Much. She smiled. However, the s.e.xual need I have is on fire, she moaned.
I smirked up at her as I knelt down to dry her legs and feet. Soon enough, baby.
Molly picked out an outfit she wanted to wear. I had her sit on the bed while I grabbed it. I knew she was capable of dressing herself, but I felt a sense of protectiveness over her.
As I finished helping her get ready for the special day, I took the opportunity to just look at her. She was spectacular. Not only was she the future mother of my babies, but she willingly went along with this crazy life I brought her into"first the media, then Kendra, and then Violet and Liam.
Youre amazing, you know that? I looked up into her eyes, admiring her beauty.
Whyd you say that? She blushed.
Becauseyoure just so wonderful. If I hadnt already proposed to you, Id ask you to marry me right now.
Well, dont let that stop you. She smirked.
Molly Woodsthe love of my lifethe mother of our future babieswill you marry me? Again? I smiled wide, less nervous this time around than before.
Wellsince you asked so sweetly. Her eyes fluttered.
Hey, dont keep me waiting. Youre killing a man over here.
Yes.as longas you promise to rub my feet, she said playfully. Anytime I want, she added.
Anything, I promised.
Then its settled.
Perfect.
Sohow long after do you think we should start having kids? she quipped.
I was thinkingsix months ago.
She pointed down to her belly. Well, lookwere right on track!
We both laughed. I stood up and kissed her gently on her forehead. And thisis why Im marrying you. Our marriage will never get old and boring.
Ill leave the old and boring to you, babe. The perks of marrying an older man. She winked.
I pressed my body against hers and growled. Youre lucky youre on bed rest, otherwise Otherwise what, she counter-offered, letting her body press against me.
You dont even want to know I kissed her on her lips, savoring her taste. Molly was always playful and testing her boundaries. But right nowwe have a party to get to.
Did you get me a special I have to sit on my a.s.s chair? she sneered.
As a matter of fact No! No, you didnt! she pushed back.
Okay, youre right, I didnt. But sweetheart, dont worry about it. You sit and relax. Michael will bring everything to you. I kissed her on the top of her head.
I left her to see if Michael needed any help. He was like a robot, bossing people around. He hired caterers and coordinators to set everything up.
Is this your baby shower? I laughed at Michael.
You never know. Those could be my babies in there. He grinned.
Keep dreamin, man. I laughed, patting him on the shoulder. I walked to the kitchen, or at least I thought it was my kitchen. The room had been turned into a full on restaurant. There were cute little finger foods scattered all over the countertops, little pink and blue boxes, and a bunch of tiny little baby confetti sprinkled everywhere.
Well, what do you think? Michael asked as he approached me.
I think you went a little overboard. I grinned, knowing that everything Michael did was over the top.
I wouldnt do it any other way!
I figured. I chuckled. I think Molly will love it.
She better. The coordinator cost me a fortune, he muttered.
I told you Id take care of it.
I dont need you and your fancy moneybags to pay for it. I can throw my best girl a party.
Whatever you say. But if you need it, I can help.
Michael and I never had what you call"a serious friendship. I loved that hes always been there for Molly and Stella, and I loved that hes still there for her, but I could still tell he was guarded when it came to me. He used humor and sarcasm to bond with me, without getting too attached.
I couldnt blame him though. I pretty much weaseled my way into their lives unexpectedly. Michael was her best friend and go-to person for everything, and then I came in and took over.
Mental note: Have a heart-to-heart with Michael before the babies are born. Im sure this is a life-changing event for him, as well.
Well, guests will be arriving soon, Michael interrupted my thoughts. Everything is ready! he squealed.
Itsstunning. I didnt really know how to respond to a baby shower, but I was doing my best. You did a great job, Michael. Molly will love it.
It looks like Babies R Us threw up in here. I heard Mollys voice from behind us. She was smiling, which hopefully meant she approved of Michaels over-planning.
That was my plan, Michael said sarcastically.
What are you doing out of bed? I was just about to come up and get you, I interrupted.
Im not a dog. I dont need to be fetched, thank you, she snarled. Plus, you two were taking too long. I was getting anxious.
I laughed at her stubbornness. She never had a long-attention span.
Well, since youre down here, why dont you take a quick tour with Michael? Thenyou need to sit. I eyed her carefully. Although she was strictly supposed to be resting, I wanted her to at least enjoy the baby shower.
Fine. As soon as I take a bite of whatever this is, she replied, grabbing a handful of appetizers sitting on the counter.
I watched as Michael guided her through the house. There were tables set up, all beautifully decorated in multi-colored table clothes. Flowers, confetti, and balloons accompanied the tables and room. Id never been to a baby shower before, but I was pretty sure this was a bit over the top.
As guests started to arrive, I did my best to stay out of the way. I made sure Molly stayed on the loveseat and had water and food. Her face lit up every time someone entered and handed her a gift. I could tell she was being genuine, and I was happy she was enjoying herself. I wasnt sure who all these chicks were, so I introduced myself to them.
