“Do a little spin for me, Mama.” And because for the life of me I cannot tell this man no, I quickly spin. Suddenly feeling shy, I look to the ground waiting for him to comment.
“You look so fucking beautiful and fuck me if that bump doesn’t do something to me.” I look up at him just in time to see him adjust himself in his pants.
“Thank you. That helped.”
“Good. What shoes are you wearing?” He asks, walking towards my closet.
“White strappy sandals, I think.”
Tatum pops out of my closet, my shoes in hand. “Have a seat.”
“I can put my shoes on myself, Tatum.”
“I know, but I’d like to help you. Once you’re ready, I’m going to drive you to the beach house for the shower and Kodi already told me she would drop you back here afterward.” He drops to his knee in front of me, lifting my dress above the ankle, then bringing my foot to his knee and he places soft kisses there before sliding my shoes on. If we didn’t have somewhere to be, I would’ve hiked my dress up even further and pulled his face between my legs. He must know what I’m thinking because he smirks, and tells me, “I’ve got you later Mama. Let’s go.”
The drive to the beach house is quick and quiet for the most part. Tatum hums along to the music and I watch the ocean go by, spotting a dolphin or two along the way.
“Ready?” Tate asks, parking the car in front of the house. Luckily the only cars I see so far are Kodi and Sinclairs. Wondering where Harley is, I open my messages and see she hasn’t said anything in the group chat.
“Yes, let’s get inside before my Mom gets here.” Tatum jogs around and helps me out of the car, grabbing my bag including my fuzzy slippers in case my feet start to hurt from the back seat before extending his arm to me.
Near the front door of the house, a small sign reads ‘Welcome to Darcy’s Baby Shower’ and when we enter, nothing seems out of place until we cross the threshold into the living and dining space. A balloon arch sits on one side of the room surrounding a picture backdrop that says ‘Baby on Board’ and a little tikes cozy coupe that’s been painted baby blue sits beside it, complete with a toddler-sized surfboard on top. I take it in, tears prickling my eyes because my friends took my dream and brought it to life. Tatum’s strong arms wrap around me from behind.
“They did a really good job.”
“They did.” Barely holding back the tears, I continue to where the kitchen island is dotted with fruits, charcuterie, little themed cookies that look like the ocean, boards, and seashells along with sand-colored cutlery and plates.
“Ah, you’re here!” Kodi squeals, stepping inside from the back porch and beelining it for me. Sin follows not too far behind her, Bella on her hip, and the next thing I know my friends are wrapped around me.
“Do you love it? I put more effort into blowing up those balloons than I’ve ever done blowing a man.” Sin teases while covering Bella’s ears.
“Alright, I think that’s my cue, can’t be late for my Huggies and Chuggies party with the team, whatever that means. Ladies, if I may borrow Darcy for a moment?” Tate asks, clearing his throat.
“Yes, but don’t be long. We need to get some photos before everyone shows up!” Kodi says, “Actually, wait. You two stand over there and let us take a few pictures of you together.”
We move together to the backdrop where Kodi directs us—in true mom form—giving us comments like “Act like you like each other” and “Darcy Marie give me a real smile” and Sin poses us before Tatum drags me to the front entryway.
“Have fun today, Mama. I’ll have sweatpants and an Icee waiting for you at the condo.” Tate smiles down at me, pushing a loose curl behind my ear and letting his thumb gently rub the nape of my neck as he speaks.
“I will, thanks for this morning and driving me... and for the lilies.”
“Anytime, D.” Our lips embrace softly before he leaves and I make my way back to my best friends. Well, two thirds of them.
“Anybody talk to Harls?” I’m trying not to think about the fact that she promised she would be here and hasn’t checked in.
“Nope, she was staying at Benji’s last night but told me she’d be here before she went.” Sin sighs, resignation is heavy in her tone.
“She hasn’t texted?” Kodi asks as she busies herself making sure all, what I imagine are, the final touches are accomplished.
“I’m going to call her.” I call her on speaker, knowing Kodi and Sin will want to hear what she has to say if she answers.
It rings and rings and rings until we get her voicemail, “Hey Harley, just checking in. Can’t wait to see you today. Love your best bitches.”
We don’t have much time to sit and wait for a response as the guests begin to arrive. I didn’t want it to be a crazy big event. We invited Rose, the twins, my Mom, Grace flew in, and even Enid, Conrad’s girlfriend, RSVP’d. She’s been hanging out with us more often and since Conrad was taking Mace to the Huggies and Chuggies, I figured she could come to hang out as well, along with a couple other friends and ex-coworkers that I still keep up with.
I’m standing by the snack table, catching up with Quinn, an old coworker, when a shrill voice causes my shoulders to bunch.
“Darcy!” she calls. My mother has arrived.
