“He told you to say that, didn’t he?”
Laney giggled, her blonde ponytail swinging side to side as she shook her head. “No. Yes.” She laughed some more. “Okay, you know he did.”
I smiled at him from across the room. Seth and Chris were with him. “Yes, I know he said it because it’s all he tells me.”
“He just worries about you.”
“Mercy, don’t I know it.” I rolled my eyes as the doorbell rang again.
“So who’s the guy in the light-blue polo shirt? He is hot,” Laney whispered.
I turned toward the deck where Chris and Seth were. “Ah, Chris. Christopher Collins. He’s Leo’s best friend, and from what Chris insists, he’s a lifelong bachelor.”
Laney snorted. “Hmm, is that right? Kind of like Lifeguard Leo was.”
“Exactly. He’s who Leo picked to be godfather to our child. I guess you should get to know him better since you’re the baby’s godmother.”
“I think you’re right. You’ll need to introduce us.”
“I most definitely will. That’s what this little gathering is all about.”
“Oh my God. Carol Ashford is here?” Laney’s brown eyes bulged.
“Um, yes? She’s Leo’s mom. Do you know of her?”
“Yes,” she whisper-shouted. “She’s been in a few movies in the last year. Let me think…” She tapped her finger on her lip. “You know the movie, I can’t think of its name, where the widow falls in love with her therapist... Dang it, what was the name of it? You really should watch more movies.”
I shook my head. I was not a movie or TV kind of person and Leo wasn’t either. “Well, you should go talk to her. Just don’t botch up the titles of the movies. It might insult her. I better go meet her myself.”
“Yes, go. I think I’ll go introduce myself to Chris.” She waggled her eyebrows.
I made my way over to Leo and his mom. He tucked me into his side and kissed my forehead. “Mom and Patrick, this is Scarlett Smith, the love of my life and the mother of my unborn child.”
I looked up at him, stunned. This man had turned rather gushy when it came to the baby and me. I loved it and knew he meant every word, but it still shocked me.
“Scarlett, I am so happy to meet you. When Leo called announcing the baby, well, I cried on the phone.”
“She did.” He winked at me.
“Patrick and I are delighted to have you in the family and are thrilled to be grandparents soon.”
“Just go with it,” Leo whispered.
Okay, then.“Well, Carol, we’re thrilled about the baby too. Patrick, it’s great meeting you.” I shook his hand and was then pulled into a hug by Carol.
“You must let me host the baby shower.”
“Oh, um…” I shot Leo a panicked look.
“Mom, Scarlett’s mom, Sally, also wants to host the shower, so you two can do it together.”
Thank goodness Leo took control of this sensitive topic. He never ceased to amaze me.
“Oh, how lovely. Yes, I’d love to co-host the shower with your mother.” Carol smiled, but I couldn’t tell if she was acting.
The doorbell rang again, and this time, I went to answer it. I had a feeling it might be my parents. I opened the door, and sure enough, the Smith clan had arrived.
“Mom, Dad, I’m so glad you could come.” I hugged them both and then each one of my siblings. “Please come in.”