Page 80 of The Lake House

A mom with two kids walks by us after a few moments; the baby in a stroller and an older kid about seven or eight-years-old walking next to her. I get a glimpse of Liv and she’s beaming, watching them walk out of the restaurant.

I smile. “You know that’s going to be you before you know it.”

Liv flashes a look of contentment in my direction as she rubs her belly. “I still can’t believe I’m finally pregnant and my little family will be complete. I really hope that some day you will get to experience this, too.”

I nod. “It’s okay. If I’m never meant to have children, it’s fine. I’ve made peace with this a long time ago. I’m just glad Todd and I never had kids, so they weren’t brought into a marriage that didn’t last. I hate when kids have to deal with that stuff.”

Liv nods. “I know. It’s no fun.”

“I’m just thrilled for you. I know how long you’ve been trying for another one. Josie is going to be the best big sister ever!”

She laughs. “She really is! She’s so excited. You should see how she’s been so good about helping me get the nursery ready for her little brother or sister, which reminds me…”

Before I can ask, Liv reaches into her purse and pulls out an envelope.

She hands it to me. “I want only you to be responsible for this, so no matter what, you keep this a secret.”

My face lights up, already knowing what it is. “Is this what I think it is?”

“Open it,” she instructs.

I do as she says, and as I’m looking over the photo, she answers, “We didn’t even peek! You’re the only one who knows now, besides our doctor, so there you have it. Start planning the party! You are the godmother, after all.”

I look up at Liv with tears in my eyes. “Liv… thank you, I—”

“Shhh,” she raises a finger to her lips. “I already know what you’re going to say, but I don’t want to cry right now, so just hush.” She says she doesn’t want to cry, but her eyes are already watering as she dabs at them with her napkin.

I’ve seen a ton of gender reveal photos online of creative ways people reveal the sex of their unborn child. I need to do something really special for my best friend. She’s waited for this moment for so long.

I suck in a few breaths. “This means so much to me, girl. I’ll make sure this is extra special for you, Dave, and Josie.”

She smiles happily. “I know. Now, let’s get out of here. You’ve got some planning to do.”

I chuckle. “Yes, I do. The ideas are already forming in my head.”

ChapterTwenty-Nine

DECLAN

“Are you ready to be a married man in two days?” I ask Roger as we sit watching the women perform on stage. I still can’t believe I’m here. I didn’t really come here when I was single, so now being with Giules and being here isn’t sitting all that well with me.

But Brad and Joey seem to enjoy themselves very much, throwing their hard-earned cash at the ladies in thongs.

Rog leans in and says, “I can’t wait. Just like I can’t wait to get out of here.”

I chuckle. “I hear ya, bro.”

“You ready, Rog?” Brad says, still following the redhead’s every movement on stage.

I turn to face Roger, who is currently looking very confused.

“Ready for what?” he asks. “To leave?”

Joey bursts out laughing. “Nah, man. We’re just getting started. For the gift Brad and I organized for you.”

Roger gives me a questioning look. “The gift?”

I shrug. “Hey, I may be the best man, but I have no idea what they’re talking about.”

---