Page 155 of Gracefully Yours

We picked up our drinks, taking a sip, and Angelina held up hers in a toast. “To ten years of friendship.”

“To best friends,” Gabbi chimed in.

Everyone clinked their mimosa glasses together, even though mine was just orange juice.

“To sisters,” I added.

A blush crept up Tessa’s cheeks as she rejoined us, and she took a moment to look around at everyone. “Everyone ready?”

We nodded.

“Come on, bride to be,” I said, holding my arm out for Noelle. “Let’s go get you married.”

I took a deep breath, hoping to keep my emotions in check during her vows. Knowing me, I probablywouldcry. I wondered if I could get away with blaming it on my pregnancy hormones. But it wasn’t every day your best friend got married.

After a beautiful ceremony, we were ushered into the converted barn for the reception, adorably decorated with tulle and pumpkins and everything that seemed to scream Noelle.

“Remember when it was us up there?” I murmured to Daniel as his hand rested on my bump at the reception, watching Noelle and Matthew sitting at the head table, him feeding her bites of red velvet cake. “I can’t believe it’s almost been a year already.”

“How could I forget?” My husband put his lips near my ear. “I remember thinking I’d never seen a more beautiful woman in the world than you on our wedding day. Even if it was fake, I was so in love with you already.” As he kissed the side of my head, I felt a warm rush of affection. “But I was wrong.”

“What?”

“Because you, on our wedding day, isn’t the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

“Huh?” I scowled. “You’re telling yourpregnant wife—”

“Mm. Let me finish.” His finger ran over my lips, swiping a bit of cream cheese frosting there, which I eagerly licked up. “You, like this, pregnant, practically glowing as you grow our child—that’s the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.”

“Daniel…” My mouth was dry, and if I was being honest with myself, desperately turned on by his words. People weren’t kidding when they said it heightened your sex drive being pregnant.

I wanted him. Ineededhim. Later, I promised myself, wanting to enjoy my best friend’s wedding. Wouldn’t sneak away from one of the happiest days of her life. Even if I was seven months pregnant and had wobbled throughout most of it.

“I love you.” He rubbed his nose against mine.

I sighed, letting my eyes fall shut as I rested our foreheads together. “I love you too.” Snapping my fingers, I pointed at the cake. “Now feed me, husband.”

He laughed, getting a forkful of cake and holding it up to my mouth. And just to torture him a little, I let out a moan as the rich flavor of the cake and the perfect cream cheese frosting illuminated my taste buds.

“Cake tastessomuch better when you’re pregnant,” I groaned, closing my lips around the fork again to suck off the rest of the frosting. With a pop, I removed the utensil from my mouth and locked eyes with him.

“You’re going to pay for that later,” he practically growled in my ear.

“I’m counting on it,” I whispered back into his.

Once we’d finished our cake, he stood up, extending out his hand for me. The dancing had already started, but I’d been trying to stay off my feet as much as possible.

“May I have this dance?” Daniel asked.

“Are you sure? There’s no other beautiful women you’d rather dance with?” Looking around the room, I saw that Angelina and Benjamin had already started dancing, followed closely by Gabbi and Hunter.

He didn’t give me a chance to respond before pulling me into his arms. “I’m sure. There’s only you, darling. There’s only ever been you.”

I smiled, wrapping my arms around his neck. And then I kissed him softly on the lips as he rested his hands on either side of my bump, cradling our baby.

“I love you too, babe.”

Daniel snorted. “Love you, baby.”

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