Months had passed by, we were now in July. Harold and Wade had mended their relationship during his stay with us and Harold then returned back to England. He and Katherine would call us frequently as we called them. Katherine and I held on to our promise to be civil for Wade and our daughter. Phil and Adele were enjoying life as newlyweds – Adele chose to leave Wade's law firm in which herself and Phil had worked together at, she now worked for a company in which Wade had suggested her too, with great recommendation. The couple felt that working together might have been too much for them to handle, it gave them time to miss each other. Adele loved the feeling when Phil would come home from work. Natalya and Randy were very much in love and had enjoyed their trip to Canada, it felt good for Natalya to get home and she missed her family a lot. Randy had been a hit with Natalya's family. But the two decided that marriage was something that the two didn't see for a while – Randy was ecstatic that his divorce from Ivana was now final. Wade was busy with his company; he had been searching hard for another key lawyer to fill in Adele's absence, while I was busy with my gallery. After Sheamus had left, Layla was really down, I guess she was much more heartbroken then I had imagined. But as months went on it looked like she had completely forgotten about him and she was back to her bubbly self.

I watched her as she finished with a client and returned to her desk, humming and skipping away. "You look really happy, Lay" I said, "Is there something I should know?"

She giggled and her cheeks turned pink, "No Lea – everything is normal."

"Okay… it's just you look so happy, more so than usual. I thought there might have been a reason" I said smiling at her, "But I love to see you happy and smiling, that's the Layla that I love having as my friend." I walked back over to my desk and began typing on my laptop.

Layla wandered over to my table and leaned over on the wooden surface. She stared below at the pile of papers on my desk and then looked at the bright blue envelope that was at the very bottom. She pulled it out from under the pile; she opened the envelope and read out what was to be an invitation that was inside. I was watching her as I bit my lip.

She caught me and placed the invitation in front of me and sighed, "Really Lea? You're going to keep pretending like this doesn't exist" said Layla as she crossed her arms.

I rolled my eyes and stared at my laptop screen, ignoring her. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Layla pushed my laptop screen down and placed the invitation on top of it. "It's been weeks since John gave this to you. You can't keep ignoring this. They are having a baby, a baby boy and Alex wants you to be there for her baby shower tomorrow. Alex is one of your oldest friends; she'd be hurt if you didn't go."

I sighed as I listened to Layla. She was right but I just didn't have the heart to go. I hadn't even told Wade that I was invited.

"And what about John… he'd be so upset if you weren't there Lea" she said. "You wouldn't want to hurt them."

I stared at my desk, my hand grabbed my stomach and tears began brimming in my eyes. "I just don't think it is fair – Alex didn't even want this baby yet she has one easily. While me… I don't have anything" I croaked.

Layla rubbed my back, "Oh Lea… you will have a baby one day, a beautiful baby. As for Alex, well you've seen how being pregnant has changed her. She's become a completely different person; she's putting her work second and her family first."

I nodded as I grabbed a tissue to dab my eyes. "John and Alex have become so much closer and John has always wanted to be a Dad. This baby is really lucky – they'll be such great parents."

"See! I'm sure John and Alex will obviously want you in this baby's life. You will be his loving, sweet and adoring Aunt Lea" said Layla. "Am I convincing you?"

I smiled at her and gave her a hug. "Thank you Layla, you really are a great friend."

Layla patted me on the back and pulled away, "It's what I'm here for. I'm glad you're going because now you can help me find something to buy for the little guy."

….

After finishing work and then shopping with Layla for gifts, I returned home with this huge basket which was assorted with baby essentials from diapers, toys, bibs and clothes. All boy themed of course – I wandered through the front door carrying the extravagant gift. Adele walked toward me; she was excited to see what I had. "What did you buy, Mum?"

"Just a little something for Uncle John and Aunt Alex's baby boy, they're having a baby shower tomorrow. Would you like to come with me?" I asked her as I placed the basket on the table, "I could use someone to accompany me."

She grinned and nodded enthusiastically. "Yes" she said then she placed her finger to her mouth, "But what a baby shower?"

