AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Pearl grips my mom’s hand and squeezes it. “There’s more.”
“More?” My mom looks like she’s going to faint. “What more is there?”
She turns slowly to our assembled families. I watch the soft sweep of her hand as it finds its way to her stomach. It’s flat as a board still. But Pearl rests it there like a whisper of things to come.
“We have one more surprise!" Pearl calls out.
The chatter ceases, the air charged with anticipation. Every eye is fixed upon us. More specifically, everyone looks at Pearl.
"We're expecting a baby," she announces. Then she blushes and beams at the same time.
God, I do love her.
A collective intake of breath ripples through the crowd. Then it turns, erupting into exclamations of sheer astonishment and joy. My heart swells beyond the confines of my chest. Pearl's gaze meets mine. I see nothing shining there but love and excitement.
The family crowds in, ready for hugs and well-wishes. Aunt Glory muscles her way up to us with her boisterous laugh. She opens her arms and drowns us both in a hug. "Congratulations, you two!" she bellows loudly.
"Thanks, Aunt Glory." I chuckle, squeezing back just as fiercely. "We're pretty excited."
I cup my hands around my mouth and shout to be heard over the crowd. “If you will all join us at the Cape Bistro, we’ll have a little feast.”
Leading Pearl from the beach is something special. For the first time, I hold my wife’s hand.
My wife.
I’m drunk on that idea for whatever reason.
After we settle in on the patio of the bistro, I can finally relax a little bit. It feels unreal to me still. The buzz of conversation is a gentle hum in my ears. The salty tang of ocean air on my lips. Sam's hand lands on my shoulder, heavy and reassuring.
"You've made me proud, son," he says, his smile broad.
"Thanks, Sam." My voice is thick with emotion. I have to work to keep it steady. "It means a lot coming from you."
His grip tightens for a moment, a silent echo of the sentiment. Then he releases me and steps back. The pride in his eyes doesn't wane.
If anything, it burns brighter. Sam isn't a man of many words. But his few words carry the weight of entire conversations.
"You know, your mother and I are always here for you both," he says. He nods toward Pearl, who's laughing at something Savannah has just said.
"Wouldn't want it any other way," I reply. He nods and moves back to my mom. I’m left thinking that I’m still getting used to hearing compliments from Sam, but it’s starting to grow on me.
There's a soft touch on my arm. I turn to see Aunt Delta. Her silvering hair is caught in a loose bun, wisps escaping to frame her face. It is etched with lines of a life well-lived. She's always been like another grandmother to Pearl.
Now, by extension, she will be one to me. At least, I hope so.
"River," she begins. She takes my hand between her trembling ones. Her eyes shimmer with unshed tears. "Take care of my grandniece and that little one." Her voice cracks, but it's strong with conviction. "You've proven yourself to be a good man."
"Thank you, Aunt Delta." I squeeze her hands gently. "I promise, they're my world. Nothing comes before them."
"Good." She nods, satisfied. She pulls me into a hug that smells faintly of lavender. "Keep that promise and you'll live a good life."
"I plan to," I assure her.
When she steps back, there's a twinkle in her eye that tells me she believes me. "Go on, then," she says, releasing me. "Your bride looks like she needs a dance."
I chuckle. I catch Pearl’s eye, signaling with a tilt of my head toward the makeshift dance floor we’ve set up on the sand. Her grin is all the confirmation I need.
"Careful," she teases. I draw her close, our bodies aligning with ease. "Don't drop me now, my bad boy billionaire."
