago, Ruby could never have imagined that shy, down-to-earth Alexandra Stewart would ever meet and fall in love with a man like Jayden McCartney. Life was eternally full of surprises.
“I have news,” Alex announced. Her voice hinted a sort of excitement that was very contagious.
“What is it? Tell us!” Nikita shrieked excitedly as she propped herself comfortably on the seat right next to Ruby. Isabella sat down at Ruby’s left—a bowl of Char Satay with rice in her hands. All three girls faced the laptop screen expectantly, waiting for the important news.
After a moment of silence, came the words, “I’m pregnant.”
“Holy cow!” Nikita shouted. “Now, you’re pregnant for real.”
“That is so cool,” Isabella exclaimed. “I’m so happy for you.”
Ruby butted in. “Do I get to be godmother?”
Alex laughed. “Of course.”
Nikita pulled the laptop from Ruby’s lap and put it on hers. “How about your hunky hubby?”
“He’s over the moon,” Alex replied. “And naturally, so was Beth when we told everyone.”
Ruby stole the laptop and placed it back on her lap. “Hey, Alex, I won’t be here next time.”
“Oh yeah. So are you nervous? It’s gonna be great. I have something else to tell you. Jay and I are going to London at the end of the month. If all goes according to plan, we can meet up there with you.”
“Oh gosh! That’s sounds great. I’m going to be in England for a week, and then off to Scotland for another week after that. Week three, I’m in Ireland, four in France, and then, last, but not least, week five in Rome. I’ll be back in London after that.”
“Right. I will have to ask Jay about the meeting with his new business partner. He’s Scottish.”
“Woo!” Nikita laughed. “Hot! Hot! Hot!”
On the screen, Alex turned to look behind her. “Jay? When are we meeting your future business partner?” She turned back to her friends. “Most of whom are, by the way, middle-aged men. I assume this one is no different.”
“Aw!” Nikita groaned in disappointment, and Isabella laughed.
A moment later, hunky Jayden McCartney appeared on the screen next to Alex. The girls sighed dreamily as they gazed at him. Was it possible that he looked even more handsome now, after marrying Alex?
“Hey, girls.” Jay waved at them, grinning.
The girls waved back, all three in silent awe.
“Don’t worry, Ruby, we’ll make sure we meet up with you in London. Just email Alex the details.”
“Sounds good,” Ruby replied, nodding furiously.
“What’s his name again?” Alex asked Jayden, who was actively placing kisses at the nape of her neck. “Not in front of my friends,” she whispered, pushing him away light-heartedly.
Jay chuckled. “Sorry, girls.”
The girls giggled knowingly.
“His name is Alec Hasting. He’s hosting a charity party at the end of the month to sponsor refugee relief in Africa and Cambodia. You should come with us, Ruby. You and Alex are both half-Cambodian.”
“Okay,” Ruby replied, thinking that she was already a fan of Jayden’s future business partner.
“Anyway, you all have a good day. Bye, girls.” He nodded as he left.
Alex moved closer to the screen. “Anyway, I should go. Ruby, please email me your plan before you leave. Bye, girls.”
“Bye,” the three girls said in unison. Once Skype was logged off, they moved over to have their dinner and chat about life in general. About an hour later, exhausted from the long day, Ruby said goodnight to her friends and drove home.
“Oh my God, Ruby, just relax,” Amethyst, or known simply as “Amee” to family and friends, muttered. “Stop fussing over everything. You know I can handle it. The houses will be fine. The family will be fine.”
Ruby sighed. “I trust you, Amee. I suppose it’s just me. I can’t get over the fact that I really am going on this trip. It’s ridiculous.”
Amee chuckled and folded her arms across her chest. “You know, you’ve been planning this trip for like… ages. You’re not going to back down now, are you?”