“Which is why we agreed that organizing this day, hanging out with our friends and my family, was needed. Lach’s still on track to get out of the hospital this week, and I need to talk to everyone about my ideas for his fundraiser.”
“Just don’t over do anything.”
She stopped and pressed her hand to his chest. “Go with the guys. You need this break as much as I do. The girls and I are going to have a great time while you guys cook and Ipromise—no, don’t argue—that I will take it easy, as long as you do too.”
“Fine.” Hawk dropped to his knees and Jessie giggled as he pressed a kiss against her belly. “You be good for your mama. I’ll be making your lunch. Give her a good kick when you get hungry or if you miss me.”
Her hand playfully pushed against his shoulders. “Ugh. If she kicks me any harder, she’ll probably come out.”
Hawk laughed. “Not today, Bee. Don’t get up to too much trouble with the girls.”
“Oh don’t worry.” Jessie stood on her tiptoes, leaning into Hawk who was now standing in front of her. “I will.”
“Jessie! Waddle that cute pregnant belly of yours over here and I’ll spritz you with some sunscreen!” Sloane laughed as she wiggled the sunscreen bottle in her hand.
She turned, rolling her eyes as Hawk’s hand landed playfully against her bottom, and walked over to the picnic table where the girls were gathered.
“This is such a cute area, Jessie. Thanks again for inviting us all here,” Lily said as she finished fastening the clips on Sage’s life vest.
“Mama, I go swimming now?” Sage asked.
“Soon, baby. Let mommy get some sunscreen on your face and you need to wear your hat, too.” Lily smiled as she smoothed down Sage’s hair.
“I can help, Aunt Lily! I’ve got her hat here with Cami’s.” Embrie broke away from Lacy and the baby, smiling as she set Sage’s hat on her head.
“What would I do without you, kiddo? You are the best big cousin.”
“And the best big sister,” Lacy added.
“I’m CPR certified now,” Embrie said as she turned to Jessie. “I’ll be able to watch your baby one day after she’s borntoo. I love babies! And I’ll be her cousin. I can’t wait to hold her.”
Jessie’s throat tightened with emotion. “I can’t wait for that either. She’s going to look up to you so much, Embrie.”
“Have you and Uncle Hawk picked out a name for her yet? I have some favorites I could share with you if you want.”
“Embrie… I’m sure they have names that are very special to them,” Lacy said.
“We actually decided to wait until we see her face to officially decide, but I imagine we’ll have to come up with something more permanent thanBee, so I’m all ears for suggestions.”
Embrie’s face fell. “Hmm. I only had cheese-related names ready, because that’s what Mom and Dad like.” Mae laughed as she handed a cold water bottle to Jessie from the cooler. “But I can think of some bumblebee related names! Like… Oh! Honey! Or, you could name her after a flower! Like Poppy! Or Lavender! Aunt Lily, Aunt Jessie’s baby and Sage will be cousins, too, right?”
“They will,” Lily laughed.
“How pretty are Sage and Lavender together?”
“They’re beautiful,” Jessie answered. “Jeepers, Embrie. CPR certified babysitter and baby naming help! How much are you charging for this service?”
Embrie laughed. “The first consultation is free. But then I have to charge because Dad says I’m too smart for my own good and he’ll go broke paying for my Ivy-league education. I’m saving up my money for that.”
“Ladybug, you know Dad and I are going to pay for your college. You don’t need to worry.” Lacy’s face fell.
Embrie shrugged, running over to Lacy and wrapping her arms around her waist. “I know. It’s just fun to joke about.”
“Hi, hello!! Sorry we’re late!” Birdie shoved Beau towards the guys and waved as she walked up to the group.
“Alright, I can’t take it any more! The water is calling to me!” Emma pulled her caftan off over her head, and revealed a siren-red bikini that made Jessie jealous. Her own black bikini was revealing, and as she looked around at her friends, she felt a surge of regret at wearing something where her belly would be on full display. A whistle sounded from across the field and Emma laughed. “Sebastian can’t resist me in red, even after all this time.”
Jessie smiled, before faded lines on Emma’s body caught her eye.
