I stand up to hug her, allowing the tear to slide down my cheek as I do. Holden repeats my actions and then we sit back down to listen to Brandon. He seems nervous at first, but when he looks at H and laughs, I know this will be good.
“Just saying, this is the one part of the night Holden has no say in. I’m going to take advantage of that.” We all chuckle. “When H first told me about Kayleigh, it was a text that I still have to this day. It said…” He looks down at his phone and reads it word for word. “Bran, I think I met the girl of my dreams today.’ Now mind you, this is the guy who never believed in soulmates or anything like that, so as soon as I read it, I was intrigued. Little did I know, the next few months would consist of constant whining. She won’t even look at me. Why do I keep messing this up? Ugh, the one time I fall for someone and she’s the only girl who can’t stand me.” Brandon mocks Holden’s voice. “When he brought Kayleigh home that Thanksgiving, I saw a look on him I’ve never seen in the nineteen years I’ve known him. They really are perfect together, and I’m really glad they have each other.” Turning to look down at Holden and I, he grins. “My future niece or nephew is the luckiest kid to have the two of you.”
WHEN THE WEDDING IS over, we say goodnight to our parents and we all head out to sit on the beach. The guys dig a hole and set up a small bonfire, one that isn’t very noticeable but adds the sentimental feel we’re looking for. Everyone is drinking beer, except me of course, while we talk about how Christmas went and reminisce for a bit.
“Oh, Holden.” Jo gets his attention. “Thanks for having extra pillows sent to my room. It helped last night.”
He’s bewildered as he looks at her and shakes his head. “I-I didn’t. Helped with what?”
“Helped me fall asleep. I have trouble sleeping in hotel rooms unless I have extra pillows. I thought you knew this and that’s why…” She’s staring at her brother, realizing he’s not lying. “Wait, if you didn’t send them then who…”
Caleb elbows Jason playfully. Jay coughs and shakes his head, discreetly trying to play it off. Jo gasps when it hits her.
“Oh, my god.” She breathes. “You remembered.”
He smiles shyly and shrugs. “I remember everything.”
Jo gets up, walking over to him and putting out her hand. He takes it and she helps pull him to his feet. As soon as he’s standing, she grabs his face and kisses him. Jason sighs happily and wraps his arms around her, lifting her and spinning them around. Holden feigns gagging, while I practically glee with excitement.
When they pull away, Jason is all smiles. “God, I missed you.”
She beams back. “I missed you, too.”
As they go back to kissing and being all over each other, Caleb groans. “Well, now it’s back to being the only single one.”
We all laugh and I reach over to pat the top of his head. Poor Kermit.
UNFORTUNATELY, WE’RE ONLY ABLE to stay in Hawaii for one more day, needing to get back to school and hockey. The flight back is hard. I can’t manage to get comfortable, and it’s a total of 12 hours on a plane. Holden watches me, looking sympathetic for my pain.
“Are you okay?”
“No.” I groan. “The baby is in my back and it hurts.”
He waves for the attendant, asking for something as soon as she gets close. The woman comes back with a small bottle of lotion and Holden thanks her.
“Sit up.” He tells me, lifting the back of my shirt as soon as I obey. His fingers dig into all the right places as he gives me a massage. I moan softly at the contact. “Are you always in this much discomfort when we travel or is it just because this flight is so long?”
“The bigger he or she gets, the harder it is to sit in tight spaces.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“It just started recently.”
He sighs. “Maybe you should stay in Maine this semester.”
“What?”
Finishing rubbing the lotion into my back, he puts my shirt down. “Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to have you with me, but not if you’re going to suffer in order to be there.”
“But I’ll miss you.” I pout, leaning my head on his shoulder.
“I know, baby. I’ll miss you, too. This is about what’s in your best interest, though.”
The only thing I can do is frown. He’s right. The best thing for me, despite what I want to do, is stay in Maine and take care of myself and the baby.
THE ULTRASOUND TECH MOVES the transponder around my stomach. It amazes both Holden and I to see how much the baby has grown since the last time we saw him or her. She points out all the body parts and measures their growth. After the legs, she stops and looks at us.
“Do you want to know the gender?”
Holden bites his lip and smiles. He’s always been anxious to know what we’re having. I nod but when she goes to tell us, I stop her.
“Can you write it down and put it in an envelope? We want to have a gender reveal party.”
She does exactly as I ask, writing it down on a piece of paper. Holden and I resist the urge to look. It’s difficult, but we manage, making faces at each other instead.
When we leave the doctor’s office that day, Dawson waits for us outside. I hand him the envelope.
“You remember what to do with this?”
He rolls his eyes playfully. “Yes. Are you sure you can wait another three weeks?”
“No.” H and I answer in unison.
I nudge my husband with my elbow. “But we will. We’ve waited 26 weeks. What’s another three?”
Chapter 27
Holden’s connections are something that have always amazed me, and they’ve only grown since he joined the NHL. I had originally planned for our gender reveal party to be small and at our apartment, but this is huge.