Well, holy h.e.l.l, Molly. Youve been keeping him locked up or what? I heard one woman say. I was close enough to hear, but far enough away that she wouldnt hear me laugh. Michael had invited her restaurant co-workers, a few cla.s.smates from college, and a handful of regulars from the restaurant. Molly was a sociable person, so it didnt surprise me to see a room filled with giddy chicks.
I stayed my distance, letting the spotlight stay on Molly. It was the first time in months that I actually just watched her. She was carefree and sincerely enjoying herself. I watched as she laughed with the girls and Michael. She was letting them rub her belly, guess their genders, and some even wanted to see her engagement ring I could tell she was a little uncomfortable with all the attention, but she seemed to be handling it well. I started swiping some of the food as I heard a knock on the door.
I quickly shoved it in my mouth and opened it to see Violet, Stanley, and Liam.
Well, hey guys. I smiled, trying to choke back the food. What brings you here?
Michael invited Liam to the party.
Is there cake? he squealed, eyes lit up. Before I could answer him, he ran past me. I heard Stella calling for him and soon the two were gone, hunting down cake.
Well, you two are welcome to stay if you wish. I opened my arm up to the rest of the house. I knew it probably seemed weird to invite your ex/mother of your child and her boyfriend, who was also your fiances unannounced biological father, but honestly, it wasnt. Violet and I had come to terms with our arrangement, and I was only lucky that Molly seemed okay with it as well.
Violets face lit up instantly, but then went to uncertain. Ill keep Stanley company, dont worry. You go mingle and whatever it is that chicks do at baby showers.
Okay, just until she opens the presents. I love baby clothes! she gushed. She ran past me before I could even comment.
Well, then I guess its settled. I invited Stanley in and shut the door behind him. We were more business acquaintances than friends, and that was enough for me. I didnt want to cross boundaries knowing that Molly was uncomfortable with Stanley being around.
Wanna grab a plate before they swipe it all? I nodded my head toward the crowd of ladies sitting around Molly.
Sure. I never turn down food. He grinned.
13.
Molly If one more person rubs their slimy hands on my belly Molly, oh my G.o.d! Youre so big!
If one more person tells me how big I am Oh honey, you look so tired. Get some rest before sleep is no longer an option.
If one more person tells me how tired I look Do these people not realize Im carrying twins here? Not to mention, that is the last thing you say to a pregnant woman?
Just as I was about to snap and rip the fake smile off my face, my cell phone chimed, distracting me from Miss Feelin Up My Belly hands.
Blocked Number: How nice of your biological father to come to your baby shower. Why dont you go tell Daddy hes going to be a grandpabefore I do.
I looked around in a panic and saw Drake and Stanley talking in the kitchen. I didnt even know he was here, but I guess I shouldve a.s.sumed as soon as I saw Violet and Liam.
Wait? Someone knows.
But who?
I glanced around the room. Michael was in the middle of a cl.u.s.ter with a few of my girlfriends, a couple girls were chatting together by the punch table, and a couple friends were on their cell phones. No one knew about Stanley except for Drake and Michael"and they wouldnt tell a soul.
Molly: Who is this?
Blocked Number: Someone who knows your secret.
I rolled my eyes. Obviously. Someone was f.u.c.king with me.
Before I even responded, it rang again.
Blocked Number: And will tell if you dont.
Molly: What do you want?
I continued looking around. No one was looking suspicious. I hadnt even seen half these people in months, theres no way any of them knew. And even if they did, why would they threaten me? What good would it do for them?
And then it hit me like a ton of bricks.
Denny.
He must know. My parents must have told him years ago when they were all still friends. But why would he threaten me when hes the one with the new ident.i.ty? I should be threatening him.
Blocked Number: Looks like youve put the pieces together, sweetheart.
I searched around me in a panic, feeling violated that he must be watching me somehow. It didnt help that Drakes place had floor to ceiling windows overlooking Chicago, meaning anyone in the buildings nearby could see in with a telescope.
Molly: Stop watching me. Ill tell Drake everything.
Blocked Number: You already told Drake everything. Too bad he doesnt believe you. Guess you better do as I say now. Or else Stanley and all of Chicago will find out.
f.u.c.k. How does he know that? What good would it do him for Stanley to know the truth?
Nothing. Itd do no good for him. He was messing with me. Trying to get me to submit to him or get revenge.
Molly: f.u.c.k you.
Blocked Number: Guess were not playing nice. Too bad.
I didnt respond. I wasnt going to play his game.
Blocked Number: Imagine what thatll do to Drakes professional career. The media will blow up. Imagine how itll effect your parents. Not to mention how will Stanley take the news that the clinic violated his terms of privacy.
s.h.i.t. I sat and thought for a moment. This would make a huge cl.u.s.terf.u.c.k"a domino effect of hurting many people. First, my parents. They didnt need to be put in the middle of this. They didnt want any of their friends or other family members knowing the truth. It wasnt meant to be shared with the world.