"And Dad will drool when he sees you."She squeezes my fingers, and for a moment I imagine her doing the same with her future sibling.
Everyone laughs as I pull her into a tight hug, careful not to wrinkle either of our dresses.The scent of her shampoo makes my stomach roll slightly - another fun pregnancy symptom I'm learning to hide.
"Ladies, it's time," Mom announces.The room falls quiet as seven pairs of eyes turn to me.
I gather myself, pushing down the wave of nausea, and manage a wink."Let's make my sweet Bulldozer drool."
Charlotte looks up at Emma."Is Uncle Cole really going to drool?"
Emma giggles, touching her daughter's cheek."No, honey."
The seven-year-old frowns, ready to launch another question, but Mom's call to head downstairs distracts her.As everyone files out, I pause by the window, one hand pressed to my stomach.Soon, baby.Soon we'll tell your daddy.
A choked gasp makes me turn.
"Ladybug," Dad's voice breaks as he crosses the room."Lord heavens.You look sensational, honey."He opens his arms and I step into them, fighting tears.
"Thanks."
"Oh, I should saythank youfor being the light in your mother's and my life."His words make my hormones surge again.
"Dad, don't make me ruin my makeup."Again.
He kisses my forehead."Fine.In that case, let's go before your future husband thinks you're reenactingRunaway Bride."
I slip my arm through his, grateful for his steady support as another wave of dizziness hits.As we head for the door, he pauses.
"You're glowing, sweetheart.Just like your mother did when..."His voice trails off as his eyes widen with realization.
I press a finger to my lips, and his face splits into a radiant smile."Your secret's safe with me, Ladybug."He pats my hand."Cole's a lucky man - in more ways than he knows."
Together we step into the hallway, my heart racing with anticipation.In a few minutes, I'll walk down the aisle to marry the love of my life.And soon, I'll tell him about the precious gift already growing inside me.
Ready or not, Bulldozer.Your world's about to change again.
* * *
Cole
“You knowyou don't have the superpower to open the door with your relentless stare, don't you?"Brian jokes from my right side.
Nick taps my shoulder."You have it, don't you?"
"Have what?"I can't tear my eyes from the entrance.
"Racing pulse, sweaty palms, that nauseating sensation in the pit of your stomach," my best friend explains.
I scratch my beard while wiping my other palm on my pants.How the fuck does he know?
Nick chuckles."Relax, it's normal.Exactly what I felt waiting for my angel."
I tug at my collar.Christ, when did it get so hot in here?
"Don't sweat it, Bulldozer.If she runs, I'll go after her."
"Our Fox friend is joking," Nick adds."Alisha will appear.We're thrilled you found your dream woman."
"Oh, I know he's joking."I smirk at Brian."He's just envious since we found our matches while he still struggles to find a woman who can put up with his shit."
