And it had been so nice to see Locke’s father again. I’d even gotten to meet his mother, who’d flown up from Dorset. It had only been a few days since Locke had returned to Braeburn, and though he was a little taken aback to have both his parents in one room, he’d positively beamed as Lena pinned theFuture Daddybadge to his chest.
At that point, I hadn’t been able to help myself, and I’d burst into happy tears. After everything I’d gone through this past week, it was hard to believe my heart hadn’t burst from all the love this little boy and I had been given. Not only was his father back, but he had an entire community eagerly awaiting his arrival. I truly couldn’t have wanted more for my son.
“Here,” Jo said, passing us a large box wrapped in blue paper with white snowflakes. “Start with this one.”
The planning committee—Jo, Lena, Cat, and Aunt Elsie—had settled on a Winter Wonderland theme for the shower. And thanks to Aisling, there were dozens of hand-cut snowflakes decked out in glitter hanging all across the lobby. White balloons were scattered about in bunches. Twinkle lights were strung off every horizontal surface. A large sign hung across the reception desk. It said BUNDLE UP—BABY BOY COMING SOON. Agnes had also made an assortment of cupcakes with icy blue frosting.
“Just know,” Lena called, “that we had to get creative with the gifts sincesomeonebought out the entire registry.”
Locke ducked his head. “Aye, sorry everyone.”
“Couldn’t leave even one baby rattle on there, could you?” Weston teased.
“Oh, that gift is from us!” Maisie called, latching onto Callum’s arm and dragging him around to the couch.
“Want to do it together?” I asked, looking up at Locke.
He pressed closer, tucking his arm around my shoulders so I could lean into him. “Just go for it. Tear that thing open.”
I grinned and ripped into the wrapping paper like a kid on Christmas. “Maisie! This is adorable.” She and Callum had given us a onesie that saidThe Deerhound’s Littlest Host. My bottom lip trembled as I looked at her. “Thank you.”
“Hold it together, woman,” Locke said, chuckling as he bussed my temple with his lips. “There’s a lot of gifts to get through.”
I laughed, swiping at the corners of my eyes. “I know, I’m just so happy. And cute things make me cry.”
“My turn!” Aisling announced, rushing over with a tiny, crinkled package. “Auntie Isla, Uncle Locke, open mine next!” She wedged herself in between us on the couch.
“She even wrapped it herself,” Weston pointed out.
“And it’s incredible,” Locke said, showing off the wrinkled paper to everyone whooohed andaahed on cue.
Aisling beamed, cheeks turning bright pink as she kicked her feet. “Open it! Open it!”
Locke carefully unwrapped the gift to reveal three beaded bracelets. “Oh. My. Goodness,” he said. “Did you make these?”
“I did!” Aisling said excitedly. “One for you, one for Auntie Isla, and one for the baby.” Aisling took Locke’s bracelet and threaded it over his wrist. Then she put mine on, leaving us with the tiniest friendship bracelet I’d ever seen. And as Aisling danced away for a cupcake, I cradled the bracelet in my palm, my eyes already watering.
“Isla,” Locke said softly, the corner of his lip curling. “No tears.”
“But look how tiny it is!” Next thing I knew, there were two streams of tears running down my face. I reached for the box of tissues Maisie had popped on the coffee table earlier and dabbed my eyes as Jo brought us the next gift.
“That’s from me and Lucy,” Mel called across the room, bouncing her daughter on her hip. We opened it to find a portable changing mat. “Trust me, it’s a life saver,” Mel said. “You will have to change your baby in ridiculous places. And you don’t think about it until they have a blowout on the motorway and you’re trying to keep them from wriggling all over the boot and?—”
“Sounds like you’re speaking from experience,” Locke joked.
“From trauma more like,” Mel quipped.
I laughed, tucking the gift away. “We definitely appreciate that. Thank you so much, Mel. And Lucy.” I handed the box to Locke. “Here. You’re in charge of motorway blowouts.”
He smirked, arching an eyebrow. “Think I can’t handle it? I’ll be a nappy-changing pro in no time. I’ll be able to do it with one hand.”
“All right, Mr. Cocky,” I said. “Only a few more months and then you’ll have the chance to put your money where your mouth is.”
He leaned toward me, pecking my lips. “I’d rather put my mouth where your mouth is.”
“Behave,” I whispered, despite the thrill rushing through me. I still hadn’t completely wrapped my head around the fact that I could kiss this man whenever I pleased. But he was doing a good job of reminding me every day.
“This is from us and Alistair,” Lena said, handing us an envelope. “He’s sorry he couldn’t be here.”
