“Hmm. Why do I get the sense that you’re telling me a little white lie, Darcy Blackwell?” She eyed me curiously, squinting her eyes.
“Nope. He can just be a dick sometimes, that’s all. How is the baby doing?” I changed the subject quickly, hoping to avoid any more of her interrogation.
It worked. Once I mentioned the baby, Lila’s face lit up, and her hand went instinctively to her stomach, a warm smile spreading over her lips. “Amazing. I never thought it would be this incredible. This creature growing inside me has become the center of my world. I’m already feeling like a mother. I can’t wait to meet the little one.”
“Have you finished the baby room yet?” I asked.
“We’re painting the baby room green and yellow, happy colors. The accessories are in all different animals.”
“Different animals?” Remi repeated Lila’s words as she and Shellene entered the room, Addison in tow.
“Lila’s just telling me about the baby’s room,” I caught them up.
“Oh, that’s so adorable. I can’t wait to see it.” Shellene put her hands together, looking to the heavens. She was so romantic and family-oriented it was over-the-top.
“I actually have a favor to ask of you ladies,” Lila said, smiling warmly. “I was wondering if you gals would accompany me for a baby room painting party?”
“That would be so much fun,” Addison said. “I love painting.”
“Agreed,” I said. “I’ll buy the paint.”
“No way; you don’t have to do that,” Lila protested.
“Count me in, and I’ll contribute to the paint as well,” Remi said.
“Me too,” Shellene said.
“You guys are such great friends. It’s not necessary, but thank you,” Lila dabbed her eyes with a tissue. “I seem to be more emotional than usual.”
“You were never emotional, just overly dramatic,” I told her, grinning.
“Hey!” Lila frowned.
“I tell it like it is. No sugar coating will ever come from these lips,” I said.
“That’s for sure,” Remi said. We all laughed.
“I’m going to go in the hot tub. Anyone want to join me?” Addison said as she stood up.
Everyone shook their heads. “I’m going to wait until tonight. I like going when it’s really dark out,” I said.
Addison left the room, so Remi said, “Now that she’s gone, what’s next for Julian?”
“Good question. Who’s turn is it?” I asked.
“I believe it’s mine,” Shellene held her hand up. “I’ll try to think of something different than what we usually do so that it keeps him on his toes. We don’t want him expecting us and being prepared.”
“Sounds fantastic, Shelly,” I said.
“What should we do today? It’s really storming out there,” Lila said.
“Let’s build a fort,” Remi suggested.
“That’s a great idea. I love it. Let’s do it,” I agreed.
We went out to the living room, and after breakfast, we told the guys what we were going to do and asked if they wanted to join us.
“You just want us to pack all the snow for you,” Evan said.