Chapter 2 Two

Evening had come by the time every guest had settled down for the wedding reception.

The garden was buzzing with life as everyone chatted and gossiped into the evening while waiting for the newlyweds to appear for some entertainment.

Drinks were passed round to whoever cared for some, and Mrs Hart made sure everyone got a piece of the wedding cake.

Jules, back in the bathroom, splashed some water on her face. And as the water dripped down, she shut her eyes, trying to calm her nerves.

'It's time Jules.' She said in her mind like she didn't want to break the silence in the bathroom.

She opened her eyes and smiled-just as the door banged shut.

"No. I don't think she-"

Jules turned to view Cassie, who had just walked in mid-call. She paused on seeing Jules, her eyes widening slightly, like she hadn't expected anyone to be there.

Cassie quickly pulled the phone away from her ear and forced a smile. "Hi, Jules."

Jules placed her hands on the sink in front of her and returned the smile. "Oh, no worries. You can finish your call."

But Cassie moved further into the room. "Oh, don't be silly. It's just work. It can wait." She said and shoved the phone into the back pocket of her trousers, taking her place beside Jules in front of the mirror.

"What are you doing here? You should be with Nolan-or some guests at least," Cassie said, watching her friend through the mirror.

Then she frowned and tilted her head slightly, noticing the look on her friend's face. "What's wrong?"

Jules' gaze faltered for a second, but she stayed quiet.

Cassie tucked her brown hair behind her ear and edged closer. "You're second guessing your big announcement, aren't you?"

Jules just stared at her. She really didn't know where this doubt was coming from when she was so hyped about it just this morning.

"You don't have to do it if you don't want to, you know that, right?"

"Of course not." Jules finally replied. But then her gaze dropped. "Just that I don't know how he'd feel about me being open about it. You know Nolan is a very private person." She explained. "Besides, you said it was a great idea."

Cassie shrugged, her eyes shifting. "I could've been wrong, you know. I mean, you know Nolan more than I do."

Jules remained quiet. Her mind reeling.

Nolan was a private person, yes. But this was something she was doing from her heart. And in the two years she'd known this man, he'd always appreciated her gestures, no matter how big or small.

"No. I'll do it." She finally said, giving Cassie no room to argue as a smile formed on her lips. "It'll be cute and he'd love it."

*****

"There you are. Where have you been?" Nolan asked as soon as she emerged from within the house, pulling her in for a hug and a kiss on the forehead.

Jules giggled and pulled away just enough to look at him. "Just getting your surprise ready."

"Oh really? Well, you know how impatient I can be sometimes. Quit making me wait." He teased.

Jules laughed and grabbed his arm. "Well, in that case..." she said, pulling him gently toward the stage, her heart pounding with excitement.

Every eye turned to both of them and Jules signalled to Cassie to get the cameras-and the projector rolling.

Then she pulled a chair to the stage and made Nolan sit.

"Get ready." She whispered, planting a kiss on his cheek as all the murmuring from the crowd died down.

A microphone was passed to Jules and everyone, including Nolan, waited in silence for the big announcement.

Though the night sky had taken over, the garden was still brightly lit-until the lights slowly dimmed, signaling something special was about to happen. And that was when Jules turned to Nolan with a playful smile on her lips.

"Hi." She whispered.

Nolan returned her smile and squeezed his knee lightly in anticipation.

Jules continued, keeping her gaze on Nolan. "I know you might be wondering why I had to drag you into the spotlight this way. But I have a few things I'd like to say." She paused, waiting for a reaction. But everything remained still.

"Two years ago, I had given up on fairytales... until I met you, Nolan. You reminded me what it felt like to be seen, to be cherished, and to believe in forever again."

She crowed awed quietly.

Nolan's throat bobbed, his gaze locked on hers.

"Nolan, you've given me more than love-you've given me laughter, hope, and a home. And tonight, I want to give you a gift too. Something that means the world to me... and will mean the world to us."

She paused and looked to the crowd for a second, hoping to catch Cassie's eye but she didn't see her.

'Must be with the tech team,' she thought, then turned back to Nolan, her smile never fading.

"Before we dance the night away as husband and wife, I want to share a little surprise-something I hope fills your heart the same way you've filled mine."

The lights shut out completely, and the wall behind her came to life with a video.

It was blurry at first, with giggling voices in the background.

Jules: Are you recording?

Cassie: Yes, a long time ago.

Jules: Then take it to the screen.

The camera slowly lifted toward a screen, and Jules held her breath, watching Nolan, eager to see his reaction.

As the point of the video became clearer-thumping heartbeat blared through the speakers with an unclear grainy picture on the screen.

Nolan stood up slowly, his eyes glued on the screen.

Tears shimmered beneath Jules' eyes and she moved closer. "I'm pregnant, Nolan. I found out two weeks ago. That's our baby." She whispered, waiting for him to come out of his shock.

For a moment, everything was still.

"Oh my god, they're having a baby!" someone yelled.

As if giving the guests the confirmation, the room erupted into gasps, then cheers. The guests stood and applauded. Jules's mom wiped away a tear as the cheering lasted.

But Nolan...turned to Jules, his face pale.

His voice came out quiet-almost lost in the noise. "That's impossible."