Page 59 of Pretty Little Disaster

“What do you mean, ‘okay’?”

“I mean, it’s okay. I’ve always guessed that what you do for Dario entails some un-aliving. I may not be from your world, Nic, but I grew up with a best friend who is.” Granted it's a little harder knowing that the father of your child is a murderer, rather than just assuming it, but at least now he doesn’t have to hide anything from me.

“But–”

“If you found out who killed my father, would you kill him too?” I interrupt.

“If you asked me to.” He takes his time to answer, and when he does his smile is dark and a little mischievous. I try to ignore the fact that it turns me on because I want to go to Heaven.

“Areyou asking me to?” He frowns.

“We should get some rest, you have to battle with that crib again in the morning.” I smile back at him and when he climbs over the bed to get in beside me, I roll onto my side and notice that he hesitates to wrap his arms around me the way he usually does. I reach behind me and grab his hand, resting it around me and our baby where it belongs.

“I told you nothing would change.” I look over my shoulder and smile before snuggling into my pillow and closing my eyes.

NIC

SEVEN WEEKS LATER

We’re both shocked when we step into Madalina’s living room and see the effort she’s gone to.

“Wow!” Lorna looks overwhelmed as she takes in all the pastel pink and blue decorations. Along with the doughnut stand, photo station, and candy cart that’s brimming with blue and pink sweets.

“You're here.” Madalina finishes wrapping more pink fabric around one of the huge pillars, tying it off with the perfect bow before she races toward us and picks up a sash on her way.

“You look adorable.” She pats Lorna's tummy, then slides the sash over her head and positions it across her chest.

“It’s one of the dresses you gave me,” Lorna points out, looking down at the cream-coloured dress that's stretched tight over her baby bump.

“Guests will start arriving soon. I thought we could sit you here…” Madalina takes Lorna’s arm and guides her over to a chair that she’s taken from the dining room. “I’ve positioned it between the two couches, with easy access to the coffee table so that you’re central to the room.” She taps the seat for Lorna totry out and when she steadily lowers herself onto it I hide my smirk behind my laugh.

“What do you think?” My sister turns her attention to me.

“It’s perfect, all she needs now is a crown.” I wink at my girl, knowing how much she hates being fussed over.

“Oh, I have that!” Madalina darts to the other side of the room and picks up a tiara. Just like the sash it has the words‘mom to be’written in diamanté, and I have to bite my lip to stop myself from laughing as she places it on Lorna’s head.

“Madalina, I appreciate this but don’t you think it’s a little too much? It’s just going to be us, Cass, my mom, Serena, and a few girls from college.”

I can tell Lorna’s grateful for my sister's efforts, but she hates being the center of attention.

“Yes, about that.” Madalina grits her teeth together.

“About what?” Lorna suddenly looks angry but I find it hard to take her seriously with that tiara on.

“I invited a few of the district leaders' wives and daughters…” Madalina admits, looking guilty. “...I thought it would be good for you to get to know them.”

“Mads, you know I find these kinds of things awkward.” Lorna sighs, playing with the end of her sash, nervously.

“You’ve thrown me two incredible showers, I just wanted to do the same for you.”

“Yes, because you like this kind of thing and Dario gave me an unlimited budget. I’m just going to feel like an exhibit, sitting here, trying to make small talk with strangers.”

“You don’t have to worry about that, I have some great party games to break the ice.” Lorna shoots me a look as Madalina delves into one of the boxes that are on the coffee table.

“I have to go.” I make my way over to the ‘mom-to-be’ so I can kiss her goodbye. “Have fun.” I stroke her tummy and leave her scowling as I head back out to the car.

Judging by the itinerary Madalina messaged me yesterday, this baby shower is set to last all day and I have a few errands to run while my girl is occupied.

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