I kneeled down to her level and smiled, "At a baby shower, its mostly only girls go because well men get bored. There's food, games and presents. It's a big party to celebrate that they're having a baby."

"Like Aunt Adele and I wanted to have before…before my baby brother was gone" she said innocently, growing sad.

I gave her a tight hug and realized that I had to be positive otherwise it was going to affect Adele, "It's alright darling and the other baby just wasn't ready or right for us. We'll have a baby soon that will be perfect for us but you're going to be a good role model for Aunt Alex's baby, won't you?"

"I will" she said as her eyes then grew toward the items in the basket.

Wade walked toward us, "What's all this?" he said as he stared at the huge basket.

I pulled my hair behind my ear and blushed, almost feeling embarrassed at the distinctive present. "It's for John and Alex's baby" I said, "They invited me to their baby shower."

"Oh they're having a baby shower, well that's great" he said. "When is it?"

"Tomorrow" I said softly.

"Tomorrow?" he said surprised, "And you only bought a gift today? That doesn't sound like my always super organised wife? Did they only invite you on short notice? That would be just like John."

I shook my head. I gazed at Adele and then took Wade's hand and pulled him toward another room. He looked baffled at what I was doing. "No, I've known about this for ages but I didn't want to go. Of course I'm happy for Alex and John but I…"

Wade pulled me into his arms and hugged me tightly, "Oh my Lea." He rested his chin on the top of my head.

"It's stupid of me. But it hurts me to see other people being able to have babies while I can't" I sighed.

He pulled me away, his fingers grasping into my shoulders. His green eyes staring into mine, "You have to stop this negativity. Sure it's been a while. But you can't keep being so defeated – that's not who you are."

I stared back at him and realised that he and Layla were right. I couldn't let one thing stop me from doing things in my life.

His serious face turned cheerful as he began smiling. "Now you are going to go to this baby shower and you'll have a great time. Alex will love to see you there. "

I nodded to him. "I will" I spoke, a small smile appearing on my face.

He kissed my cheek and left me to join Adele. I walked through the house to the living room, where Molly was. "Hello dear" she said as she saw me, "Have a good day at work?"

"It was fine" I spoke as I slinked into the couch and lay my head on my shoulder. "Molly, I can't help but feel selfish. I have a perfect life but why does having a baby mean so much to me? I have a good family, friends, I'm married to a man who loves me more than anything, I have a beautiful daughter, I have a roof over my head, financially stable… but without having a baby I feel like I'll just always have this empty space in me."

Molly smiled, "Being a mother is something that you are destined to be. The love that you have for a child is beautiful. The baby that you'll have is one very blessed child. It will happen for you – I know it will."

I smiled, "We've been trying so much but nothing…."

"These things take time. What you need to do is enjoy your life, enjoy your perfect life. You need to enjoy yourself" she said. "What are you doing with an old woman like me? Where is that goofball husband of yours?"

"Why wouldn't I hang around you Molly?" I asked. My eyes then spotted Peter peeping at the two of us from behind his newspaper. I grinned, "I'll leave you to live your life Molly with your man."

She was confused but her cheeks turned bright red. Talking about Peter often left that effect on her. I winked at her before leaving her.

I ran up the stairs, I was feeling quite elated. I saw Wade in his office room, talking on his phone. He had that stern serious look on his face; I definitely didn't want to disturb that. I suddenly felt someone tug at my coat. I looked down at Adele's angelic face.

"Mum… what do you wear to a baby party?" she asked innocently.

I chuckled and then took her hand, "You can wear whatever you like, sweetheart."

"I want to look nice for the party" she spoke.

"Alright" I said, "Let's see what you can wear." She led me to her bedroom and toward the large closet. "I don't know Mum… Who's going to be there?"

I browsed through her abundance of dresses. "Well they'll be your Aunt Alex of course; Aunt Adele will be there… I'm assuming Natalya will be there. Layla will be there and I think your Aunt Bethany will be there. Oh and Taylor will be there… remember Taylor."

"Yes – she would look after me when we lived in Miami" she said, her voice turning soft. She suddenly turned quiet. I realised that this must have brang up memories of Nicole and her inattention toward her.

