An ache momentarily stabbed at my chest. Looking at how happy they were only emphasized how lonely I felt. Working all the hours God sends could be a good distraction, but as much as I adored my job, it could never replace that heart-stopping, bolt of lightning love I so desperately craved.
“Come on. Let’s go and get a drink!” I said cheerily, fighting back my moment of sadness, and let Rome and Molly lead the way to their white country-style kitchen.
Molly must have seen me gaping at the opulence of the room and blushed. “It’s too much, isn’t it?”
My attention was drawn to my timid friend and her embarrassed expression. “Not at all, darlin’. It’s beautiful.”
Molly joined me in looking around the room. I adored that she still found it uncomfortable having money. I didn’t think she’d ever get used to it. But I couldn’t help but think it was an adorable trait to possess.
“She fought me on buying this place, but I wanted somewhere safe for us to live… somewhere for us to start a family,” Rome stated.
Molly’s eyes, which had been fixed on the table, then shot to her husband’s and began to fill with tears.
Rome lifted Molly’s hand to his lips. I felt like an intruder on their private and meaningful moment. Molly appeared to shake herself to and cast me a ghost of a smile. “Ally, you must be thirsty. Can I get you a drink?”
“Don’t worry, darlin’. I got it covered!” I declared excitedly and ran to my carry-on and pulled out the bottle of champagne I’d bought en route to their house.
As I looked up, Molly had turned green and was rushing out of the room. “I… I’m… I’ll be back in a moment!” Molly ran out into the hallway. I stood in the middle of the kitchen, eyebrows pulled down.
I turned to face Rome, who was fidgeting on his seat. “She okay, honey?” I asked. “She looked like she was gonna puke.”
Rome’s eyes tracked the direction Molly had gone. “She’s fine.” I could see the concern on his face. But Rome had always been all serious and possessive of Molly. His need to keep her safe and cared for stood above anything else in his life.
Feeling awkward at the silence that immediately followed, I asked, “Where are your champagne flutes?”
Rome snapped out of his worry and walked to a cupboard. Reaching up, he pulled out two champagne glasses and set them on the table as I popped the cork. When I went to pour, I stilled.
“Rome, you forgot one. There’s only two here.”
Rome stiffened beside me, and when I looked up, his eyes were facing the direction Molly had gone. My eyes narrowed, and I nudged him with my elbow. “Hey, cuz! You with me?”
Rome flicked his head to me and ran his hand through his hair. “Yeah, sorry, Al.”
“What’s up?” I asked. “‘Cause y’all are acting real strange.”
I stared down at the two champagne glasses and I let out an excited gasp. “Why isn’t she drinking?”
Rome opened his mouth, but...
“I’m pregnant.” Molly’s quiet voice carried from the entranceway to where I stood. Both Rome and I quickly turned our heads to face her. She was pale, and I could tell she’d just vomited.
The air whooshed from my lungs and my hand flew over my mouth. Molly edged forward, and her lip curled in happiness. “I’m sixteen weeks gone…” She looked at Rome and tears of happiness filled her eyes. “Can you believe it? We’re pregnant again!”
Tears then spilled down her cheeks. Mine did exactly the same as I ran to my best friend, her hands now shaping the small round bump under her flowing dress. I took her into my arms.
“I’m so happy for you, darlin’,” I whispered as I felt Molly grip me tightly.
She was shaking.
I pulled back and wiped her tears with my thumbs. “I’m so damn happy for you.”
“Thank you, Ally,” she said with an excited laugh. Her whole face shone with excitement. But that expression faltered when her eyes drifted to Rome, who still hadn’t moved from his hunched-over position by the countertop. He was watching us closely, but there was pain in his dark stare.
Molly walked away from me, gently squeezing my arm in thanks before she let go and made her way to her husband. Dipping her head, she placed her fingers under his lowered chin and lifted Rome’s head before pressing a kiss to his lips.
“I’ll be fine,” she hushed soothingly.
Rome stared at her for what felt like an age before pulling her onto his lap and wrapping her in his arms. Molly saw me watching in confusion and explained, “I have Preeclampsia, Ally. The pregnancy could be tough, since I shouldn’t have developed Preeclampsia this early. Our doctor has given me a list of things I have to do to help myself, but this one here is terrified.” She ran her hand through Rome’s long hair to emphasize her point. “It’s the reason we haven’t told anyone sooner. You know, just incase something went wrong again. Lexi and Austin know, but I wanted to wait and tell you to your face. Of course Rome can’t stop worrying.”
That twist in my gut was back again.
“I’m terrified of losing you,” Rome’s deep, rough voice said quietly. “No baby is worth that.”
Molly’s head tilted slowly to the side as she watched him. “You won’t lose me. It’s all going to be okay. We’re going to have a baby and everything will be fine.”
They stared into each other’s eyes and seemed to speak to each other simply through their connection.
I rocked awkwardly on my feet and moved toward my cases. Molly saw me from the corner of her eye and stood up from Rome’s lap.
“Rome, show Ally to her room, baby. I’m going to go and lie down.” She rolled her eyes at me. “Doctor’s orders. Lots of rest and no stress.”
I smiled at her and watched as she headed out of the room. Molly then stopped and turned round. “Oh, I nearly forgot. We’ve organized a celebration dinner for you tonight, sweetie. Everyone’s coming. A big hello to you and your arrival in the Emerald City.”
“Molls, I—” I went to argue, worried it was pushing her too far.
“Not you too, Ally! I have enough from my brooding hulking Football stud there, treating me like I’m a fragile doll.” Molly pointed at Rome and playfully gave him a scowl. Rome’s eyes tightened, being playful back. “I’m fine.” Her hand went to her stomach. “We’re both fine, and I won’t have everyone stepping on eggshells around me for the next several months!”