Page 116 of Force At Third

Gwen leans down and rests her head on mine. “Our little slugger is a miracle; we’re not about to ask for another.”

* * *

A week later

Gwen

I’m late, but I’m not going into OPUS 609 alone. Our girl, Fawna O’Donnell, is opening a new restaurant, and tonight is its soft opening. I’m waiting for my plus one.

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” Sophie calls as she hurries toward me.

My OBGYN, Sophie, is now one of my closest friends. Like all my single friends, she is married to her career. My career still tops my priorities, but Leland understands and supports that. Because of this, I’m becoming one of those annoying people who wants everyone to be in love.

“You look ridiculously hot.”

Sophie’s dark, silky hair is styled in loose waves that cascade down her back. Her flawless makeup emphasizes her natural beauty—winged eyeliner that accentuates her almond-shaped eyes, a hint of shimmer on her eyelids, and crimson red lipstick that pops against her smooth, porcelain skin. She’s wearing a stunning midnight blue silk dress that hugs her petite frame perfectly, with a delicate sweetheart neckline and thin straps that show off her graceful shoulders. The dress hits just above her knees and shows off her muscular calves. She’s wearing strappy black heels that add a few extra inches to her height.

“You said you girls dress up for these things.” She turns in a circle, showing off her hot-as-hell figure. Then she waves her hand up and down. “You look stunning.”

Dressing sexy for a dinner out with friends when you’re pregnant and ready to reveal it is much easier than I thought it would be. With Sophie’s suggestion, I went to a bougie maternity boutique with Leland and let him pick for me. See? Easy.

I’m wearing a form-fitting, stretchy, midi dress in deep burgundy. The fabric is soft and stretchy, kind of like yoga pants, but also nothing like them. It’s hugging my baby bump but still allows me to move comfortably. The dress has a deep V neckline, showing off my boobs because I refuse to hide them, knowing I will never have tits like these again. The hemline hits just below the knee. And on my feet are not Berks, but a pair of low-heeled, strappy sandals in a nude shade. They’re comfortable enough to walk in but also sexy. Over it, a wrap that I will remove after I’ve warned them of what they’re about to see. I would have done my hair, but I threw it in a sleek high ponytail because a nap was the priority.

“I feel good. Ready for this.” I smile as I open the sleek glass door. “After you.”

The interior is a perfect blend of modern elegance and cozy sophistication. High ceilings and intricate light fixtures cast a soft glow across the room. The walls are a mix of exposed brick and rich, dark wood panels, which is on brand for her growing collection of businesses in the area. Plush velvet booths in deep emerald-green line one side of the space, and sleek marble tables are perfectly placed throughout, each with impeccably polished silverware and crisp-white linen napkins.

The room’s centerpiece is a stunning bar crafted from reclaimed wood and topped with a gleaming quartz countertop. Behind it, shelves of premium liqueurs are backlit, elevating the feel of the place. Well, that and the lack of TVs on every wall. Plus, soft jazz music plays in the background, and the staff is dressed in tailored black uniforms.

“This is beautiful,” Sophie says while looking around.

“Mrs. Locke, if you and your guest would follow me? Ms. O’Donnell and the other guests are waiting.”

We follow the waiter to the back corner of the restaurant, where Whitley, Fawna, Chloe, CeCe, and Cora sit in the corner booth, and Francesca and Dromida sit in two of the four plush chairs across from them.

“Hey ladies, this is Sophie Chan.”

They all introduce themselves as the waiter pulls out our chairs and asks me, “May I take your wrap?”

I glance at Sophie with a smirk, and she winks at me.

“Might as well.”

They all gasp as soon as it’s off, and then Chloe and Whit start in.

I hold up my hand to stop them. “First, I’m sorry I waited to tell you all, and believe me, when I found out, it was a shock, but this pregnancy is high risk.” I stop talking when tears start falling as I rub my belly.

“May I?” Sophie asks, and I nod.

“Wait—your new friend knew, and we didn’t?” Chloe holds her hand to her chest.

“Her new friend is her OBGYN. It was my job to know.” Sophie sits. “As Gwen said, her pregnancy is high risk; she has a weakened cervix.” I sit, and Whit reaches across the table and holds out her hand, which I take. “At the very beginning, she was not going to tell anyone until she’d given birth to a healthy baby, but as the weeks progress and she’s closer to her due date, of course, she wanted you all to know.”

I clear my throat to regain my composure. “I’m still going to insist that no baby things are showing up until Little Slugger is born. If something were to happen …” I shake my head, not wanting to voice any negative when it comes to this pregnancy.

“Nothing’s going to happen,” Sophie assures me then looks at them. “She has my number and weekly appointments until the baby is born. If she has any concerns, they’ll be addressed immediately.”

They all stare at me until Chloe asks, “When are you due?”

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