I kissed her head, "Adele, you're a very smart girl. We can't keep ignoring things, but if you ever wanted to talk about your Mum – it's alright. Don't feel like you can't. After everything she is still your mother. I know if I knew who my mother was I'd still like to know about her."

"But I don't want to see her – You are my mummy now and you're a great Mummy" she said, her big green eyes gleaming at me with cheer.

I became saddened as I thought about all the years she had been separated from Wade and had to be stuck with Nicole. I wouldn't know how to be without my father. "You're a beautiful daughter" I said as I hugged her tighter. I let her go and pulled a pretty, lavender frilled dress from her closet. "I think you should wear this."

Her smile turned big. "I like that one too."

"Great" I said as I stared at it, "I'll have it ready for tomorrow." I went to leave her but I stopped. I turned back around and got on my knees in front of her. She just reminded me of an angel. I hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek. "I can't believe how blessed I am to have a daughter - nothing compares to you, sweetheart."

"Mum, can I tell you something?" she asked.

"Of course" I said pulling away from her. "You can tell me anything."

She began sucking at her finger; I believed she might have felt nervous.

"What is it, dear?" I was really beginning to worry at what she was going to say.

"I heard a baby in your stomach – when we just hugged" she said seriously, "I think you have a baby."

I tried not to laugh at her theory, but I was more than 100% that there was no baby in me. But I was grateful for her optimistic persistence. "There might be, or maybe it's my growling stomach. How about we go downstairs for dinner, you should go get your Dad."

"Ok Mummy" she said as she skipped toward Wade's office.

….

The shower looked perfect – everything was blue and beautiful. Alexandra was glowing, her stomach was bulging. She was sat comfortably amongst all these women. John's mother was there, so was Alex's. John's sister in law, Taylor was there too. I spotted Natalya, Adele and Layla. It always felt a tad awkward going to events for Alex and John – being the ex-fiancé and all. I walked up to the trio of women who looked more excited to see Adele in her fancy dress. They all slouched down to her level to greet her. I left her with the three ladies and walked toward Alex, who began to slowly stand up. "Oh no – don't get up" I said as I approached her.

She smiled. "I'm so glad to see you Lea."

I kissed her cheek and handed her the present. "Look how big you are, I hope everything has been going well."

"Everything is fine – we should have this boy out soon. It's been hard but John has been perfect" she said.

"I bet" I said, "John is going to be the perfect Dad." One of her friends took the present off her lap and put it with the pile of other gifts. "Where is John?"

"He went out on a man date with Randy – I think" she said chuckling. "How's Wade?"

"He's fine, he's at home but I brought Adele with me. She was really excited about the shower."

"Oh that's great" said Alex, "I hope she has a lot of fun. We have lots of games planned – it was all Taylor of course."

I glanced up at Taylor and waved at her, she grinned back. I left Alex then went to see Taylor, "How are you lady, it's been ages."

"I'm great" said Taylor, "Our club is going great and Matt is fine. How are things with you?"

"Everything is going great with me" I said, "Are you excited to be an aunt?"

Taylor smirked, "I am – but I don't know how well Alex will be with this baby."

"I think when the times comes, she'll be alright" I said, "She has all this support, she has John and she has you."

Taylor blushed, "I've really missed you."

"Not as much as someone who has missed you" I said. She looked confused. I pointed to Adele who was still with my other friends.

Taylor looked amazed, "Wow – does she remember me?"

"Of course!" I grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward the group. Taylor felt hesitant. I lowered down next to Adele, "Hey sweetie, I have someone I'd like you to see."

Taylor waved at her and smiled, "Hi Adele, remember me?"

Adele grew wide eyed, "Taylor!" she screamed before hugging her. Taylor was overwhelmed.

"It's good for her to still be in touch with people who were apart of her life" I said.

Adele pulled away and then stood by my side. Taylor was grinning, "Do you remember when you used to stay over my place all the time. We had fun, right?"

She nodded. "I liked staying with you."

"I'm glad. But I know you got to be much happier with your Mum here" said Taylor who placed her hand on my shoulder.

