When Constellations Form (Light in the Dark 4)

For decorations there are vases full of lemons and all kinds of lemon treats.

“I can’t believe you guys did all this for me.”

“We love you.” Nova takes my hand and squeezes it. “And we love this little girl already. We wanted to do something special.”

I wipe away my tears and look up at Xander. “You’re forgiven for making me wear pants.”

He chuckles. “Good to know.”

I kiss him and look around the room again. “Where do we start?” I ask.

“Well, there’s food, gifts, and games. You’re the baby mama. What do you want to do?” my mom asks, already munching on a cookie.

“I’m starving,” I admit.

“Food it is,” Xander’s mom declares.

An hour later, we’re all stuffed and done with games, so we start on the presents.

“We know you guys have gotten pretty much everything you need, so most of this stuff is clothes,” Rae admits. “But no baby can have too many clothes.”

Cade reaches over and rubs her shoulder and she smiles back at him. They’re both tan and glowing from their Hawaiian honeymoon.

Rae hands me a bag. “This is from us.” She indicates herself and Cade.

Xander sits beside me, watching as I open the bag.

I bust out laughing. “Continuing with the lemon theme, I see.” I pull out a cute lemon jumper and a swaddle with lemons.

Rae shrugs. “It was too perfect to pass up.”

“This is from us.” Nova hands me a large bag

“Actually, it’s just from Nova. I don’t know what the fuck’s in there so I shouldn’t ge

t any credit.”

Nova shakes her head and sighs. “Boys,” she mumbles.

I pull out the first item. “Aw, this is adorable.” It’s a cute floral romper with pom poms on the sleeves and legs that’ll be adorable for summer. Next I pull out a pair of gray flats with pink bows on the feet. Then I pull out a shirt for me that says Boss Lady and there’s a matching one for the baby that says Mini Boss. “These are great, Nova. Thank you.”

She laughs. “You know I like my word shirts, so I thought you and the little lady could continue my tradition.”

I fold everything again and put it back in the bag.

My mom points to a large box. “That’s from me.”

I try to lift it off the table but it’s much too heavy. I stand up and rip the paper off, revealing the package beneath.

“Mom,” I breathe in a scolding tone. “This is too much.”

It’s an infant seat that bounces, rocks, and sways. I’d looked them up and was planning to order one but since it’s a more expensive item I’d been holding off.

“I wanted to,” she insists. “I wanted my granddaughter to have something special from me.”

“Aw, well thank you, Mom.” I hug her and kiss her cheek.

I start to get a little weepy thinking about how loved this little girl already is and she’s not even here yet. She’s so incredibly lucky.