By the time the session was about to end, each and every one of the ladies was more than a little in love with Ian. Who can really blame them?
When Daniel dropped by to pick us up, Ian declared, gesturing at Daniel, “See what I mean?” Daniel’s expression grew uncomfortable to Iris’s wide, proud grin and the “mmmhmm,” and “you go, girl!” announced my way from the rest of the gaggle. Noticing his jaw starting to work, I wrapped my hand around his waist. Leaning in, I whispered, “Take one for the team. Wow them with that smile of yours, pretty boy.” Shaking his head, Daniel nodded, his side smile making an appearance.
When Daniel took Iris’s stuff, helping her to the car, I had to literally pull Ian away from his insta-fans. “Can’t wait for the movie to come out,” followed us as we stepped out of the clinic.
I reread the notes I added to the email for Josh, making sure there are no glitches or forgotten items. I press send and rise to stand, walking to the office kitchen, deliberately putting off tackling my next task. I take extra time stirring sugar into my coffee and talking to my colleagues.
With a bittersweet sense of closure, I stroll back to my cubicle. The fact that soon enough Josh will be leaving too makes typing my resignation letter a bit less melancholic. Saying good-bye to something you are attached to and mostly enjoyed, no matter what’s coming next, is always sad. And just like that, the notion of Tasha and Ian being away filters in, tears welling in my eyes. Again? Really, Hayley? Seems like my pastime of preference these days is weeping. I can’t even stand the emotional mess I’ve become. As of late, I can’t even fathom where and when it’ll strike. Saying good-bye to my friends, being there for Iris in her hour of need, listening to a song, Daniel giving me his special smile, watching a damn toilet paper commercial featuring little puppies, and I turn into a pitiful bag of tears. I blame it on the volatility of the past months. So many changes in such a short time make it hard to come out unscathed.
I shake off the meditative state when a sound signals a message on my phone. An involuntary giggle flies out of my mouth as I read Ian’s text.
Ian to Tasha and Hayley: I kissed a girl and I didn’t like it. Blargh, the taste of cherry ChapStick. Being a movie star is not as simple as y’all commoners think it is.
I text back. I'm truly sorry for your misfortune. Wishing you everything you need during this difficult time.
Ian to Tasha and Hayley: Y’all women are so warm and soft and slimy.
Inwardly chuckling, I shoot out the next text. Which one of her lips did you have to kiss exactly?
Ian to Tasha and Hayley: I’m appalled, young gorgeous. I’m about to retch all over the set.
An answer from Tasha doesn’t take long to arrive.
Natasha to Ian and Hayley: Taking offense on behalf of the female population, especially the cherry ChapStick users. Oh and for Katie Perry in particular for her beautiful song not just being plagiarized but tarnished.
Ian to Tasha and Hayley: Don’t you type at me in that tone of voice, young lady!
Not a second passes and another text from Ian comes. This one is a selfie of his lips puckered into a kiss.
I’m still grinning widely when Josh pops his head in my cubicle. “What’s so funny?”
“Ian,” I say with a “who else?” expression.
He nods with a smile. “What has he done now?”
“Nothing that’s outside the gray area of the law.”
“Phew.” Josh exhales with a melodramatic press of his hand to his chest.
I grin and show him the photo of Ian’s kiss on my phone. He shakes his head with a smitten smile. Oh, young love. Bound in thy rainbow flag. Apologize for this, Lord Byron, but it really fit the moment.
“Saw your email. That’s it, eh?” Josh says. I take a deep breath, bobbing my head. “Let’s go for a celebratory something sweet.”
“Sounds perfect.” I stand, following him to reception.
Chapter 30
Perfect Sense
Daniel heaves loudly, righting his sitting position next to me, leaning on the headboard. He rubs his palm over his morning scruff. “Hales, let’s just set a date already, for fuck’s sake.” I turn to him with a start. Good morning to you too, psycho. I’m afraid to ask what he dreamed about, waking up all tickled pink.
