Page 76 of Pregnant in Plaid
"I know what they think."
"Does it bother you? That everyone assumes we're together?"
I stop moving and look at her directly. "No. Does it bother you?"
She's quiet for a moment. Then, quietly, "No. It doesn't."
My heart kicks hard against my ribs. "Good."
We keep dancing, and I can feel the weight of the question hanging between us. Not the one from the crowd, but the one we're both too scared to ask.
What are we doing?
Where is this going?
What happens after the wedding?
But I don't ask any of those questions. Instead, I just hold her and sway to the music and try tomemorize this moment—the way she feels in my arms, the small smile on her face, the way her hand tightens slightly on my shoulder when the baby kicks.
The song ends, and she steps back with a slightly breathless laugh. "Okay, I need to sit down. My feet are killing me."
"Come on." I guide her back to our table and pull out her chair.
She sits with a grateful sigh. "You know what the worst part of pregnancy is? Besides the constant need to pee and the emotional rollercoaster and the fact that I can't see my own feet?"
"What?"
"That I can't even drink at a wedding. Do you know how much better all of this would be with wine?"
I laugh and grab her a glass of sparkling cider from a passing tray. "Best I can do."
"I'll take it." She sips and watches the dance floor. Gage and Tessa are dancing again, surrounded by friends and family, both of them glowing.
"They're going to be so happy," Patrice says softly.
"Yeah. They are."
"Do you think—" She stops, shakes her head. "Never mind."
"What?"
"Nothing. Just pregnancy brain."
But I can see it in her eyes. The same question I've been asking myself all day.
Could we have that too?
The reception continues around us. Cake, dancing, toasts that make people laugh and cry. At one point, Gage pulls me aside for a quiet moment away from the crowd.
"Thank you," he says. "For being here. For standing up for me. For everything."
"You're my best friend. Where else would I be?"
"I know. But still. Thank you." He pauses. "You tell her yet?"
"Tell who what?"
"Don't play dumb. Patrice. Did you tell her?"
