Page 139 of Implode

With shaky fingers, I pull off the sash and wait until Claire’s eyes focus and come to life.

“Congrats!” everyone cheers, popping streamers and bottles of champagne.

A few people whistle with excitement.

“What is going on?” Claire asks with tears dripping down her cheeks as she takes in the entire scene around her.

Blake, Penny, my parents, Graham, Angie, Collins, Tyler, Asher, and his pregnant wife are clapping their hands and sitting around a huge table that is set up with balloons, presents, and a brunch fit for a royal family. When I proposed the last-minute idea to the group, they were thrilled to be a part of welcoming Claire and our baby in a joint celebration.

“We’re here to celebrate you being pregnant and engaged,” Angie says, getting out of her seat and moving toward us to give us both a hug.

“You told them?” Claire asks, looking at me with a bit of confusion.

“We’ve known since you were in the hospital but resisted saying anything until we could have this moment to have a real party,” Mom says softly. “We cannot wait to make this all official and have you join our family. You are the perfect addition, and we love you.”

“I”—Claire clears her throat and smiles through the tears—“don’t know what to say. I never really had anyone do something like this for me before. Thank you.”

“Claire Bear,” Blake says with pride, “you deserve to be celebrated. You are always there for those you care about, and it is easy to return the love back to you.”

I pour myself a glass of champagne and hand Claire the nonalcoholic alternative kind. “To starting the journey of forever with my girl by my side!”

“To making us grandparents,” Dad chimes in, holding up his glass, while wrapping an arm around Mom.

“To being best friends and sisters,” Angie interjects.

“We love you both,” Penny adds, making her way closer to embrace both Claire and me in a hug.

Everyone fills their plates with pastries, quiches, and breakfast meats. Mimosas are served and presents are put in line to be opened.

“Okay, this is from me and Germain,” Mom says proudly, handing us a huge box.

We tear through the wrapping paper and pull off the lid to reveal a huge giraffe that when standing is taller than Claire.

“Really, Mom?”

“Yes, son,” she hisses. “If they had a bigger one, I would have bought it. It is so much fun shopping for a baby. I cannot wait to see if this child is as stubborn as you are. It would be karma, that’s for sure.”

We all laugh over my mom’s ability to lighten any mood.

“Oh, and there’s another part to the gift. It’s at the bottom.”

I reach inside and pull out a smaller box. Removing the lid and unwrapping the tissue paper, I hold up a golden-brown fleece thing. “Umm, thanks?”

“Turn it around,” Mom says, bursting with anticipation.

I flip the item around and then notice it is a giraffe costume for a baby.

“Awww,” Claire chants. “That’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Wow,” I mutter, “I thought I was.”

I laugh as Claire hits me on my arm. I will do anything in this lifetime to make her as happy as she is today.

“Your baby is going to make the cutest giraffe,” Mom states. “Can’t wait to see him or her in that costume.”

“Thank you,” Claire says, examining the fabric closer.

“Mine next,” Penny says, bouncing on her feet with excitement. She was granted an extended release, so having her here with all of us is a blessing. She hands us a small gift bag. “It’s a milestone gift. Oh, and it’s more for Claire than for you.”

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