chapter 147
Elena's POV:
My relief at keeping Nicholas's secret lasted approximately three seconds before Sebastian's hand found the small of my back, steadying me as another wave of false contractions rippled through my abdomen.
Eight months pregnant with the baby, and my body had decided that random practice runs were exactly what I needed.
"You've been on your feet too long," he murmured, already guiding me toward the sofa. "The doctor said—"
"Light activity is fine," I finished, having heard this particular lecture at least twice daily for the past week. But I let him fuss, sinking into the cushions with a grateful sigh. "I was just confirming we'd attend Nicholas's birthday on Saturday."
His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "You're sure you're up for it?"
"It's just a small gathering at the Black estate. Rose will be there with Lily." I watched his face carefully, noting the way his fingers stilled against my back. "I promised Nicholas we'd come."
"Of course you did." The words held no heat, only that familiar mix of exasperation and fondness he reserved for my tendency to overextend myself. "But if you feel even slightly—"
"I'll tell you immediately," I assured him, capturing his hand and pressing it against my belly where it was performing what felt like a full gymnastics routine. "See? They're excited about the party."
His expression softened as he felt the movement, that look of wonder that still caught him off guard even after months of watching my body change.
"What am I going to do with you?" he murmured, shaking his head with fond exasperation. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"But you love me anyway," I said, the words light and teasing.
"God help me, I do." The admission came with such raw honesty that my breath caught.
For a moment, the tension I'd been sensing in him all week seemed to ease.
---
Saturday arrived faster than my swollen feet could carry me.
I stood before the full-length mirror in our bedroom, attempting to make peace with the cream-colored silk dress that had fit perfectly two weeks ago but now strained across my massive belly.
"You look beautiful," Sebastian said from behind me, his hands sliding around to rest protectively over mine on my stomach.
"I look like I swallowed a beach ball," I corrected, leaning back into his warmth.
"The most beautiful beach balls I've ever seen." His lips found that sensitive spot behind my ear, and I shivered despite myself.
"Smooth talker," I murmured, then straightened with effort. "Come on. We'll be late if we don't leave now."
The Black estate looked different in daylight—less imposing, more welcoming, with children's laughter already floating from the gardens as we pulled up to the side entrance. Nicholas had been true to his word about keeping things small and private, routing us away from any potential media attention.
"Aunt Elena!" Lily's excited voice rang out the moment we stepped inside, and the five-year-old came barreling toward us with Rose hurrying behind.
"Lily, careful—" Rose started, but Lily had already skidded to a stop just short of my belly, eyes wide.
"You got really big!" she announced with five-year-old honesty.
"Lily!" Rose's mortification was instant, but I laughed, carefully lowering myself to the little girl's level.
"I did get really big," I agreed. "That's because there is a baby in here. Want to feel?"
Lily nodded eagerly, placing her small hands on my belly with surprising gentleness. Her face lit up when the baby obligingly kicked.
"They moved! Mama, the baby moved!"
Rose met my eyes over her daughter's head, and I saw the mix of emotions there—gratitude for my patience, anxiety about being here, and something else that looked suspiciously like hope.
"Why don't you take this to the birthday person ?" Rose suggested, handing Lily a wrapped package. "Tell him happy birthday from us."
Lily scampered off, and Rose helped me straighten, her doctor's eyes already assessing. "You look tired. "
"As well as anyone carrying a baby can," I deflected. "You look lovely. That color suits you."
She smoothed down the deep blue dress self-consciously. "Nicholas sent it. "
Before I could respond, Sebastian appeared at my elbow, having finished whatever hushed conversation he'd been having with Marcus by the door.
"Ladies," he said smoothly, though his hand found its habitual place at my back. "Nicholas is in the blue salon. Apparently, there's been some crisis with the birthday cake that requires immediate attention."
Rose's expression shuttered slightly. "I should go find Lily—"
"Actually, she went to deliver your gift, remember?" I interjected gently. "She's probably still there."
Rose hesitated, caught between maternal instinct and the inevitable.
"We should all go," I suggested, already moving toward the salon. "I'm curious about this cake crisis myself. "
Sebastian's thumb traced small circles against my back—whether in amusement at my transparent maneuvering or simple support, I couldn't tell.
Nicholas stood with his back to us, shoulders tense as he spoke rapidly into his phone. "I don't care what the original order said. If it's not perfect—" He broke off as he sensed our presence, turning.
The moment his eyes found Rose, everything else ceased to exist.
"You came," he said softly, phone forgotten in his hand.
"Lily wanted to wish you happy birthday," Rose replied, but her voice had gone breathless.
They stood frozen, drinking each other in across the expanse of Persian rug and carefully arranged furniture, and I felt like an intruder in my own matchmaking scheme.