Page 55 of Fighting for Family

“Gabby, you look amazing,” Julie gushed. “I love your dress.”

“Thank you. I’m finding them more comfortable at this stage of the game,” Gabby responded, hugging Julie and then Kassie.

“Catherine will return in a minute. She’s in the bathroom,” Kassie informed her. “Congratulations. Don’t worry, Ty made sure to have the chicken salad ready, and I believe he made you more of the sherbert you love.”

“You’ve made my day,” Gabby teased.

“We put you right up front with Lizzy, Claire, and Patch. Go get off your feet, and we’ll get the food brought out for you,” Kassie said, smiling.

Knight took Gabby’s hand and placed it in the crook of his elbow and walked toward his teammate.

Gabby stopped, making him halt.

“What’s the matter?” Knight asked.

“Nothing,” she replied. “The baby kicked me.”

“I imagine there’s not much room left in there,” Knight teased, placing a hand on her stomach.

“Tell me about it,” she grumbled good-naturedly. “I feel like I have a load of clothes in the washer the way this one twists and turns.”

“Your due date will be here before you know it,” he assured her, approaching Patch.

“Hi, Knight,” Claire greeted him. “Hey, Gabby. Here I thought I kept a huge secret, and they conned both of us into acting as accomplices for each other’s baby showers. We’ll at least get Avie back in a couple of months.”

“It’s very generous of them. I didn’t expect one for my second child,” Gabby said. “It seems like only yesterday I delivered Marcus. He’s growing up fast. I’m willing to help you with Avie’s shower.”

“I think they like to have a reason to party,” Claire teased. “I don’t mind. We’ve needed the distractions lately.”

Gabby glanced around the room to see Catherine coming from the bathroom. “I don’t know how she does it. I’d be a crumbling mess.”

“I imagine years of having Leo as a spouse has conditioned her to stress,” Claire said, smiling. “He came up with the craziest ideas sometimes.”

“We sure miss him,” Patch said sadly. “He never gave up on us.”

“Oh,” Gabby said, clutching her stomach. “I must be having some Braxton Hicks.”

Knight leaned closer to her ear. “Don’t lay it on too thick. We haven’t eaten yet.”

Gabby elbowed him in his ribs.

Patch pulled out Gabby’s chair. “Sit down and get those feet up before you deliver this baby.”

“You seem calm,” Claire said. “I’m a doctor, and I’m still afraid of how this will go.”

“My first pregnancy didn’t go as planned. Over the last few weeks, I’ve never felt better, and I know what to expect,” Gabby explained. “It doesn’t mean I’m ecstatic about the labor part.”

“Me either,” Claire said. “Kassie says as soon as they place the baby in my arms, I’ll forget all about it.”

“It’s the best reward for all the work and spending months without seeing your feet. I can’t wait to fit into my regular clothes again,” Gabby said, sighing.

“There’s nothing sexy about maternity underwear,” Claire commiserated. “I’m hoping I lose my baby weight. I asked Kassie if I can use the gym before work.”

“Hey,” Patch said firmly. “I’m fine with you losing it to stay healthy. Whether you lose all of it or not, you’re gorgeous. I won’t have you worried about a couple of pounds when you’ve carried our child.”

Claire smiled and kissed his cheek.

“Do you want to sit?” Patch asked her.