“I presume you've told Ash too?” Mrs C asks.
“Calla and Ash were sworn to secrecy until we had the scan. It took us a little while to...” Angie's voice fades while glancing up at her husband again. With his arm securely around her waist, her voice picks up. “I’m sure you don't want to hear about that.”
I wish I didn’t know what she was talking about, but a couple of years back, I overheard a conversation between Ash and Calla about how these two had their troubles while trying for a kid. It’s a subject I consider private and none of my business.
“You don't need to say anything more, my love. I'm certain you’ll both make fabulous parents, and that little one is going to be a very lucky child.” Mrs C leans over, touching Angie’s hand. “You have so much to look forward to. When’s the baby due?”
“Oh, we still have a while to wait. I’m just twelve weeks, but we’re so excited.”
Still dithering like a prick, I attempt to break the ice. “Hey, I’m not thinking. Why don’t you take my seat?”
She pauses and glances at Scott for a moment before accepting with a cautious smile.
“Thanks, Tommy. That's sweet of you.”
“Congratulations, guys.” Raising my glass, I nod in their direction.
“Thanks, mate,” Scott replies, while Angie’s eyes meet mine for a brief moment and her shoulders seem to relax.
“Okay, no more talking about little Buster in here,” she adds, patting her near-flat stomach, just as Ash falls in behind Calla, kissing her neck.
“Save it for the honeymoon,” Scott calls. Calla blushes and Ash winks his way.
“Two nights child-free is hardly a honeymoon, but we’ll make up for it after the babies are born.”
“We were just talking about Angie and Scott's new addition,” Mrs C says.
“Hey, you're telling everyone now? Thank fuck for that.”
“Ashton Chambers, watch your language!”
He rolls his lips. “Sorry, Mum, but if you only knew how long I've had to keep it quiet. I’m relieved the news is out.”
While the girls chat away, Ash takes me aside. “Hey, I’m sorry I couldn’t let you in on their baby news beforehand, but I made a promise.” His eyes dart to Angie, then back to me.
“It’s all good here, my friend.”
“You sure? I know you’ve always had a thing for her.”
“Not in a very long time. I’m happy for them. That’s the truth.”
So, why do I feel weird about it? Me and Angie haven’t been an item in forever. We’ve socialised over the years and been civil, yet today, my regret levels are off the chart. What the fuck is happening here? Maybe this whole wedding thing is getting to me.
“More to the point, how are you feeling?” I lay a firm hand on Ash’s shoulder. “It’s a big day for you, dude.”
“Yeah. I’m a lucky man.” He glances over at his very pregnant wife. “I’ve got everything I ever wanted.” He turns back to face me. “And where’s your date disappeared to?”
“The ladies,” I answer before I scan the room. “Now you come to mention it, she’s been a while.”
“Right.” He nods, but I’m certain he couldn’t care less if he never saw Chelsea again. Ash isn't her biggest fan. Apparently, I'm in a long line of musicians she's dated, but we all have a history.
“I’d better find out where she’s got to,” I reply.
While I wander around the room, my thoughts land on my best friend and his girl. Ash and Calla have an incredible relationship, which, until today, I thought was a one-off. Now, asI watch Angie and Scott from across the room, it’s clear they have it too.
The elements of what they have are falling into place for me. I’ve witnessed the love, laughter, tears, and sense of family. This is my lightbulb moment.
“Baby, there you are. I need a glass of champagne,” Chelsea demands while I'm looking at her with fresh eyes. How the hell can I carry on coasting like this? Maybe it’s time I faced up to a few home truths, especially after witnessing so much love in this room tonight. Maybe Mrs C is right. I shouldn’t settle for second best.
