Page 34 of Upon an April Night

Dréa wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him as they danced to “Put Your Head on My Shoulder.”

He kept looking toward the house, wondering if Jamie and Shannon would emerge soon.

“Hey.” Dréa touched his face. “Where are you tonight?”

“I’m right here.”

“No, you’re not. What’s going on? Why didn’t you say anything earlier?”

“I’m not great at public speaking. That’s your thing.”

“You could’ve at least thanked everyone for coming. Two words aren’t so hard to say.”

His brow furrowed. “Are you mad about this?”

“I thought you’d be more excited, I guess. This is our engagement party, Duncan. We’re supposed to be celebrating.”

“I’m sorry. I’m just feeling off today.”

They danced quietly for a minute before she spoke again.

“We need to pick a date.”

He immediately tensed, and she stepped out of his arms.

“You said we would when I got here.”

“We will.”

“Let’s do it now.”

“Right now? Let’s finish our dance.”

“Fine, but we’re announcing a date before the fireworks start.”

Chapter 15

Shannon dragged Jamie through the house, up the stairs, and into the closest bedroom. She walked across the room, closed the french doors leading to the balcony, and turned to face her.

“You’re glowing,” Shannon said.

“My mom kept saying that. I don’t think I look any different.”

“You do.” Shannon looked absolutely giddy. “You’re still pregnant, right? Tell me you’re still pregnant.”

A little smile crept over Jamie’s face. “I’m still pregnant.”

Shannon shrieked so loudly that Jamie was sure all the guests in the yard below heard her, and she practically knocked Jamie over when she ran across the room and wrapped her up in the tightest hug she’d ever received.

“I was worried you left because ... well, I thought you wouldn’t come back pregnant.”

“I know.”

“So, what does this mean? Are you keeping the baby?”

“I’m keeping the baby.”

Tears filled Shannon’s eyes. “Oh, Jamie. I prayed and prayed something would happen to change your mind. I asked God to break the machines at the clinic or have a freak power outage or have your car break down on the way there. Something, anything.”

---