“I haven’t had coffee yet,” I murmur, my stomach contracting at the thought of coffee. Blargh. Blargh, coffee? BLARGH, COFFEE? What’s happening to me? All the new, odd sensations that have been taking over my body lately parade into my mind, drums and all, enkindling an epiphany. The tiny nudging feeling in my lower belly, my tender breasts, the faint sense of nausea that never leaves. Oh I know, I know perfectly well where this blargh coffee must be coming from.
“I want you officially mine. It’s been over almost a goddamn year.” Daniel’s eyes narrow at me.
“Oh, I am yours, believe me, now more than ever . . .” God, it’s so warm in here. I rise to sit, maybe a bit too quickly. The room spins for an excruciating moment. Oh, crap, I’m going to hurl. I lift one finger and bolt to the bathroom, not even able to close the door behind me. I fall to my knees and before I’m able to open my mouth and let all things wreaking havoc in my stomach out, Daniel drops to the floor behind me. He holds my hair back as I dip down, and with immense cramps, let it all out. Light sweat covers my forehead by the third time my stomach constricts and fluids gush out of me. So romantic, it’s almost lyric.
I wipe my mouth with toilet paper and move to lean on the cold tiled wall. Raising my head, I close my eyes and inhale, working to get back to normal.
“Hales, what’s wrong?” I open one eye to his hazel concern. Daniel inches up toward the sink and comes right back with a damp rag. He runs the cooling fabric gently over my forehead, above my lips. His other hand stroking my hair. “If that’s your reaction to getting married, it sort of bruises my ego,” he teases, causing me to crack a pale smile. “Baby, you okay?”
I nod. “I just need a moment,” I say in a weak voice. Daniel’s features tighten with concern as he runs the cloth over my forehead once more.
Not exactly how I planned it. Ready, D? I inwardly shake my head at the moment. “I always imagined I’d tell you this in a more ceremonial-esque kind of way, candles, sea, music, doves, fireworks, you know, full-on schmaltz.” He cocks his head, his eyes running over my, I can only assume, green around the gills, face. “God, I must look like a disaster, but well, here goes. . .” I sigh, feeling miserable. Feeling the same as I probably look right now. Pregnancy glow, my bum. “I-I’m pregnant . . . I think.”
Daniel’s lips part for a magical moment in which he couldn’t appear more handsome, shocked, and confused. He blinks at me. “Hales, I always think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, but you’ve never looked as beautiful as you are right now.”
“Really? Now’s the time to be making fun of me, when I’m miserable?” I shake my head. “Bad timing, dude.”
His lips don’t lift an inch, on the contrary, solemnity suffuses his features. “Hales.” His voice is warm and rich. “You are so beautiful like that, with my child inside of you.”
Me? Melting into a frothing puddle. My lately quick-on-the-trigger emotions brim, welling my eyes. “You can’t say things like that.” I wipe a tear. “I’m pregnant, I can’t handle it.” Daniel’s lips arch; his eyes join the dancing. “Daniel Stark, father of my unborn baby, will you marry me . . . soon?” I look at him from under my damp lashes.
His grin turns radiant. “Get your ass up now and rinse your mouth so I can kiss you.” He bends to kiss my forehead with a smile. Not waiting for me to follow orders, he lifts me up and settles me on the vanity. Our joyful eyes latch as Daniel hands me a small cup of mouthwash. Standing between my thighs, beaming, he watches me as I spit out the solution as gracefully as I can into the sink.
I wipe my mouth with a towel he hands me. “We’re so romantic; someone should turn our story into a book.” I toss the towel on the granite plank.
Daniel lightly chuckles, his hands cupping my cheeks. “Can you shut up for a second and let me kiss you?”
Humor dissolves into fragile tenderness when our lips connect. My heart aches so sweetly when he tilts his head, brushing his lips ever so caringly over mine. “I love you so much,” he says. His warm breath carrying the words into me. His hands slide to my waist, hugging me closer to him, his mouth never leaving mine. I lean in, pressing against him, my hands caressing his warm skin. Melting into his embrace, into him.
A new wave of nausea prompts me to break the magic. “Sorry.” I push him back, jumping off the vanity. I put the toilet lid down after vomiting whatever was left in me.