We’re at the arena where Holden played most of his college hockey games. The whole place is reserved just for us. Brandon and Emily flew in to be here, along with his parents. My mom and John, however, couldn’t make it. Although, they won’t be missing anything. During the reveal, we will have them on video chat through a giant screen that Holden set up to make it feel like they’re here.
Only half of the ice is set up like the rink would be for a game. On the other half, the walls are taken down and the ice is covered with flooring. Pink and blue streamers hang down from the tall ceilings, and I find myself wondering how much Holden paid someone to decorate. Dawson is afraid of heights, so I know it wasn’t him.
At the end of the ice, are five targets. Holden’s hockey stick and numerous pucks lie nearby. One of those targets contains either pink or blue powder that will explode once the puck hits it. The other four will be gray. While it was Dawson’s job to be the only one who knows the gender beforehand, Skylar and Bree helped plan the party. They did an amazing job at incorporating Holden’s love for the sport.
The whole place is filled with people. A DJ is playing music through the arena speakers and everyone is having a great time. There are many guests I don’t know, but Riley advertised this with Kappa Delta Phi, so I shouldn’t be surprised by the turnout. Besides, as much as he may deny it, I know Holden loves the attention.
“Are you excited?” Em asks me, looking just as anxious as I am.
I nod. “Of course. Though, I think Holden has me beat.”
“Definitely. He’s wanted to know the gender for months now.”
“He’s so impatient. I’m surprised he let me make him wait. If it were up to him, we would have gotten the testing done to find out at twelve weeks.”
“What does he hope it is?” She questions.
Holden comes up behind me. “Well, I’ve always said a boy first, but now that I think about it, a miniature Kayleigh would not be something to complain about.”
Emily laughs. “Yeah, okay. You didn’t know her as a child. Complete and total menace, I’m telling you.”
He looks at me and smiles. “Great, so we’re screwed either way.”
“Definitely.
” My best friend and I answer at the same time.
Brandon comes up behind Emily and wraps his arms around her. “What are you talking about?”
“Whether they’re hoping for a boy or a girl.”
“Ah.” He says in understanding. “Well, I hope it’s a girl.”
“Why’s that?” I wonder.
“Because the world is not ready for a clone of Holden Rivers.”
The thought of a little boy with his green eyes and perfect dimples makes me smile. I can just picture them in the driveway, hitting pucks back and forth with their hockey sticks. Though, at the same time, I can see that with a little girl, too. Regardless, our child will be in ice skates before they’re even comfortable in sneakers.
“How many weeks do we have left?” H asks me.
“Eleven.”
He throws his head back and groans. “Why is it so far away?”
“I’m in no rush. This little one can stay right here for as long as he or she wants.” I say, placing my hand on my stomach.
Jo and Jason arrive together a short while later, walking hand in hand. I grin widely as I see them. Since we got back from Hawaii, I’ve heard Jo’s voice from the apartment across the hall, but I haven’t been able to talk to either of them. Caleb has been spending most days at my place, claiming that the make-up sex is at an all-time high and if he stays around it any longer, he’s going to lose his mind.
“Well don’t you two look all loved up and adorable.” I remark as soon as they get close.
Jason looks at Jo like she’s the best thing in existence. She giggles softly and nods. “We are.”
Holden feigns disgust and I elbow him in the stomach. “Good. So, no more break ups?”
“Never again.” She confirms and Jay leans down to kiss her head.
Caleb rolls his eyes lightheartedly. “I feel like one of those pictures where everyone is happy and settled down, and I’m at the end, in a relationship with alcohol.”
“There’s always Bianca.” Brandon suggests once again.
“The girl who tried to crash their wedding? Gross, no.”
“Oh, come on.” I respond. “She’s not that bad.” I don’t know why I’m defending Satan, but she’s not disgusting – just a little stalker obsessive.
“Yeah, she met Holden’s standards at one point.”
Holden all but chokes on his drink. “Okay, no. I didn’t really have standards back then, and besides, it was more me giving in because I didn’t have a good enough reason not to.”
“You two hooked up on and off for like four years.”
He shrugs. “She was easy. What can I say?”
“For starters, you could say nothing at all.” I quip, having no venom to my words.
Everyone around us chuckles and he winks at me. “Yes ma’am.”
MY PARENTS APPEAR ON the large screen in the arena. Holden greets them happily, knowing that the time to find out the gender of our child is fast approaching. My mom is clearly taken back by the amount of people here, but thankfully doesn’t mention anything about it.
Dawson goes up to let the DJ know we’re getting ready for the reveal while my husband laces up his skates. Soon, the music dies down and the lights dim. A voice comes over the speakers, announcing that the time has come and to please turn our attention to the ice. Spotlights are shining on each of the targets, and one follows Holden around the ice. I walk up to the end of the flooring and he meets me there.
“Are you ready?” I ask.
He smirks. “I’ve been ready since I found out you were pregnant.”
“Well then, don’t miss.”
“I never do.”
Holden takes the first puck and skates a little closer to the targets. He winds up and takes the shot, hitting the dead center of the cardboard contraption. A puff of gray powder shoots out and sprinkles onto the ice. He grimaces. I can tell he’s disappointed with not getting it at the first try, but it only makes him more determined.
