“Advance warning might have been nice,” Beck diplomatically says.
“We should have asked Kylie to mention we’d be here and to ask you if we could speak privately,” Garrick agrees. “If I’m making you uncomfortable, we can leave.”
“That won’t be necessary. It’s your niece’s birthday party,” I say, looking up at Beck, and we trade silent words. I already knew what he’d say, but he’s always extra protective when I’m pregnant. I return my focus to Garrick. “We can talk.”
“Thank you, Stevie.” Helena smiles warmly at me before extending her hand to Beck. “I know you know who I am, but we haven’t formally met. I’m Helena.”
Beck shakes her hand. “Beck. It’s nice to meet you.”
Garrick wears an amused grin that takes me back in time.
“What do you say we go check on the kids, Beck?” Helena says. “I need to wish that niece of mine a happy birthday, and I’d love to meet your daughter.”
“Of course.” Beck kisses me quickly, checking I’m okay with his eyes. “Can I get you something to drink before I go, honey?”
“Actually, a water would be good.” It’s hot, and I’m already sweating under my white maternity summer dress. Wearing high wedges probably wasn’t my smartest idea either.
“Garrick, can I get you anything?” Beck asks.
“I’ll take a water too.”
Beck moves into the house to grab drinks while I stand with my ex and his wife.
Helena moves to take the baby from Garrick, but he shakes his head. “Leave him, he’s sleeping.”
“He’s getting too attached to sleeping in your arms,” Helena says.
“When Olivia was born, the only place she would sleep was on Beck’s bare chest. It was hell trying to get her into a crib, but we managed. I think those early weeks are precious and important for bonding with your child.”
“That’s what I keep telling my wife.” Garrick pecks her lips.
“I tend to freak a little,” Helena says. “Even though I have tons of nieces and nephews, it’s different with your own child.”
“It definitely is,” I agree as Beck returns with two bottles of water, handing one to me and one to Garrick.
“Okay, we’ll let you two talk,” Helena says, looking expectantly at Beck.
Beck sends Garrick a warning look, and my husband kisses my cheek before walking off into the garden with Helena.
“Protective, isn’t he?” Garrick says with a chuckle.
“Very, especially when I’m pregnant. I think pregnancy brings out Neanderthal vibes in every man.”
“I wouldn’t know,” Garrick says with an easy smile. “We got pregnant via IVF and a surrogate.”
“That was insensitive of me.”
“Not at all. How could you know?” He jerks his head toward a small table and two chairs tucked into the corner of a quiet part of the garden. “Could we talk over there? Kylie’s a great sister-in-law but far too invested in this conversation, and I’d rather not have prying ears.”
“Sure.” I walk alongside him as we take a stone path to the area in question.
When we are settled with drinks in hand and a softly snoozing baby, I turn to face him. “What did you want to talk to me about?”
“Well, first, I just wanted to check you’re doing okay. It seems obvious because you look great, and you seem content, but are you happy?”
“Very. Beck is an amazing husband and father, and we’re fortunate to live a good life.”
“Do you still run the business with your mom?”
