Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87990 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87990 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
“It’s your baby shower, silly,” Phina announced.
I looked down the hall, but the house seemed otherwise empty. I’d been expecting some over-the-top nightmare for a baby shower, but these were my people. “It’s just you guys?”
“Just us. Well, there’s one other person, but we think you’ll be happy to see her.”
Her? My stomach knotted, and I shot Tyler a paranoid glance, fearful they might have invited Elle. It had been a difficult but healthy choice to cut her out of my life, and I wasn’t looking for a reunion.
Tyler shook his head and looped his arm through mine. “Trust me, you’ll be happy.”
We walked into the guestroom, which had been transformed with flowers and balloons. The sight brought tears to my eyes. “You guys!”
Baked goods spread across a dressed table like a scene in Alice in Wonderland, and the bed had been adorned with piles of ruffly pillows to resemble a throne.
“Hello, Rayne.” Willow crossed the room with angelic grace and hugged me. “You look wonderful.”
“Was this why I couldn’t get an appointment with you yesterday when we were in New York?”
She laughed. “I knew I’d see you soon enough.”
I was truly surprised. “I can’t believe you’re here! I can’t believe any of you are here.” I laughed and wiped my eyes. “Mom, you just left!”
“No, I didn’t. Hale sent me to a spa for a few days.” She preened. “I’ve been dipped and waxed in places that haven’t seen the light of day in decades. You should feel how smooth I am—”
“I’m good.” I held up my hands when she pulled at a button on her dress. I grinned at Hale. “Sneaky. I’m totally surprised.”
He bent to kiss me. “You deserve it.”
“That’s enough smooching, you two. Let her sit down, Hale.” Phina ushered me toward the bed where I noticed several crystals on the end tables. “Later, Willow is going to do a private Reiki session with you.”
“Oh, I can’t wait.”
My mom handed me a frosted mini cake. “Chef Dubois sends his love.”
I took the confection, and my eyes welled. I lifted it like a champagne toast. “To all my favorite people.”
“To Rayne and Hale and the new baby,” Tyler said holding up a mimosa. “Cheers.”
“The real shower’s next week with a hundred and fifty women from your wedding.”
The blood rushed from my face and Hale’s sister laughed. “Not funny, Phina.”
“You’re so easy. We wouldn’t put you through that in your condition, Rayne.”
I sighed, grateful that we had reached a point where the Davenports were truly getting to know me and what kind of shindigs I enjoyed. “This is perfect.”
We spent the afternoon relaxing, eating, and telling stories that had me laughing until my bladder was about to explode. I opened a few presents, but nothing overwhelming. Hale had taken care of everything, and the gifts we received were incredibly heartfelt.
My mother gave us a blanket, and Naomi gifted us with couture Christmas stockings, one for each of us with our names embroidered on the cuff. Phina gave us a silver-plated baby brush to be engraved when little Conley or Keeley was born.
Tyler had canvas prints made of animals he’d photographed at the Washington Park Zoo. Marta made my favorite meal for dinner and told me to expect enough frozen suppers to fill an industrial fridge when the baby was born.
“You guys are the best.” I blew my nose and mopped the tears of gratitude from my face. “I’m sorry. I just cry all the time now.”
After dinner, I returned alone to the guestroom, where Willow did her magic.
“Your heart chakra’s no longer as closed off as it once was, Rayne.”
I sensed as much. “I’ve been doing the affirmations we discussed, and I try to meditate a few times a week.”
“Good.” She placed crystals over my protruding stomach and walked me through several breathing practices.
“I’d like to help you cleanse the house of negative energy while I’m here.”
“That would be great.” Then I had an idea. “How do you feel about coming out again when I’m due?”
“I could do that.”
“Good. You can be my spiritual doula.” Willow had such a calming effect on me.
“As long as you understand I’m not an actual doula. I have no medical expertise where babies are concerned.”
“I know. But you're good for the mommy, and what’s good for the mommy is good for the baby. I’ll tell Hale to arrange your flights. We’ll take care of everything.”
That night, when I told Hale my plan to fly Willow in for the birth he was confused. “You want me to what?”
“Fly her in. She calms me down, Hale.”
He frowned. “That’s my job.”
“This is different. What’s the big deal?”
“You’re talking about the hippy who works underground in New York, right?”
“Don’t be disrespectful. She’s my spiritual doula.”
“That’s not a thing, Rayne.”
“It is now.” I rubbed cocoa butter on my belly. “Don’t you want me to be happy?”