“Come here.” Daniel helps me nestle between his legs, where he leans against the wall by my side. I rest my head back on his chest, letting him cover me with his warmth. “Better now?”
I nod, too weak to speak. Tightening his embrace around me, he rests his chin on my hair.
“What did you mean when you said you think you’re pregnant? Haven’t you taken a test?”
“Oh, I’m pretty sure I am. There are too many signs to indicate otherwise. But I will see my OB/GYN, just to make it official and make sure everything’s okay. But you know what, why don’t I take one right now? Do you mind getting me one from the upper drawer?”
Daniel eases to stand, helping me to my feet. He takes a couple of steps to reach the vanity. Opening the drawer, he pivots my way. Query covers his handsome face. “How many of these did you get?”
I wince. There must be about fifteen untouched home pregnancy test packets scattered around the small drawer. Originally, there were eighteen, back before Ian insisted we detect the presence of pregnancy hormones in our bodies. I bite my lip. “Hmm, a few?”
“And never used them?” Daniel adds, assessing me with a confused side smile.
“Didn’t want to obsess about it.”
“Oh, that makes perfect sense.” He shakes his head, his lips set in a smirk.
Chapter 31
Roasted Bird and News
Three months later
“Can you stop inhaling the appetizers?” I swat Ian’s hand away from the truffles pesto crostini dish.
“What? I’m just being sympathetic to you and your condition. I’m eating for two.” He manages to snatch another crostini in a steal the ball stealth maneuver.
“Of course, you are,” Tasha breathes, taking a sip of her champagne. “Doesn’t look like you eat much.” She gives my tight red woolen dress a scan.
“I don’t. I practically have to force myself to eat.” I set the rest of the food Nadine so artfully crafted onto serving platters.
“That rack, though.” Tasha shakes her head with attitude. “Damn girl, you’re sizzling.”
A short giggle leaves my mouth. The smile stays on my lips with the memory of Ian noticing my figure earlier this evening, seeing me for the first time in three months when he and Josh arrived at our Kith and Kin Thanksgiving dinner.
Daniel opened the door to them, and I followed right after. Entering the foyer and noticing me, Ian did a double take. In a production that wouldn’t fail Tarantino, he took a couple of steps back to examine the nonexistent door plaque. “Say, Josh, are you sure we’re at the right address?” The three of us eyed him in unison. “I thought we were going to dinner at the Stark residence, and here we are at the Playboy mansion.”
I was the first one to decode The Ian, given my seniority in dealing with his uniqueness and the fact that his eyes were practically burning holes in my bosom. Being the devout fan of the recent changes in my figure, Daniel was the next one to acknowledge Ian’s words with a healthy chuckle. Daniel has been following the transformation of my body from skinny to Playboy bunny padded with utter fascination. Due to a combination of morning sickness and hormones, my waist has shrunken while the girls, on the other hand, broke all barriers and let loose.
Daniel shook Josh’s hand while Ian wrapped his arms around me. “Gorgeous, you look all kinds of stunning and sexy. I missed your face.”
“I missed you something fierce,” I whispered into his ear, my eyes starting to water while I inwardly cussed. “Damn you, ruthless hormones, this is really getting old.”
Ian eased out of our embrace, holding me by my shoulders and scanning me from up close. “They are like puffy clouds. I want to rest my head on them and take a nap. Can I touch them?” A mischievous smile adorned his lips.
A slap on his back, stronger than was called for, interrupted our moment. “Let’s get drinks,” Daniel said in a voice holding warning. Josh grinned and I rolled my eyes, following them into the living room.
“When are your parents and Steven getting in?” Tasha asks, bringing me back to the present.
“Soon. They were supposed to meet Iris at the airport and commute together. Daniel arranged for a car to pick them all up.”
“Ready to tell your dad the good news?” Ian says, trading stares with Tasha first, and then moving to me. I sigh and rest my hip on the kitchen island.
“Oh c’mon, he’ll be thrilled. He’ll get over all the rest. I bet he will.” It’s Tasha sprinkling some holiday spirit to the air.
