“You know you’ve made me the happiest man alive?”
“Yes, but I’ll never grow tired of hearing you say it.”
“Then I won’t. Ever.” He held out his arm. “Are you ready, princess?”
“Yes,” she said, and took his arm. “I am.”
“Then let’s climb into the royal chariot.”
Normally, he drove, but tonight was a special occasion, so he’d called for the limo. After months of renovations, they would celebrate the updates to the building and announce some exciting changes to Grandma Lou’s menu with much public fanfare and some national news coverage.
A few minutes later, the limo was at the restaurant’s front door, but Hank asked her to wait until he could escort her to the entrance. Camera crews lined the sidewalk. A large gold ribbon with “celebration” written in block letters covered the doorway. He held out a hand and flashed her his confident smile. “Showtime.”
Although she would never get used to the camerasand paparazzi that followed them around snapping photos, Hank was in his element. He looked dapper in a pair of gray slim-fitting slacks, shiny black boots, and a white short-sleeve dress shirt that showed off his biceps. Bethany was content to hold his arm and let him deal with all the questions.
Elizabeth stood near the entrance with Travis and Rosie. And there were her helpers, Sean, Liam, and Declan, looking classy in the khakis and dress shirts she’d bought them for the occasion. “Hello, boys, you’re looking good,” she said.
They grinned and elbowed each other in the ribs.
“Hank, Bethany,” Elizabeth interrupted. “We’re all set inside.”
Rosie gave Bethany a hug. “Nervous?”
She nodded. “A little.”
Travis patted her shoulder. “Don’t be. You’ll do great. Here, I think you’ll be needing these.” He handed Bethany a large pair of scissors.
“Don’t you want to do the honors?”
“I wouldn’t even think about it. You did most of the work.” Travis winked. “Tell you what, you cut the ribbon, and Rosie and I will watch to make sure it’s done right. Deal?”
Bethany rolled her eyes. “Oh, all right. But you should know better than to irritate a pregnant woman.”
“Get ready. Looks like you’re on.”
Susan Winchester, the reporter from Channel Ten, greeted them, microphone in hand. “Hank, you and Bethany spent months, not to mention lots of cash, to make improvements to this historic building for all the tenants. Now Grandma Lou’s is set to provide Clevelanders witheven more food options. Tell us, what’s so special about the new menu?”
He paused on the steps and turned to face the camera. “My wife is incredibly talented. She knows locals love their baked goods. But I know many fitness buffs can’t enjoy them on a daily basis because of the calories and sugar. Besides improvements to the building, we’re unveiling a new line of products that everyone can enjoy, without adding inches to their waistline.”
“That’s fantastic. What are you calling it?”
“Food of Gods. Take it from me, even the gods never tasted bakery items this good, and good for you.”
“Hank,” another reporter called out from the crowd, “congratulations on the new Robin Hood movie and opening your own production studio. Are you excited to become a father?”
“I’m thrilled.”
“You’ve said in the past that your own father wasn’t much involved in your formative years. Are you worried at all if you’ll make a good father?”
Hank hesitated, and because Bethany was holding his arm, she felt his muscles tighten. Why did reporters always ask needling questions? “Hank will make a terrific father,” she said and turned to Susan Winchester. “Are you ready, Susan? We have a ribbon to cut.”
“We’re rolling.”
“Okay, Cleveland,” Bethany said. “Welcome to the newly renovated historic Parker building.” She clipped the ribbon amid cheers from the crowd.
“C’mon inside and help yourself to free samples,” Travis said.
The baby lurched in her belly and a stabbing pain shotthrough her lower back. “Oh, my goodness. Hank! I...I think it’s time.”
