Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53521 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53521 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
The games they planned had everyone laughing and competing with enthusiasm. From the hilarious baby bottle chugging contest to the creative onesie decorating station, there was never a dull moment. The food, oh the food, was off the charts delicious. Anya is lucky to have Griffin at home to prepare such amazing dishes. The spread included gourmet finger sandwiches, savory quiches, and a decadent dessert table featuring cupcakes, macarons, and a show-stopping cake with intricate baby-themed decorations.
Everyone has been having so much fun, which is rare at any type of shower. It’s usually boring except for the person that it’s for, but that’s not the case here. Anya has made sure that it’s full of life and laughter. It’s no wonder she’s so successful with the parties she hosts here. The attention to detail, from personalized party favors to the perfectly curated playlist of upbeat and soothing tunes, ensures that every guest feels special and engaged.
When guests started arriving I was overwhelmed with the amount of gifts they brought. It seemed like an endless amount of beautifully wrapped boxes and bags. I was a bit nervous, if I'm honest, to sit in front of such a large crowd and open everything. Yet, here I am about to open the last gift and I was nervous for no reason. It’s been so exciting seeing what everyone has bought for our little boy. I didn’t think we’d receive so much, but I feel like we are well prepared, at least for the very beginning.
My mom and Carol, Shepherd’s mom, surprised us with a crib and the promise of helping me get the nursery ready. Anya and Hartford have purchased more baby clothes than I think will be possible for him to ever wear, plus bottles, burp clothes, bibs, a bassinet, a swing, and a high chair. Emmie kept it simple with adorable blue overalls and a gift card so I could buy things I needed but didn’t receive. Although, I’m not sure that will be necessary. I can’t think of one thing I’ll need that wasn’t gifted to me.
I guess I can always use the card for more diapers.
“That gift is from me and Carol,” my mom says, breaking my thoughts.
I smile as I rip off the paper and Hartford quickly cleans it up, while Emmie takes the bow to add to the hat that I’m apparently supposed to wear after this, and Anya waits with her pen and pad to write down what I received, so I can send thank you cards.
The white box is large and I pull the top off, exposing tissue paper. I pull the tissue paper off and a beautiful quilt sits in the box. I slowly pull it out and everyone oohs and aahs.
“Your mom and I got together and made this. Each piece of the quilt is made up of yours and Shepherd’s baby clothes,” Carol says.
I inspect the quilt as tears shine in my eyes. “This is the most thoughtful, precious gift. Thank you,” I whisper around the lump in my throat.
“Mom, this is beautiful,” Anya says, touching the quilt.
Everyone begins talking, but I focus on the quilt. Yellow, blue, green, and red all over. I run my hand over it and smile as a tear rolls down my cheek.
“Oh sweet girl, are you all right?” my mother says.
I glance up at my mom and nod as more tears fall. “This is just so meaningful.”
She squeezes my shoulder as she looks over the quilt. “Carol and I wanted to do something special for you both. It was a lot of fun and very nice getting to know Carol the way I have. You’re very lucky, Felicity, this family loves you and this little boy so much.”
I stand up and hug my mom, allowing more tears to fall. I am lucky and I know they all love me. I’m still waiting to hear those words from Shepherd but it hasn’t happened yet. But after all the love, generosity, and thoughtfulness I’ve felt today, I’m done waiting. Maybe he’s scared to say it. Maybe he doesn’t feel the same.
Either way, I know I love Shepherd Atwood and I’m going to tell him. If he doesn’t feel the same, that’s fine. Well, it’ll hurt, but at least he’ll know how I feel. It’s important to me that he knows before the baby comes.
“I’m so glad you like it,” Carol says, running her hand down my hair as my mother hugs me.
I pull away from my mom and hug Carol. “I love it. Thank you so much.”
As I pull away from Carol, Shepherd comes back from being needed out in the brewery. He sees my tears and rushes over, nearly pushing his own mother out of the way.
“What’s wrong? Are you all right?” he asks, holding onto my shoulders as his eyes run over my body.