Chapter 27

Felicity

This baby shower has been more than I ever imagined. Anya, Hartford, and Emmie really came together and made it magical. The baby blue decorations draped throughout the room, with pops of white from daisies on the tables to napkins, created a serene yet festive atmosphere. Elegant blue and white balloons float around, and the centerpiece is a stunning diaper cake with tiny baby shoes and ribbons. Soft fairy lights twinkle around the room, adding a warm and enchanting glow.

The games they planned had everyone laughing and competing with enthusiasm. From the hilarious baby bottle chugging contest to the creative onesie decorating station, there was never a dull moment. The food, oh the food, was off the charts delicious. Anya is lucky to have Griffin at home to prepare such amazing dishes. The spread included gourmet finger sandwiches, savory quiches, and a decadent dessert table featuring cupcakes, macarons, and a show-stopping cake with intricate baby-themed decorations.

Everyone has been having so much fun, which is rare at any type of shower. It's usually boring except for the person that it's for, but that's not the case here. Anya has made sure that it's full of life and laughter. It's no wonder she's so successful with the parties she hosts here. The attention to detail, from personalized party favors to the perfectly curated playlist of upbeat and soothing tunes, ensures that every guest feels special and engaged.

When guests started arriving I was overwhelmed with the amount of gifts they brought. It seemed like an endless amount of beautifully wrapped boxes and bags. I was a bit nervous, if I'm honest, to sit in front of such a large crowd and open everything. Yet, here I am about to open the last gift and I was nervous for no reason. It's been so exciting seeing what everyone has bought for our little boy. I didn't think we'd receive so much, but I feel like we are well prepared, at least for the very beginning.

My mom and Carol, Shepherd's mom, surprised us with a crib and the promise of helping me get the nursery ready. Anya and Hartford have purchased more baby clothes than I think will be possible for him to ever wear, plus bottles, burp clothes, bibs, a bassinet, a swing, and a high chair. Emmie kept it simple with adorable blue overalls and a gift card so I could buy things I needed but didn't receive. Although, I'm not sure that will be necessary. I can't think of one thing I'll need that wasn't gifted to me.

I guess I can always use the card for more diapers.

"That gift is from me and Carol," my mom says, breaking my thoughts.

I smile as I rip off the paper and Hartford quickly cleans it up, while Emmie takes the bow to add to the hat that I'm apparently supposed to wear after this, and Anya waits with her pen and pad to write down what I received, so I can send thank you cards.

The white box is large and I pull the top off, exposing tissue paper. I pull the tissue paper off and a beautiful quilt sits in the box. I slowly pull it out and everyone oohs and aahs.

"Your mom and I got together and made this. Each piece of the quilt is made up of yours and Shepherd's baby clothes," Carol says.

I inspect the quilt as tears shine in my eyes. "This is the most thoughtful, precious gift. Thank you," I whisper around the lump in my throat.

"Mom, this is beautiful," Anya says, touching the quilt.

Everyone begins talking, but I focus on the quilt. Yellow, blue, green, and red all over. I run my hand over it and smile as a tear rolls down my cheek.

"Oh sweet girl, are you all right?" my mother says.

I glance up at my mom and nod as more tears fall. "This is just so meaningful."

She squeezes my shoulder as she looks over the quilt. "Carol and I wanted to do something special for you both. It was a lot of fun and very nice getting to know Carol the way I have. You're very lucky, Felicity, this family loves you and this little boy so much."

I stand up and hug my mom, allowing more tears to fall. I am lucky and I know they all love me. I'm still waiting to hear those words from Shepherd but it hasn't happened yet. But after all the love, generosity, and thoughtfulness I've felt today, I'm done waiting. Maybe he's scared to say it. Maybe he doesn't feel the same.

Either way, I know I love Shepherd Atwood and I'm going to tell him. If he doesn't feel the same, that's fine. Well, it'll hurt, but at least he'll know how I feel. It's important to me that he knows before the baby comes.

"I'm so glad you like it," Carol says, running her hand down my hair as my mother hugs me.

I pull away from my mom and hug Carol. "I love it. Thank you so much."

