“It is what it is. Now, what do you need me to do so we can get you out of here at a decent time?”
* * *
Daisy’s baby shower was in full swing, bursts of laughter and fussing over the mom-to-be kept Emma’s mind busy.
“The desserts turned out so cute, Em!” Daisy smiled as she looked over the table filled with the treats Emma, Sebastian, and Natalie worked hard on the night before.
“Well, before you thank me, I think you should know I had helpers. And yes, that does include a certain boyfriend of mine.”
“I can’t believe you were even able to do all this after what happened to your bakery.”
“The kitchen is my happy place. I’m drowning in insurance paperwork and all the hoops I need to jump through to get my payout for rebuilding, but last night I got to jump back into the kitchen here, and that made my heart so happy. I’m glad everything turned out okay, even if I did have to redo half the cupcakes Sebastian attempted to frost.”
The women all laughed.
“The billionaire and the baker, that sounds like the best cheesy romance story,” Kara, Daisy’s sister-in-law, joked.
“I’m sure it’s even better than that, right Em?” Grace asked and Emma blushed.
“Have you seen him? Of course it’s better than anything I’ve ever read, or experienced before.”
“We need to have a get together with just us girls as soon as possible, because I need all the details, and I mean ALL. THE. DETAILS. when my mom isn’t around.” Kara smiled wickedly and Emma laughed.
“Remind me to tell you what happened at the hot spring on his property in Colorado,” Emma winked at Kara.
“Girl, you’re killing me,” she whined.
“As much fun as this is, I have to scoot and say hi to everyone,” Daisy said as she gave each of the women a hug. “Thank you for all of your help putting this together for me today. I love you guys so much.”
Emma, Grace, and Kara found their way to a table near the wall.
“I really think the baby is a girl,” Grace said.
“Yep, I agree. Definitely a girl. I’m so excited for a niece! Growing up with Hank was torture, I’m glad I’ve got a new sister and a baby girl would be just an absolute bonus!” Kara said, making Emma and Grace laugh.
“Yeah, but little boys are also so sweet,” Emma couldn’t help but chime in. “I mean, seeing baby Jack in his overalls and bib just about melts my heart! Although, I think you are both right. It’s definitely a little girl in there. Daisy’s sassy side has been powerful this whole pregnancy.”
The women all laughed. “You know, she has been putting Hank in his place a lot lately,” Kara smiled.
“He needs it. He’s so protective of her, and now that she’s pregnant, he definitely thinks she’s made of glass.”
“I don’t know. I think that’s kind of sweet.” Grace raised her hands when Emma shot her a look of disbelief. “All I’m saying is, it’s freaking sexy when a man stands up for his family. I could barely keep my hands off of Jackson when he’d get all growly about my safety when I was pregnant with Jack.”
“Oh man, you guys are going to be pregnant again before Jack even turns one,” Kara joked.
“Don’t say that!” Grace grimaced. “I’m barely feeling back to myself and I want to figure out what I’m going to do now that Bell Ridge is home.”
“You did real estate in Florida, right?” Emma asked.
“Yep. I was good at it, too.”
“You could get licensed here. I know Sebastian is looking for a new realtor to work with for Montgomery Equities. I could throw your name out there if you wanted.”
“Em, really? That would be amazing. I was just telling Jackson I’d love to start my own little company. I know it would mean putting Jack in daycare, but to feel successful on my own again would be everything.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll let Seb know and see what he says. And you get studying so you can pass the exam.”
Grace pulled Emma into a tight hug. “I’m so glad we are friends, Emma.”