He comes back and grabs another puck, skating around with it before lining up. His stick hits it and sends it flying towards the next target. Again, gray smoke fills the area, showing it wasn’t that one either.
Getting a third puck, he brings it over to me and asks which one he should choose next. I look at the three remaining. Knowing Dawson, he would have made it completely obvious and chosen the middle – assuming we would overthink it and choose the outside first.
“That one.” I say, pointing to the center. As soon as Holden skates toward it, I look at Dawson. He laughs and I know I figured it out.
H takes a second to look back at me before slapping the puck with his stick and sending it right into the target in front of the goal. As soon as it hits, a massive cloud of pink erupts, sending everyone into cheers.
We’re having a girl.
He skates over to me, smiling brighter than I’ve seen since our wedding. “A girl?” He asks.
I bite my lip and nod. “Are you okay with that? I know you imagined a boy first.”
“Are you kidding? A little girl with your smile? I couldn’t be happier.”
Brandon comes over with Emily, pretending to cry.
“What’s wrong with him? I thought he was hoping for a girl.”
He groans audibly. “I was until I realized I’m so fucked. A mini Holden is dangerous enough, but a little girl who looks like you and Holden? I’ll never make it out alive.”
“Oh, shush.” Heather interrupts. “I’m having a granddaughter!”
And then it hits me. I’m going to have a daughter.
A COUPLE DAYS AFTER the reveal, Emily and Brandon stick around to help us shop and set up the nursery. Thankfully, Holden pretty much leaves all decisions to me. We choose a pale pink and gold theme, fully inspired by how gorgeous Skylar and Dawson’s wedding was. The guys spend a full day painting the room so that I’m able to work on the rest while H is away at Hockey.
“What about Jessa?” Holden suggests.
I shake my head. “No. Esther?”
Emily snorts but H holds his demeanor. “Are you giving birth to an 83-year-old, or a baby?”
“Irma?”
He face-palms. “Thank God she has me to tell you that your name choices are atrocious.”
Brandon holds up the one side of the crib while Holden screws it into place. Meanwhile, Emily and I are attempting to put together the dresser drawers. Who knew nursery furniture could be so complicated. Em suggests her and I just go shopping instead, but Skylar and Bree said I’m not allowed. They’re planning a baby shower that I’m not supposed to know the details of, and if I shop now, they won’t have anything left to buy me.
“Which way do you want the changing table?” Brandon asks me after they’re done with the crib. “It’s interchangeable.”
I try to picture myself changing the baby’s diaper, and answer accordingly. He nods and returns to what they were doing. I, however, need a break. There’s only so much a pregnant woman can do.
LATER THAT EVENING, THE four of us are sitting around and watching a movie. Holden isn’t paying much attention, though – too busy scrolling through hundreds of baby names.
“What about Juliana?” He suggests.
I cringe. “Not my type. Gertrude?”
He raises one eyebrow. “Have you lost your ever-loving mind?”
“What?! It’s cute.”
“No. No, it’s not. Gertrude Rivers, it sounds like an old lady babysitter.”
I laugh. “Okay, then what about River?”
“River Rivers? Seriously?”
“At the rate you two are going, your daughter is going to be named ‘Female’ on her birth certificate.” Brandon comments.
After the movie ends, H and Bran leave to pick up dinner. As soon as we hear Holden’s loud car pull away, Emily turns to me with a knowing look on her face.
“What?” I question innocently.
“Gertrude? River Rivers?”
I throw my head back, laughing. “What? They’re c
ute.”
“No they’re not and you know that. He’s suggesting names that you would normally love, and you’re coming back with names out of TV shows from the 40’s.”
“You mean you can’t imagine a little baby Edna?”
“Kayleigh.”
Damn it. “I hate how well you know me.” I sigh. “I already know exactly what we’re naming the baby and Holden will love it. I just can’t tell him yet.”
“Why not?”
I smile. “It’s a surprise.”
“Hun, you can’t make your daughter’s name a surprise.”
Rolling my eyes, I lean over and whisper the name into her ear, even though we’re the only two in the room. When I pull away, she beams and nods quickly.
“I take that back. You absolutely can.”
Chapter 28
Caleb and I sit on the couch, sulking. It’s Valentine’s Day. Holden isn’t here and Caleb is ‘eternally single’, as he likes to call it. Everyone else is out celebrating, going to dinner and cuddling with their significant others. I’d love to say I’m not jealous, but between missing my husband and being thirty weeks pregnant – I’m definitely bitter.
“Want to go to the store tomorrow and take advantage of all the candy sales?” He asks, flopping his head to the side to look at me.
“I think that’s the best idea you’ve ever had.”
“Not true. I turned our stairs into a slide for a couple weeks while you were gone.”
A small laugh leaves my mouth, picturing Jason, Caleb, and Bree all sliding down instead of walking. “How’d you get back up?”
“I left a small section on the side. It was tough, but we did it.”
Knocking on the door pull my attention away from our conversation. I try to get up, but my rather large stomach makes it difficult. Caleb chuckles and waves for me to stay as he gets up and goes to see who it is.
Seamless Forever (Sleepless November Saga Book 3) Page 19