Page 34 of Wicked Queen

“See? Alexander didn’t want kids and now look at him.” Clearly, Belle thought this should be the deciding factor.

“He is a great father,” Edward admitted.

“You sound too surprised.” I’d never doubted Alexander would be wonderful dad, because I knew his capacity for love.

“Well, he’s a rubbish king.” Edward grinned.

“Is not,” I cried.

My friends shared a look. I’d fallen into their trap, and they knew they had me.

“I told you they made up,” Edward said.

“Don’t start,” Belle warned.

“You were upset when you thought we hadn’t,” I said in confusion.

“She gets just as worked up when she’s happy,” Edward told me, taking another handkerchief from his pocket. “I stuffed the whole thing full of them this morning. Someone has to keep up with her waterworks.”

“Am I interrupting?” Tamara asked.

I struggled to hoist myself to my feet. In the end, Edward leaned over and pushed me. “Thanks,” I said dryly. “Chivalry is dead.”

“Clara,” Tamara said, spreading her hands in welcome. “I have lovely things for you. You’re going to drive your husband crazy. Although it doesn’t look like you need help with that.”

She touched my stomach lightly. I responded with a hug. “Your hair!”

“Do you like it? My terrible sister told me I needed to look like a woman my age when I turned fifty.” She cupped neon pink locks that had once been platinum blonde.

“I love it.” Not many women could pull it off, but she wasn’t like most women. “It suits you.”

“Let me show you what I have.” Tamara pointed at Belle. “And for you. I heard Bless is expanding to maternity.”

“I have to find some decent designers,” Belle teased. Her wardrobe rental company focused on high end fashion. Since she’d become pregnant, Belle had started adding maternity clothes to the line.

“I can help you there,” Tamara promised. “I didn’t bring models in. I wanted you two to be the first to try these pieces.”

“I can’t believe you went to the trouble,” I said as she crossed the room and rolled a rack of gorgeous pieces to us.

“You two are the best publicity I could ever have. I should be thanking you.” She picked an emerald green dress from the rack and held it out to me.

Edward coughed significantly. “I get no credit?”

“He wants a finder’s fee,” I muttered to her, running my fingers over the dress’ silky fabric. How was it possible that it felt as good as it looked?

“I’m sorry. Would you like a dress, Edward?” Tamara asked, completely deadpan.

“Not that kinda queen, babe.” He poured himself another glass of champagne and continued to banter with Tamara as she picked out something for Belle to try.

The dress felt like butter and I marveled at how something so elegant could be so comfortable. It was cut to accentuate all the best curves pregnancy had given me. Rather than dipping at the bust, it rose to hug my neck. Slipping my nude heels back on, I strolled out to show them.

Edward stopped mid-sentence when he saw me.

“Well?” I asked, spinning around.

“Long live the Queen,” he called, adding a low whistle. “How do you make that look so sexy?”

“The model helps,” Tamara informed him. She bustled over and checked the fit, smiling with satisfaction. “I knew this color would suit you. How do you feel about the collar?”