Bryan stirred awake, his eyes fluttering open to see Sonia curled up next to him, her head nestled against his chest. He smiled, feeling a surge of love and tenderness as he felt her bump pressed against his side.
He kissed her forehead and gently stroked her hair, not wanting to wake her just yet even though it was almost mid-morning already.
Sonia opened her eyes just then and looked up at him to meet his gaze. "Good morning, baby," she whispered, her voice soft and filled with warmth.
"Good morning, beautiful," Bryan replied, leaning down to press a kiss to her lips. "How are you feeling today?" He asked since he had come to learn in the last couple of weeks that she felt differently every day.
"Pretty good," Sonia said, shifting slightly to get more comfortable. "Ryso decided to let me sleep last night, so that's a win."
Bryan chuckled, his hand moving to rest on her small baby bump. "Our little one is already considerate. That's a good sign."
Sonia laughed softly, her eyes sparkling. "Let's hope that continues."
They lay there for a few more moments, enjoying the quiet intimacy of the morning. Bryan's fingers traced gentle circles on Sonia's stomach, and she sighed contentedly.
"What's in your head?" Bryan asked curiously, breaking the comfortable silence.
"I just remembered I forgot to return Lucy's call yesterday. Remember she called while we were at the doctor's office?" She said and Bryan chuckled.
"Why am I not surprised by your response?" He asked and she grinned.
"So, I was thinking that I would like to visit Lucy at her office today," Sonia said and Bryan raised an eyebrow.
"What's the hurry? You will be seeing her later this evening when we all meet to leave for the fishing trip," Bryan reminded her.Discover new chapters at novel35.com
"That's different. Tonight, everyone else will be there. I want some quiet time with her alone to catch up. Besides, I'm just tired of being indoors," she said with a sigh.
Bryan pretended to be hurt, putting a hand on his chest. "Are you saying you're bored with my company?"
Sonia laughed, her eyes filled with affection. "That's not what I mean. I just want to gossip with Lucy, you know, girl talk."
Bryan grinned. "Alright, I get it. That's fine by me. I'll just drop you off and go handle my business. I was worried about leaving you alone at home anyway."
Sonia looked at him curiously. "What business?" She asked since he had not mentioned anything about going out.
Bryan's expression grew excited. "I was going to tell you about it after meeting with them. I got contacted by Quinn's Enterprise for an endorsement deal."
Sonia's eyes widened with excitement. "Quinn's Enterprise? That's huge! Tell me everything!"
Bryan sat up slightly, propping himself on one elbow. "They're interested in having me as the face of their new luxury watch line. It's a big deal, babe. The campaign will include TV commercials, print ads, and even a billboard in Life's Square."
Sonia's eyes sparkled with pride. "That's incredible, baby! I'm so proud of you."
Bryan smiled, his heart swelling with happiness at her words. "Thanks, love. It's a great opportunity especially since lots of celebrities covet working with Quinn's Enterprise. The contract includes a hefty endorsement fee and some amazing perks. I heard they are even planning an international tour to promote the watches."
Sonia's smile was radiant. "I can't wait to see the ads. You'll look so handsome on those billboards and I can see you everywhere I look."
Bryan chuckled. "I hope so. But more importantly, it's a chance to expand my brand and reach a broader audience."
Sonia nodded, her excitement matching his. "This is going to be huge for you, Bryan."
He leaned down to kiss her gently. "For us. I'm going to discuss with them to see how we can make it work so you will come with me for the international tours or possibly postpone... what?" He asked when Sonia shook her head.
"Thanks for including me in your plans. That's good enough for me. But I don't want to go with you. I'd like to give my best to my writing while you are away. So, if you have to travel, you should. Don't postpone it. All I want is for you to be around in my late third trimester," Sonia said and Bryan looked at her with a mild frown.
"I don't want to be apart from you. I'm going to always worry..."
"There is nothing to worry about. I won't be alone. I don't want to hold you back, babe. And as much as I don't want to complain, I haven't been writing as much as I should for a while now, so I'll need the time too," Sonia said and Bryan looked at her for a moment without saying anything.
Sonia kissed him, her hand cupping his cheek. "I will always be here, supporting you every step of the way," she promised.
"Alright. If that's what you want. Give me a moment to give Joe (Jeff's cousin) a call and ask him to come over, and then we will go freshen up and have breakfast so we can leave," Bryan said after glancing at the bedside clock.
Sonia nodded, after Bryan finished his brief phone call to Joe, she reluctantly got up.
The bedroom was filled with laughter and conversation as they prepared for the day ahead. After they got dressed, Bryan helped Sonia with her shoes, and they headed downstairs for a quick breakfast.
Lucy nodded. "That's a great idea. She deserves a warm welcome."
"And I'd like you to help me plan it. Not something big. Just for those of us that know about
it," Sonia said and Lucy nodded.
"Sure. I'll take care of it. Speaking of parties, the reunion is just two weeks away now. Have you made up your mind about attending?" Lucy asked and Sonia shrugged.
"If you're going to be there, I will have to be there too," Sonia said and Lucy grinned.
"Great! It'd be nice to have you and Tom with me," Lucy said and Sonia smiled.
"I know I've said it so many times, but I'm still going to say it, Tom is wonderful," she said
and Lucy grinned.
"I know. I'm wonderful too," Lucy said and they both laughed.
"So, have you decided on what you want to wear yet?" Sonia asked, and their conversation continued, filled with plans and ideas, until Lucy noticed a delivery guy walking into the
office.
Her face lit up with anticipation. "Look, Sony," Lucy said, nodding toward the glass wall. Sonia followed her gaze and watched as the delivery guy approached Amy's desk with a bouquet and a package.
Amy's eyes widened in surprise as she accepted the delivery. She read the note attached to the
bouquet: [I may not have picked out the flowers, but my heart picked you. Signed, your soon-
to-be boyfriend.]
Amy looked up when she recognized Lucy's handwriting and blushed when she met Lucy's gaze through the glass and they both giggled.
"Aww. She's so cute," Sonia said with a grin as they watched Amy stand up and make her way
to Lucy's office, while the others in the office looked from Lucy to Amy wondering what was going on between them.
Amy was beaming as she walked in. "Thank you so much, Lucy! This is amazing."
Lucy smiled warmly. "It's Lucas you should be thanking not me. He wanted to make it special
for you."
Amy's phone rang before she could respond, and she grinned as she saw Lucas's name on the
screen.
"It's Lucas. Excuse me for a moment," she said, stepping out to take the call.
Sonia watched her leave, then turned to Lucy with a knowing smile. "Is that what I think it
is?"
Lucy nodded, her eyes twinkling. "Yes. Lucas and Amy are... figuring things out."
Sonia laughed happily. "I knew there was more to them. I told you but you said Lucas was only
being nice."
"Well, that was what he told me. And I believe that was what he thought at the time," Lucy
said with a shrug.
"I'm so glad Lucas found someone nice and is moving on from that bitch," Sonia said and
Lucy nodded in agreement.
"Me too. I'm happy for them both," Lucy said with a grin. "They seem really good for each