Chapter 1008: Labour
Chapter 1008: Labour
The days flew by in a blur of final preparations and endless excitement. Now fourteen weeks pregnant, Lucy's symptoms had improved significantly over the past few weeks; her morning sickness had eased, her energy levels had returned somewhat, and the only lingering "symptom" was her increased sexual appetite.
Tom found it amusing and flattering as Lucy's increased sex drive brought an entirely new dynamic to their relationship, and he couldn't complain- not when he enjoyed every bit of it. "What are you grinning at?" Lucy asked with a smile of her own when she caught Tom's gaze in the mirror as she got ready to leave for her bridal shower at I-Global hotel.
It was three days to their wedding, and they were both very excited and happy about it. Their love for each other seemed to deepen with every passing day.
"Just admiring your body," he said with a grin as he leaned against the doorway, watching her finish her makeup.
Lucy rolled her eyes playfully, but the warmth in her smile deepened. "You've been admiring my body quite a lot lately," she teased, brushing on her lipstick.
"Can you blame me?" Tom said, as he crossed the room toward her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"No, I can't," she said with a wide smile.
He leaned down to nuzzle her neck, his breath warm against her skin. "I mean, look at you. You're glowing."
Lucy laughed softly, tilting her head to give him better access. "Ace," she moaned, her tone laced with mischief.
Tom chuckled, already recognizing that tone. "What is it, Jewel?"
She turned to him, her lips curling into a seductive smile. "A goodbye quickie before I leave?"
Tom chuckled, shaking his head. "If your increased libido were the only symptom of pregnancy, I'd want you to be pregnant every year," he teased, turning her to face him.
Lucy giggled. "Me and you both. Seems to me like my body is trying to reward you for being so supportive in the first trimester."
Tom laughed, "Or reward itself?" He asked with a teasing smile and Lucy giggled.
"So, are you going to give me a proper goodbye or not?"
Tom didn't need further convincing. Their laughter filled the room as they shared an intimate moment.
A short while later, Tom pulled the car to a stop outside the venue where the bridal shower was being held.
"Let me know when you finish and I'll pick you up. The guys and I will be going to check out our tuxs," Tom said, and Lucy leaned forward, thanking him with a kiss before stepping out of the car and heading inside.
She was greeted with cheers and applause from her friends: Jade, Candace, Amy, Andy, Aurora, Sharon, Anita, and the other Gel Club members.
"Lucy! You look amazing!" Jade exclaimed, pulling her into a hug.
"You have the prewedding glow," Aurora added, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Lucy laughed. "Thank you, ladies!"
The atmosphere was lively as the women settled into the elegantly decorated hall. Soon Sonia arrived, and her smile faltered when she saw Anita.
Immediately she pulled Lucy to the side, "Why is Anita here?" Sonia whispered, glancing toward Anita, who was chatting with Aurora and the others.
Lucy smiled calmly. "Because she's part of the club, and all club members are here. Besides," Lucy added with a sly grin, "the best punishment is living my best life. I want her to see first hand how happy I am with Tom."
Sonia sighed but nodded. "Alright, but I'll keep an eye on her."
Lucy squeezed Sonia's hand. "You don't have to. But thank you. Why were you late, anyway?" "I've been having a running stomach all morning," she said with a pitiful sigh.
"Oh, dear. How do you feel now?" Lucy asked and Sonia shook her head.
"I'm still feeling pretty uncomfortable but thankfully there's a restroom here," she said with a grin and Lucy laughed softly.
"Don't worry, you'll be free soon. I'm looking forward to the baby-shower next week," Lucy said, and Sonia grinned.
"I was worried you'd be away on your honeymoon. I'm glad Tom agreed to postpone it until after the babyshower," Sonia said and Lucy giggled.
"I wouldn't miss it for anything. Let's go join the others," Lucy said, and they rejoined the group.
They ate and played games for a while, and when it was time for everyone to present their gifts. Sonia handed Lucy a box first.Nôv(el)B\\jnn
"Open it!" she said eagerly. Inside was a stunning silver bracelet engraved with Lucy's wedding date.
"Aww! Sony, it's beautiful!" Lucy exclaimed, hugging her friend tightly.
Jade went next, handing Lucy a box wrapped in pastel paper. Lucy opened it to find a luxurious maternity spa package.
"I figured you could use some pampering," Jade said with a wink.
"Aww. Thank you," Lucy said with a wide smile as she embraced Jade.
Amy's gift was a personalized leather-bound pregnancy journal with Lucy's initials embossed
in gold.
"I know you love to journal. This is for your thoughts and memories," Amy said softly, earning a grateful smile from Lucy.
"I love it!" Lucy said happily.
Candace presented a framed detailed watercolor painting of Lucy and Tom's breathtaking reaction on their engagement night as they both looked at the different screens.
Lucy gasped. "Candace, this is amazing!"
"You liar! I asked you all what you were getting and you said you didn't know," Jade hissed playfully and Candace laughed.
"I didn't want anyone stealing my idea," Candace said with a grin as she embraced Lucy.
Aurora's gift was a set of aromatherapy candles. "For relaxation," Aurora explained with a
wink.
Andy brought a pair of designer heels. "Because even pregnant, you should slay as the fashionista you are," Andy said, making everyone laugh.
Sharon's gift was a silk robe with "Mrs. Hank" embroidered on the back.
Lucy grinned. "Perfect for my honeymoon."
The gifts kept pouring in from the other members of the group. The gifts were perfect, each one chosen with thought and care, and Lucy felt overwhelmed with gratitude.
After everyone else had given Lucy their gifts, Anita approached hesitantly and handed Lucy a
box.
Sonia, who was returning from the restroom for the third time since she arrived, eyed her with suspicion, wanting to take the box from Lucy, but Lucy gave her a subtle look to relax.
Lucy opened the box and inside was a set of crystal wine glasses. "To toast to your future,"
Anita said quietly.
Lucy smiled graciously, "Thank you."
After the opening of gifts, they resumed with playing games. The party was in full swing
when Sonia suddenly gasped, clutching her belly.
"Sonia, are you okay?" Lucy asked, rushing to her side.
Sonia shook her head, her face pale. "I think... I think I'm in labor. My water just broke!"
Panic erupted as the women crowded around her.
"But you're not due for another month!" Jade exclaimed, her heart racing.
"Tell that to the baby! I haven't even had a baby shower because of Bryan's damned
schedules!" She snapped thinking about how unpredictable life was.
Just a moment ago she had been so excited for her baby shower, and now the baby had decided
to arrive early.
Jade pulled out her phone, calling Bryan. "Bryan, Sonia's in labor! We're taking her to the
hospital."
"What? I'll be there right away!" Bryan's voice was laced with panic.
"Hang in there, Sonia," Jade said as they helped her to the car.
With that, the bridal shower came to an abrupt end, and Lucy found herself both worried and
excited as she sat beside Sonia in the car.