“That’s gonna cost a fortune,” I told him.
“Worth every penny in my opinion. Pick out the ones you want as the larger ones. We can even hang them in the nursery after we display them at the dinner.”
“I love that idea.”
“Okay then. It’s settled. I’m going to bump up the dinner for the day before the surgery. I’ll call everyone and we can do a little celebrating beforehand.”
“Okay. I’ll call my brothers now and see if they can make it.”
Levi stood, kissing the top of my head. “Are you gonna be okay for a few? I need to finish some work before the dinner.”
I forced a smile. “I’ll be fine. I know where you are if I need you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Levi, I’m sure. Go. I’ll be fine. I could use some alone time.”
“Okay. I’ll grab a pizza for dinner.”
“Sounds good.”
I was thankful for a little alone time. I needed to process what happened today. I allowed myself to have a pity party for thirty minutes before I picked up the phone to call my brothers. I dialed Constance’s number first, figuring he would be easier to get hold of.
“Hello?”
“Hey! It’s me. Rylee.”
“Hey. How is it going?”
“Good. Good. Listen, I know it’s last minute, but Levi and I are throwing this dinner party and I was wondering if maybe you and Simon can come? If you can, we have a place you can stay. We have news to share and kind of want everyone together. It’s important.”
“Let me talk to Simon and see if he can work that out.”
“When did you say it was?”
“It’s the day after tomorrow,” I replied.
“That is short notice.”
“If you can, text me as soon as you know.”
“Okay. Will do.”
“Talk to you soon.”
“Bye, Ry.”
I hung up the phone.
Once the text came through that they worked it out to come, I was excited. Then next thing I knew, Levi came through the door carrying a pizza.
Chapter Thirty-Four
RYLEE
Today was the day before my surgery. It was also the day of our dinner party. Thankfully, our photographer was able to send the photos over and we were able to print some to display and then enlarge the ones we picked out. I was busy telling Levi where to display them. I had gotten good at giving directions.
“How are you feeling?” Levi made his way over to me, placing his hands on my growing belly.
“Nervous. It’s my first time meeting your mom, and you meeting my brothers. I hope everyone gets along.”
“Me, too. And I will make that apology I owe your brother in person.”
I smiled. “I would appreciate that.”
“I love you, and I’m prepared to do what I can to show you and everyone else.”
“I love you, too. Oh, did you feel that?”
Levi’s eyes lit up. “I felt a kick.”
That evening, people started arriving. First to arrive were my brothers, Constance and Simon.
“Levi, these are my brothers. You met Constance before, and this is Simon.”
Levi held his hand out and shook both of their hands.
“I’m so glad you could make it.”
The boys then turned their attention to me, and their eyes darted down to my belly. “You’re pregnant.”
I smiled wide. “With twins.”
They both took a turn to hug me. “Congratulations. Oh my god. That’s so amazing.” They congratulated Levi and I both on the happy news.
“And this is our…” I looked to Levi for confirmation because I wasn’t sure I could say the bed and breakfast was both of ours. But Levi offered a nod in agreement. “Our bed and breakfast.”
Levi chimed in, “I fixed up two of the rooms for you both. Come on, I can show you where to put your stuff before our other guests arrive.”
I watched as they trailed up the stairs and hoped Levi would have that conversation with Constance before everyone got here. Looking around, I loved the white fairy lights that hung above the photos and really set the mood in the room. I walked around, staring at the photos, and I was in awe of how amazing the photographer was.
“There she is,” I heard a familiar voice calling.
“Aubrey. Chance. You guys made it.”
I reached around to hug them both.
“Looks like you and Levi made something yourselves.” Aubrey pointed to my stomach right as Levi and my brothers came down stairs to join us.
“We made twins, actually. I’m twenty weeks along.”
“That’s amazing. Congratulations. You guys will be great parents.”
“Did you get the baby gift I sent?”
Aubrey had a baby boy six weeks ago.
“I did. And thank you so very much. Sorry, I haven’t sent out thank you cards yet.”
“Oh my god. Don’t worry about that. These two guys are my two older brothers, Constance and Simon.” Then I looked toward my brothers. “This is our friends, Aubrey and Chance.”
I watched as they exchanged pleasantries.
“These are great,” Simon said as he looked at the photos on display. His comment made Aubrey and Chance curious as they walked over to investigate.
“Wow. Rylee, you look amazing. Stunning,” Aubrey beamed.
“Thank you.”
Looking toward the door, I spotted an older woman and a gentleman walking in. Levi saw them right away as he walked over to hug the woman and shake the man’s hand. I made my way over to see who it was.
“Rylee, this is my mom and her fiancé, James. Mom and James, this is Rylee.”
We greeted each other with hugs. “It looks like you’re expecting.”
Levi wrapped an arm around my waist. “We’re expecting twins.
