My cousin, Gracie, has a faint cheeky grin on her face as she grabs a paper plate with a teddy bear on it. “So how upset is the Blisswood clan that you’re not doing this at their winery?” She’s busy adding vegetables to her plate.
I scoff a laugh. “About a ten, but they will get over it as soon as someone else is knocked up or engaged, either order will do.”
She takes a big bite of her carrot, causing a snapping sound. “I didn’t realize how much I enjoy these parties.”
“Me too,” I agree.
A touch on my shoulder startles me, and the moment I turn to face Carter’s mom, I force a smile. I like her, I do, but I’m well aware to brace myself for the words that are about to come out of her mouth. Gracie even gives me a humorous eye roll.
“This is a fun little get-together.” I hear a but coming from my ex maybe future mother-in-law. “The candle making and need to sit barefoot on floor cushions with flower petals all around while we all share in a circle is a little… out there.” She straightens her turquoise statement necklace.
My eyes fling to the table. “Your candle is nice.” It’s kind of ugly, but fine.
“Whatever you say. How sweet that all of the candles will be going home with you and potentially burn down my son’s house.” Her smile is a little on the fake side, but I will let it go. Instead of getting to host the baby shower, she compensated with a giant diaper cake, a stuffed animal the size of my body, and a stroller that is far too expensive.
“Oh, if that happens then we will just move in with you. I’m sure you won’t mind having a crying baby at home again.” I smile sweetly.
Her finger dabs the tip of my nose. “Always the funny one.” Her smile is now honest, and we are reminded that we very much get along, even if we both have what we consider out-of-this-world ideas.
“Hopefully the baby gets that gene. Would hate for him or her to be prickly and grumpy all the time.”
She chuckles under her breath. “Me too. My son can be a little uptight at times,” she jokes.
I shrug. “Sometimes.” Most of the time, but not with me.
Her eyes drop to my stomach, and she gushes another smile. “What a miracle. Plus, you’ll have the whole street around to help. Carter will be a wonderful father, I just know it.”
He will. I don’t doubt that.
Nancy’s eyes slide to the side, and she frowns. “Jet, get off of there,” she chides. “Hailey! That mutt is eating from the counter again.” She tries to shoo the dog away, and I can only grin.
Hailey rushes from across the room to grab Jet by the collar. “Sorry. He’s just excited.”
“I told you to keep him in the other room.”
Hailey ignores her mother-in-law and leans down to scratch Jet’s ears. “Not this guy. He was invited. Rosie said he can be her emotional support dog that is needed in the company of overbearing mothers.” She smiles brightly.
“She’s right,” I add.
Hailey begins to rub Jet’s cheeks. “Look at him,” she coos. “Such a sweetie. I know you also brought him gourmet dog treats that you picked up in Chicago. Don’t try to hide it.”
Nancy rolls her eyes as her smile drives to the side. “Perhaps. Doesn’t mean I want his slobber on the charcuterie board.”
Jet patters away, and Hailey stands, amused. “It’s fine, but I think we might be out of champagne.”
“What?” Nancy is quick to answer, alarmed. “I brought twelve bottles!” She marches off in search of the alcohol.
Hailey and I just laugh at one another. She crosses her arms and leans against the counter. “It’s too easy. Especially since she means well.”
I lift a shoulder. “She’s just excited. It’s the first grandchild. Same with my family.” I softly pat my belly. “The first grandchild and grandniece or nephew for the Blisswoods.”
She shrieks in excitement. “I can’t wait for aunt duties.”
“You’ll be the fun one, and one day, he or she will go to your preschool.”
She claps her hands together and jumps. “I know.”
I reach out and touch her arm. “Thanks again for throwing this shower. It’s perfect.”
