Maddison stares at him with fascination. “Wow. So cool. Does your baby have one, too?”
I nod. “She does. Her name is Gracie, but I call her Little Tulip, and Greyson calls her Buttercup.”
“I wish I had a name like that,” she says sheepishly.
“I can give you one if you’d like.” I smile when her face lights up.
“You can?!”
“Yes. How about…” I think of a cute one just for her. “Little Lotus. I like flower names. My dog is named Daisy, and my dad calls me Sunflower. I think Little Lotus is perfect for you.”
“Oh! I love it! Thank you!” She throws her arms around my neck and squeezes me as hard as she can.
“Hey! What about me? Do I get a hug, too?” Grey says with a smile.
Maddie blushes as she lets go of me seconds before throwing herself into his arms.
“Sweetheart! There you are. I told you to stay on that bench until I came back.” A man rushes up to us, out of breath.Her father, I presume.
She lets go of Greyson and looks down at her feet. “I’m sorry, Daddy. I didn’t mean to scare you,” she says in a saddened tone.
“It was my fault. I’m sorry. She was sitting there alone and wanted a picture with him, so I offered to take her. I realize I should have waited for permission from you first. Please forgive me,” I tell him quickly, not wanting her to get in trouble for my wrongdoing.
He sighs, his shoulders dropping like he’s carrying the world on them. “No. I’m the one who’s sorry. I never should have left her alone. I just had a really important call with her doctor that I couldn’t miss, but thank you for keeping her company.”
From the red rim around his eyes, I can tell that phone call wasnota good one…I wish there was something I could do to help. Maybe I can.I know all the money we’ll be raising tonight is for them, but if I can help one in particular, one that has already wormed her way into my heart, then I will.
“Can I talk to you for a sec while Little Lotus here takes her picture with her McDreamy?” I ask her father, then wink back at Maddie and giggle when I see Grey’s confused expression.
Her father chuckles, then nods and does a show of his hand, gesturing for me to lead the way.
~ Charity Gala ~
We’re all at mine and Greyson’s home getting ready together for the night. The boys are already in their tuxes, waiting downstairs for us as we apply the finishing touches. Everyone looks absolutely gorgeous. Ronnie dyed her hair pastel pink for the occasion, and it looks magnificent. In reality, every color on her looks amazing. With her golden skin tone and beautifully defined facial features, she looks like a Roman goddess. I’m honestly jealous of her permanent tan.
Cecilia left her rich brown hair in its natural wavy curls, and Morgan decided to put up her mid-length blonde locks into a stylish messy bun. Aubrey’s long blonde hair is perfectly straightened, as is Ronnie’s shoulder-length pink. I went with one of my favorite styles, big Hollywood curls. One side tucked in behind my ear, the rest falling down my back to my waist.
My makeup is heavier than I’m used to, but I love the whole look. Black and gold eye shadow with winged black eyeliner and mascara, finished with my deep red lipstick. Around my neck, I wear the sunflower necklace Greyson got me for Christmas that I never take off unless it’s to shower or sleep. And in my ears, I put yellow-gold diamond earrings shaped like sunflowers that my father bought me for my birthday to go with my necklace.
“What’s taking so long?!” Silas shouts from down the steps.
“Always so impatient, that one,” Cecilia says with an eye roll.
“He loves you, don’t complain. He’s excited,” Morgan tells her with a tender smile. “Everyone ready?”
We all nod and head for the door, making our way down the steps one at a time with Cecilia first. Silas gasps loudly when he spots her. “Cover the kid’s ears. There’s no way I can hold this in. HOLYFUCK!My wife isfuckingsexy!” He bites his knuckles and growls, walking back and forth without looking away from her. “AHH!” He lets go of his knuckles and marches over to Cecilia, picking her up in his arms and spinning her around. “Oh, fucking God! Prepare yourself, Minnie, we’re making a baby tonight!”
Cecilia laughs, her head thrown back. He finally puts her down after peppering her entire face with kisses. “I need to call our doctor, get the go-ahead,” he says, pulling out his phone.
Cecilia snatches the phone out of his hand. “You will do no such thing. We have seven months left. You can hold out a bit longer.”
“Exactly, seven months. That’s nothing. I’m sure it wouldn’t change anything if you got pregnant now,” Silas tells her, trying to sound convincing.
“Actually, seven months makes a big difference on the human body when it involves healing,” Noah informs him.
Sy glares at him. “Whose friend are you? I’m trying to get my wife pregnant here.”
We finally all reach the main floor now that Silas and Cecilia have moved slightly to the side, and I immediately notice Clay go for his wife. He wraps his arm around her back, whispering something into her ear with a serious expression. Then he kisses the side of her head fiercely when she nods with a sad smile.