As I pull away from Carol, Shepherd comes back from being needed out in the brewery. He sees my tears and rushes over, nearly pushing his own mother out of the way.

"What's wrong? Are you all right?" he asks, holding onto my shoulders as his eyes run over my body.

"I'm fine," I say, shaking my head with a big smile.

"He's very protective. You should be proud," I hear my mom whisper to Carol.

"I'm very proud," she replies.

"So what's wrong?" Shepherd asks, wrapping his muscular arms around me.

I melt into him and my heart races when I hear Carol whisper to my mom that it's so clear we love each other before they walk away to inspect the gifts.

Shepherd runs his hand down my hair and I lift my head to smile up at him. "Our mothers made us a beautiful quilt put together with our old baby clothes."

"Oh, that's why you're crying? It's happy tears?" I nod and he grins. "Thank goodness."

"Shepherd, can you keep your hands off her for a minute so we can get some pictures?" Anya shouts, causing a fit of laughter throughout the party.

He chuckles and goes to pull away, but I hold onto him tighter. "I love you," I whisper.

His eyes widen as he searches my face. My heart begins to sink, but he tightens his hold on me and crashes his lips to mine. I can hear whispers and laughter, but it's drowned out by the sound of my heart pounding in my ears.

He breaks the kiss all too quickly for my liking and rests his forehead on mine. "This isn't how I wanted it to happen, I was planning something a bit more romantic, but I love you, Felicity. I love you so damn much that I didn't think it was possible."

Once again tears swim in my eyes, stupid hormones, and he wipes them before they fall. "You do?"

He chuckles and kisses my lips quickly. "More than you can imagine."

"Hello? We're having a baby shower here. Can you unhand the guest of honor?" Anya says.

Shepherd and I both laugh and reluctantly pull apart. He squeezes my hand and smiles down at me. "To be continued."

I nod right before Anya pulls me away.

After tons of pictures, some delicious dessert, and talking to each guest, it's finally over.

My feet hurt and I'm exhausted, but I'm feeling more excited and hopeful than I ever have before.

"Mom, can you hand me that bag of gifts," I ask from my seated position. Everyone has insisted I relax while they get the cars packed with all the gifts.

My mom hands me the bag and when the girls are back in the room, I stand up.

"Hey, you're supposed to be relaxing," Emmie says, putting her hands on her hips.

"Anya, Hartford, can you guys come here?" I ask. They come over and stand with Emmie, all three staring at me. I clear my throat as I glance at each of them. "I'm so grateful for everything you guys did for me and Shepherd. You've all gone above and beyond and this little boy is so lucky to have three aunts that love him so much already and I'm lucky to have found such a close relationship with you all. So, I wanted to say thank you for everything and let you know that I appreciate everything you've done." I hand them each a small box and step back.

"Felicity, you didn't need to do this," Hartford says, holding the box like she's afraid to accept it.

"She's right. This is what we do. We spoil the ones we love," Anya says.

"I didn't do nearly as much as these two," Emmie says.

"Shut up all of you. Just open your gift," I say, laughing.

They all open it and one by one they stare at it before lifting their gaze to me with tear-filled eyes. I've given each of them a bracelet that says ‘ Best Aunt Ever ' on it.

"You bitch," Anya says, crying as she grabs me for a hug. "I didn't want to cry, but damn this is the best gift I've ever gotten."

I giggle as I hug her back. "Well, it's true and everyone should know."

Hartford pulls Anya off me and hugs me next. "Thank you, Felicity. I do love him so much already," she says, her tears wetting my shoulder.

"I know you do and he knows it too."

When she pulls away, Emmie stares at me and smiles before hugging me. "I will always have candy for him," she says, laughing. "Thank you."

"Oh great, Anya and Hartford are crying now," Shepherd says, shaking his head.

"Get used to it because I'm going to be a mess when this baby is born," Anya yells.

I stand back a second and take it all in. A few months ago I thought I'd be raising this baby on my own and now, well now, I've got a man that loves me and more family than I could have ever hoped for.

The future is bright and I can't wait for my baby boy to experience all the love he has coming.