Elaine: I don’t know.
Molly: What the actual fuck? I thought that was the whole point of yesterday’s ultrasound? Were the legs crossed again? You were so pissed about that and now you’re acting all blasé.
Elaine: Lol. I don’t actually know, and neither does Simon. The tech put it in an envelope, and we gave it to Nan. She’s making a cake, and we’re doing a whole reveal thing. You need to come. It’s Monday.
Molly: I’ll be there. :)
Elaine: Promise?
Molly: I promise.
So, I guess I have plans for Monday night. It seems like a weird night for a gender reveal, but whatever. They’re probably so excited they can’t wait until next weekend.
I think about calling Ev, or texting again, even though it’s a no-no, but I stay strong and watch Netflix instead. I’d like to say that’s because I have willpower, but it’s actually because my phone battery died.
Elaine texted me a dozen times today about what I planned to wear tonight. Pregnancy must do weird things to a woman’s brain. But when I sent her a pic of my favorite tangerine wrap dress, she gave me the ok. So weird.
I’m here a little early; I figured I could help with last minute set-up. And if that so happens to give me the opportunity to talk to Ev, without a giant crowd, so much the better.
I call out a greeting as I step inside. The door is wide open, and the house is decked out. But instead of pink and blue decorations, everything is white. I guess they want to remain neutral?
I follow the noise into the living room, and my hopes of getting Ev alone go up in smoke. There are at least 30 people in here, and he’s nowhere to be found. I thought I was early, but it’s a crowded house. There are folding chairs everywhere. This seems to be a pretty decent-sized crowd for a gender reveal, but what do I know?
I spot Nick over by the fireplace and head that way. “Hey guys, where are Simon and Elaine?”
“She’s still getting dressed. And Simon will be down in a minute.” Nick says. “Wait, you brought gifts? I didn’t know we were supposed to bring gifts. ”
“You don’t have to, but I made a few things this weekend and I wanted to bring them along.” More like I was bored out of my mind and needed to do something to pass the time, but close enough.
“You have two? Great, give me one.”
“No way. Besides, only one is the actual gift. It’s a gender reveal, genius. So I made one gift for a boy and another for a girl.” What can I say? I had a lot of time on my hands. “So, one bag is for a Rebel Princess and the other a Jedi Knight.”
“You’re an overachiever, Molls,” says Gavin.
Before I can respond, Simon walks in.
In a tux.
What kind of gender reveal is this?
“Hey, everybody. I just wanted to thank you all for coming. So…” he rubs his hands together and rocks a little on his feet. He’s nervous, and I’m beginning to understand why. “You are all here to help us celebrate our baby. And I promise, we’ll get to the gender reveal soon. Nick and Duncan, I know you’ve got a bet going. But before we settle that, I want to welcome you all to our wedding.”
Wait, what?
That’s when I see Ev walk in, with Elaine on his arm. She’s absolutely gorgeous in a tea-length ivory dress, her belly sticking out in the cutest way. And she’s wearing the veil.
I’m not the only one oohing and aahing, and I shoot a quick look at Dunc and Gavin, who seem just as stunned as I am.
“Before we get started, Simon and I just want to thank Ev and Molly for all they’ve done these past couple of months. And we feel bad for not using all of your great ideas, but, well...we just really want to be married. So, we couldn’t wait,” Elaine shrugs and smiles, looking happier than I’ve ever seen her.
I shake my head, as if to let her know it’s fine. I don’t care about any of that now; I’m just glad my best friend is getting the happily-ever-after she deserves.
“Oh, and one more thing,” Simon smiles, taking Elaine’s hand. “May the Fourth be with you.”
Laughter erupts as we all realize what day it is. Of course my best friend and her Star Wars- obsessed boyfriend would get married on May the fourth.
“Ok, so we need Gav and Dunc and Ev to serve as best men, and Molly, Meg, and Bets to be maids of honor,” Simon tells us.
