Now he was leaning over to whisper in her ear. “I can sneak out now, right? Baby showers are for women. Lion and Khalil and me, we want to-”
“Sit,” she whispered back through clenched teeth. “Don’t you move one inch.” And then, like she hadn’t just bullied her husband, she smiled and waved at her fellow teacher. “It’s beautiful, Claire. And yellow is always a safe color for babies.” Then, while the rest of the group oohed and aahed over baby clothes she waved Rafe’s friends over. “I heard the business you guys set up is going pretty well,” she said.
“Sure is.” Lion was grinning from ear to ear. “With the business advice we get from your good husband we’ll be rich in no time.”
Khalil laughed. “I wouldn’t make big plans just yet but we’ll do fine. We’re off to a pretty good start.”
And then, as the guests began to drift toward the buffet table Rafe gave Anya a nudge. “Are you going to tell them now?”
She nodded. “Now is as good a time as any.”
With Rafe’s help she heaved up and out of her chair. “Ladies and gentlemen,” she called out, “I have an announcement to make.”
Everyone paused and turned to look at her and she was suddenly overwhelmed with gratitude for the love these people were showing her, some of them traveling thousands of miles just to wish her well. All three of Rafe’s brothers were there – Ransom and Ryder and Ridge – and so were her mom and dad. And then there were friends from all over, including many of the teachers from her school.
“This was quite a surprise,” she said, “and I have to thank my husband for getting all of you to come to celebrate with me today.” She turned to look at Rafe. “To celebrate our family.”
Then she turned back to her audience. “And now I have a surprise for you.”
That got their attention. They were all staring at her in anticipation.
“I appreciate all the gifts you brought,” she said, her smile widening. “They will be put to good use. Double time.” She reached over and took Rafe’s hand and pulled him over to stand by her side. “Rafe and I wanted to keep this a secret until the very last but you’ve all been so sweet. I have to share the good news.” She paused, watching their eager faces, enjoying torturing them with the suspense. But then she relented.
“Rafe and I are expecting twins. A boy and a girl.”
That brought the house down. The cheers made her feel like a celebrity. But those cheers were not for her. They were for the stars of the show, her babies. And she knew they were hearing it all.
And in the middle of the applause she turned to reward her husband with a kiss. “Thank you for my babies,” she whispered.
But Khalil, who’d been standing close by, heard every word. He gave them a quirky smile and, never one to be shy, declared, “He should be the one thanking you for his perfect gifts. Babies for the billionaire.”
“True word,” Rafe said and he and his friend touched fists.
And, loving it, all Anya could do was laugh.