Ashley had fretted endlessly over all the arrangements until she was sure she was spouting menu choices in her sleep. She’d tasted each and every one of the appetizers, wrinkling her nose at some, loving others. She’d made Pippa accompany her, though, because Pippa’s tastes were more refined. Ashley was pickier and more apt to turn her nose up at fine cuisine.
Now the moment had arrived and though she kept telling herself that these people didn’t matter to her and that they were her father’s and Devon’s associates, she couldn’t shake the paralyzing fear that she’d make some huge mistake and embarrass herself and her husband in front of everyone.
“Ashley, there you are,” Pippa said as she made her way through the growing crowd.
“Oh, my God, I’m so glad you’re here,” Ashley said. “Thank you for coming. I’m a nervous wreck.”
Pippa frowned. “Ash, there’s no reason for you to be so worked up over this. It’s a party. Loosen up. Have some fun. Let your hair down from that godawful bun.”
Ashley let out a shaky laugh. “Easy for you to say. You aren’t facing a hundred of your husband’s closest business associates.”
Pippa rolled her eyes. “Come on, let’s go get a drink.”
Ashley let Pippa lead her over to the bar but when they got there, Ashley ordered water. Pippa raised an eyebrow and Ashley sighed.
“I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow,” Ashley whispered. “Don’t you dare say a word to anyone, okay? I haven’t told anyone I even suspect I might be pregnant. I took one of those damn home pregnancy tests and it was inconclusive but I haven’t had my period yet and I’m sure I’m late. So until I know, I don’t want to drink anything.”
“What time is your appointment?” Pippa demanded.
“Ten in the morning.”
“Okay, then here’s what’s going to happen. Carly, Tabitha and I are going to wait for you at Oscar’s and you’re going to come straight over for lunch after your appointment so you can tell us the news one way or another.”
Ashley nodded. “Okay. I’ll need the support regardless of the outcome. I’m kind of undecided about this whole thing.”
Pippa blinked in surprise. “You mean you aren’t sure you want to be pregnant?”
“Yes. No. Maybe. I don’t know,” she said miserably.
“Ash, what the hell is going on with you lately? All you’ve ever wanted is to have children.”
Ashley bit her lip in consternation as she saw Devon making his way toward her. “Look, I can’t talk about it now. I’ll see you at lunch tomorrow after my appointment. And don’t breathe a word! I haven’t told anyone. Not even Dev.”
Pippa looked at her oddly but went silent as Devon approached.
“There you are,” Devon said when he got to the two women. He kissed Pippa’s cheek in greeting and then tucked Ashley’s hand in his. “If you don’t mind, Pippa, I’m going to steal my wife for a bit. There are some people I want her to meet.”
Pippa leaned over to kiss Ashley’s cheek. “See you tomorrow,” she whispered softly. “Take care of yourself.”