Adele blushed and nodded as she came closer toward me. The sound of someone screaming my name caused us to all turn in another direction. "LEA! LEA!" this female voice shrieked. I laughed as I spotted my eccentric cousin Bethany walking toward us. "Bethany! It's good to see you!"

She gleamed, "Can't have a party without me. It'll be good to have Alex take time from work."

"You mean away from you?" I said, "You want to be away from her at work."

She was silent. We all had our answer.

…..

The party was a lot of fun, there were many activities happening – we all had given pegs and couldn't say the word 'Baby' and if you were caught you had to give one peg to the person who caught you. Both Adele's were completely failing at it and Natalya had the most pegs. I went to grab the cake from the kitchen when I was joined by Alex. "Um… Lea. Could I just talk to you for a moment?" she asked.

"Sure" I said placing the large blue frosted cake back onto the table. She pulled me into another room and I wondered what this was about. Her stare was intent and almost worrying. "Everything alright?"

"Yeah… I was just wondering how you were?" she said.

I cringed, "How I am?"

"With what happened – you losing your baby boy. This must not be easy" she said nastily "Are you sure you're able to be here?"

I narrowed my eyebrows not quite sure why she was talking to me like this. "I'm fine Alex."

"As I remember, after the loss of the baby you weren't doing too well and you and Wade were having problems" she said meagrely, "I hope the arrival of my baby isn't hurting you too much."

I blinked in absolute confusion, "I don't understand?"

"I'm just saying I hope you're able to be happy for me" she said as she placed her hand on her stomach.

"Of course I'm happy for you – you're one of my closest friends. Why wouldn't I be?" I asked.

"You just don't look like it. You look jealous" she said.

What the hell? "I look jealous? Maybe it's because I am jealous. But that doesn't mean that I'm not happy for you but I'm kind of upset that you thought I wasn't" I said, "I mean I'm here aren't I? I brought my daughter with me."

"Your stepdaughter?" said Alex icily. I stared up at her in disbelief.

"Alex?" spoke a shocked male voice. We both turned and saw a shocked John staring at us.

I sighed, not wanting to get in between the married couple. I just turned around and walked outside before anything else was said. I spotted Adele playing with Taylor and the other ladies. I quickly paced toward them. "Mummy, Taylor told me that she could take me to the beach again like before" she beamed.

"That's if your parents say its ok" said Taylor biting her lip. "I'm sorry, I just thought it would be nice to spend time with her."

"Of course, that's fine" I said smiling, trying to hide any shame. I spotted John coming after me and realised I needed to get out of here quick. "You know what – Mummy needs to go home a little early, I'm just feeling a little sick I think too much cake."

Adele sighed, "But I want to stay at the party, Mummy please."

"Well… if someone doesn't mind dropping you home then that's fine" I said quickly.

"I can drop her, no problem" said Taylor.

"Are you sure?" I asked feeling very grateful to her.

She smiled at Adele and then looked back at me, "It's really no problem."

"Fantastic. I'll see you guys later" I said as I kissed Adele's cheek, "Have fun sweetie."

"Bye Mum" she said. Taylor watched as I walked toward the front toward my car, John followed me. I hoped walking as quick as I could would get me into my car but John being John caught up to me.

"Lea… wait please" he spoke as he grabbed my arm. I looked out the front and noticed that a lot of people could still see us and this wasn't looking any better. The ex-fiancé coming to his wife's baby shower – not the greatest picture and I'm sure I wasn't looking too good right now to Alex and John's family.

I smiled at him, "I am really happy for you two – having a baby. I just shouldn't have come. I didn't realise that me being here was going to upset her. I don't want to ruin her baby shower."

"What are you talking about? You were invited and she is just being crazy – I swear it must be her – she's just been a little different since she's gotten pregnant, she's not herself" he said, "Don't leave."

Alex was standing a few metres away from us and watching. I just got out my keys and got in the car. John sighed and walked back toward his wife, she wasn't backing down. He shook his head at her and went back inside the house while I drove off.

….

LONG AWAITED. I apologize ladies – had complete writers block and was so lost for inspiration. Maybe your reviews might help.