Shaking slightly from the surprise of his touch, I twined my fingers into his. “No,” I said, pouting my lips.
“Well, we're almost there.” The blinker echoed off the dashboard, the sound of his hand dragged across the wheel as it turned. “Don't move, I'll get you out.”
Huffing under my breath, my stomach gurgled beneath the bright flower dress I was wearing. “You better hurry up before I decide to eat the headrest.” Placing my hands on my belly, I felt the baby kick against my palm. “Jackson said to hurry too.”
“Boy, he's pushy already,” Hegan said, as I heard him push his door open, and clunk shut.
Sitting with my hands folded against my lap, it seemed like having my vision gone made the world around me enhance. I could hear muffled voices outside my door, soft chuckles in the distance. But I still had no clue where we were.
The heat from outside burst into the vehicle as Hegan opened my door. “I hope this place has air conditioning. This heat is brutal.” Hegan took my hand, and I swung my legs out till my feet hit the pavement.
“Noella, I don't know of that many places that don't have central air nowadays. And trust me, I know you and the heat don't mix right now.”
A big smile formed across my lips, pulling up to my ears. “Aww, you do listen to me. I love you, Hegan.” The teasing tone playfully fueled my voice.
“I know you do, and I love you too. Hold my hand, I'll guide you inside.” His fingers wrapped inside mine, the other hand falling over my shoulder.
“I can't take this thing off yet? You know my eyes are starting to sweat.”
“You'll live, it's only a two minute walk.” Bracing my shoulder, he said, “Step up.”
Following every direction, I let him guide into the unknown building. The cool air wrapped around my body, soothing my boiling insides. Letting out a comforted exhale, I listened to my flip flops smack against the tile floor. Where are we? I wondered, hearing the music crackle through the speakers above my head.
It was my favorite singer, and she was singing my favorite song. Did he do this? I've never heard her before in a restaurant. Was this another piece to his surprise? It seemed ironic to me that he had brought me here, and that was the song I walked into.
Pressing his hand against my chest, he whispered into my ear. “Okay, you ready?”
Shaking my head yes, my hands started to clam up. Wiping them over my dress, Hegan slowly pulled the veil from my eyes.
My heart began to race, eyes welling up with tears. The mass of people before me all screamed. “Surprise!” The sounds of all their voices meshed into one massive baritone.
Holding my hands to my mouth, I stood speechless. Glancing around, the room was decorated in blue and white balloons. Large bouquets of deep blue flowers speckled with white sparkling spiral sticks sat on every table.
And there was my mother, standing proudly, gleaming with a glow I hadn't seen in years. She looked so happy, so excited to be there watching my face. Hegan had made me a promise at the mansion, a promise he stood true to.
And because of that, my mom was here, enjoying this moment. And I couldn't be thankful enough for that.
I tired to take it all in, spot every face in the crowd. Hegan's parents were off to the side, arms wrapped around each other. Brandon stood with closed smile, rubbing Stella's shoulders. And she had the warmest glow, eyes twinkling as she cupped her hands over her mouth.
They had accepted me, welcomed me into their world; even before they found out about the baby. Brandon was able to see how Hegan felt about me, I think his determination to protect me reminded Brandon of himself in a way. It might not have been towards the same goal, money; but it was filled with the same confidence and fire.
This was my baby shower, that was his surprise. A huge banner hung across the back wall, reading 'See you soon, Jackson!'
“Surprised?” Hegan said, curling his arms the best he could around my protruding stomach.
“You could say that, yeah.” Tightly I wriggled my fingers into his, letting my head fall back against his chest.
“Can you see the food table? I had to make special arrangements, but luckily it all came together nicely.”
Tipping up onto my toes, I looked beyond the people to a long table in the back. Stacks of cheeseburgers were piled on two large platters, coffee cakes on another. There were large punch bowls filled with orange juice; another thing I couldn't get enough of. And a bunch of other picky food items I had demanded over the past few months.
Salt and vinegar chips, pork rinds, a bit of everything I forced him to go out and get me. He had remembered them all and adorned the food table with them.
“Hegan, I can't believe you did this. It's amazing.” My hand ran up around his neck, fingertips twirling in his hair.