Page 149 of Gracefully Yours

“Charlotte—” His eyes widened in surprise.

“I told them,” I said with a smile.

“Oh?”

I nodded. “Turns out not drinking wine is very suspicious during book club.”

Daniel laughed. “

“I’m glad they know,” I murmured against his lips. “That we don’t have to keep the baby a secret from them.”

“Me too. Because I might have… Accidentally let it slip to the guys as well.”

“Daniel!”

He gave me his best pout. “You know, I asked Matthew and Noelle to keep Brownie while I was gone. I’d told them what happened, so when they asked how you were doing, it kind of… All spilled out.”

“It’s okay.” I kissed his cheek. “I forgive you.” My mouth opened with another yawn. “But now it’s time for bed because growing your baby is hard work.”

“Mmm.” He scooped me up into his arms, turning to the rest of the group. “Sorry, gang. It’s time to take my pregnant wife home.” Daniel beamed, the smile lighting up his entire face.

“Congratulations again, you two,” Matthew said, with his arm wrapped around Noelle, pulling her close to his body.

All three pairs of our friends were standing close to their partner, holding hands or touching skin. I didn’t know quite how we’d gotten so lucky, especially considering two and a half years ago we’d all been single, but I wouldn’t complain.

Not when I was currently in the love of my life’s arms.

“We’re so happy for you both.” Benjamin grinned, slinging his arm around Angelina. “And we can’t wait to meet our little niece. Or nephew.”

Gabbi laughed. “I’ll tell you one thing. They’re going to be so loved.”

“Thank you,” I said, looking up at Daniel’s face as I kept my head resting on his shoulder.

And I knew the same would go for when any of them had children—they’d get that unequivocal love they deserved from all of us, theirfamily. All eight of us.

* * *

Around midnight,I woke up, slipping downstairs to get a drink of water. Brownie followed me, and I wrapped a blanket around myself as I sat on the couch, looking out the darkened windows.

“Can’t sleep?”

“No.” I set my water down, scratching our dog’s ears beside me. “Too much on my mind, I guess.”

“It was an eventful day,” he murmured, slipping in next to me. I laid my head down in his lap, giving a contented sigh when he ran his fingers through my hair.

“It was.” Opening his eyes, I looked up at him, tracing his jaw with my fingertips.

“What are you thinking?”

“That this doesn’t feel real. That I’m hoping it doesn’t slip through my fingers and disappear on us. That everything feels too good to be true. That I love you.”

“Well, the last one I can definitely agree with.” Daniel pecked the tip of my nose. “Because I love you too.” He let his hand settle on my abdomen, the weight surprisingly welcome. “Don’t stress about the rest. Our little dancer is going to be just fine in there. They’ve already got such a great mom.”

My eyes filled with tears. “Daniel…” He wiped one away with his thumb. “You’re going to be such a great dad, too, you know?”

He kissed my forehead. “I’ll be a better one once I get my wife to bed.”

And then, just like earlier, he lifted me into his arms, this time carrying me bridal style up to our bedroom, and I’d fallen asleep before my head could even hit the pillow.

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