“I know my dad. He’ll be thrilled, that’s for sure. But I can assure you he won’t be that big on the whole baby before marriage concept, to say the least. Not to mention what he’ll do to Daniel.”
“You can send Daniel to me right after. I’ll be more than glad to lick his wounds.” Tasha and I push Ian’s chest. Nearly losing his balance, he wobbles backward. “What? I’m just trying to be a Good Samaritan.”
“Be a Good Samaritan by getting all of these to the table.” I gesture with my chin at the profusion of delectable food on the island. Though we hired Nadine to take care of the menu for tonight, I’ve decided not to hire staff to help with serving. Everyone invited means so much to me, and I wanted to keep it intimate. Daniel raised his concern about me working too hard or stressing. When Tasha and Ian assured him they would help, he finally relented. I swear, if he could have his way, I’d be wrapped up in bubble wrap all day only for him to unwrap come bedtime.
“Hales?” Daniel’s voice reaches us from the living room, followed by elated greetings. Tasha and Ian give me encouraging smiles.
Tasha squeezes my shoulder. “Oh, don’t worry. Worst case, we’ll celebrate Thanksgiving by either bailing Daniel or your dad out.”
The three of us snort in stereo. “Nothing like creating fond memories,” I say and start toward our guests.
One look at my mother and I know she knows. She watches us with a sentimental smile and glossy eyes as Daniel and I stand before them. We asked them to join us on the patio, opting for some privacy in delivering the news, even though most of the guests present already know. It’s not that I didn’t want to tell my parents, I couldn’t wait to do just that, but I preferred to do it face to face.
With his hand enlaced around my waist, Daniel starts. “Thank you for coming. We’re glad to have you here with –”
Too excited and fidgety, I cut him off, exclaiming, “We’re expecting a baby.”
The watery screen in my mom’s eyes turns into waterworks. “Oh, Lelly.” I’m swallowed into her vanilla and home scented hug. She kisses my cheeks, holding me long. She turns to give Daniel the same emotion-saturated treatment. Daniel chuckles, somewhat discomforted by the teary kisses attack.
My dad takes a step toward me, edginess and excitement playing on his face. He takes me into his arms, resting his chin on the crown of my head. “Congratulations, Lelly.” His hand moves to smooth my hair. “Are you feeling well? You should be taking prenatal vitamins. And FGF – your iron has always been low, and now, more than ever, you should take care of that.”
“I got it covered, Dad. My doctor is pretty strict. And believe me, Daniel is very concerned about my diet. He has a chef to cook healthy food for me.”
Overtly, my dad disregards my last comment. “If you suffer from morning sickness, you should
get some ginger candy. They come highly praised.”
“Dad.” I ease back to meet his eyes. “It’s Daniel’s baby too,” I whisper.
“Right. It is.” He nods. Stone-faced, he turns to Daniel. Holding his hand out, he says, “Congratulations, Daniel.”
Daniel shakes his hand, “Thank you, Dr. Grace.”
My dad’s eyes are hard on Daniel. “Work keeping you busy?” My brows furrow at the odd question. “You haven’t found the time to marry my daughter. She not important enough to do it the right way or are you still keeping your options open?” I wince. Daniel throws me a look that feels more like a whip cracking.
“Dad, it was actually me. I’m the one who has been postponing the wedding. If Daniel could have it his way, we’d have been married a long ago.”
“You always let Hayley take the heat for you?”
My mom and my words collide as we exclaim, “Derek Grace!” “Dad!”
“Hales.” Daniel turns to me. “Why don’t you help your mom get settled in. I’d like to talk with your dad.” He caresses my cheek. “We’ll join you soon.” He leaves a kiss on my forehead. Reluctant, I give my dad a scolding look and walk my mom into the house.
. . .
Ian sighs dramatically. “Occupational hazard.” Iris’s smile brightens, waiting for him to go on about how during the filming of an intimate scene, his co-star sneezed and he had to jump back to not, as he puts it, get any of her germs into his system. By the jerk of his body, his arm flailed back, causing his pinky to brush against a lit candle. “A second-degree burn.” His dour headshake backs the severity of his traumatic injury.
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