Page 22 of Defy
Chapter Ten
BELLA
Everything with Breanna is happening so fast. Ever since Demetri stood in our living room the other night and made that phone call, things have been happening at warp speed. I can't believe she is coming home this week. I'm crazy nervous but excited at the same time.
Yesterday Logan met Bree for the first time. I could tell he was nervous, but as soon as I placed her in his arms, I knew he felt the same instant connection I did upon holding her the first time. It was in that moment I knew without a shadow of a doubt she was our daughter. Now with only five days to prepare our home for a baby, I'm scrambling to get everything in order.
Last night I finally broke down and called my sister for reinforcements. She agreed to go shopping with me today. Alba texted me earlier saying she'd come to my house and pick me up since we'd be using her truck.
Now here I am pacing back and forth on my front porch slightly irritated because she is thirty minutes late.
"Babe, relax. You have plenty of time to get everything done," Logan stresses stepping out of the front door.
Sighing, I sit down on the front step and rest my elbows on my knees as I place my face into the palm of my hands. "I know, I'm just anxious is all. I want everything to be perfect for Bree."
Taking a seat next to me on the step, Logan wraps his arm around my shoulder and urges me into his chest then kisses me on top of my head. "It'll be okay, Angel. Stop stressing and take one step at a time. You're so focused on how much shit needs to be done and how little time you have that you're forgetting something important."
Looking up at his face I ask, "What am I forgetting?"
"To have fun. I want you to go with your sister today and savor this memory… this day. When you're picking out Bree's crib, remember you're buying our daughter's first bed. When you are buying her clothes, you are picking out our daughter's first outfit. When you are deciding what bottles to choose, remember those are the bottles you will spend a countless amount of hours feeding our daughter. I want you to stop worrying about your to-do-list and focus on making memories. The first of many."
By the time Logan has finished his little speech some of my worry has disappeared. He's right. "I love you," I say kissing him.
"I love you too, Angel."
Roughly four hours and three stores later my sister and I are exhausted, but we managed to put a dent in my list. I was able to get all the furniture for the baby's room such as her crib, changing table, dresser, and a rocking chair. All of which are being delivered to our house this afternoon. I called Logan at work, and he said he would have one of the guys go over to the house and wait for the delivery men to show up. "Do you mind if we stop by my place before taking you home?" Alba asks.
"Sure, is everything okay?"
"Yeah, I just need to give you something. I got you a gift."
"You didn't have to get me anything, Alba," I chastise.
"Oh, hush. Yes, I did." She argues back as we pull up in front of her and Gabriel's house.
Climbing out of Alba's truck, I follow her to the front door. Using her key, my sister unlocks the door. As soon as it swings open and she flicks the lights on, I hear a chorus of voices screaming.
"SURPRISE!"
I stand next to my sister stunned with my mouth hanging open. Lisa, Mila, Emerson, Leah, Sofia and holy shit, even Leyna is here. I can't believe this. After a second, I'm finally able to find my words, and when I do, I turn to my sister who has a huge triumphant smile on her face.
"You little shit," I say to her, my smile matching hers.
Alba's living room has been decorated in pinks and purples. There is a big banner hanging on the mantle of the fireplace that saysIT'S A GIRL.
"A baby shower. How did you do all this?" I ask blinking back my tears.
"I started planning the moment you told me the news you were bringing Breanna home this week. I made a few calls and all the girls pitched in. You're going to be a mom, Bella. And we all want to celebrate with you." My sister tells me in a soft voice.
Pulling Alba to me, I hug the shit out of her and whisper in her ear, "I love you, baby sister."
After I have opened all the gifts and played the silly baby shower games my sister insisted on, we all sit and chat while eating cake and watch as Gabe makes a mess with his. He's wearing more cake than he is eating. There is a moment when we all look at each other in silence, and I know each one of us is thinking the same thing.
Grace.
I say a silent prayer that our friend is safe and returns to Polson where she belongs. None of us know anything about her past and I suspect there is a story there, but what I do know is Grace has come to mean a great deal to all of us.
"Alright, let's get this stuff loaded up in the truck so I can get Bella home. It's getting late, and we all know how Logan gets when he's away from his woman for too long." My sister announces bringing me out of my thoughts. Standing up from the sofa, I begin to go around the room and gather dirty plates and cups.
