Fuelled by Forever

Ch. 15

Imogen

Jude gets stuck into the fun and games the ladies have planned for the baby shower.

We have nappies out in a row with a surprise filling in each. I lean down to smell the first and sense its marmite spread while Jude shouts that the third is peanut butter.

This game is surprisingly fun, considering the gross concept. Margot, who set this game up, marks every answer we give with a smile for Jude, who keeps guessing right.

"Jude has seven out of eight right," Margot says and he lifts his hands, looking proud as punch.

I grin. "Does this mean you're in charge of nappies?"

"Sure. Would love to be," he says, taking a mini sandwich from the tray the server offers.

I get visions of him stepping up for many things regarding our daughter. Dirty nappies and night feeds, just to name a few.

We're so lucky to have him—he will be the person I wished my father was for me.

"Those newborn baby poops are lethal," my mum says as she plays the nappy game, too.

I laugh. "Good job Jude volunteered for nappy duty then."

"Best of luck to you," Mum says, and Jude chuckles.

Everyone loves the nappy game, and to no one's surprise, Jude wins. Margot hands over a pretty pink gift bag as his prize, and he hands it straight to me. I dig in and see a lovely pamper set that will do just lovely to soak in this evening.

"Sorry, Jude. Didn't plan on any men being here, so there's no gifts for you," Margot says with a laugh.

Jude chuckles. "That's fair."

Next, we have the speeches. Mum makes me teary-eyed when she talks about seeing me for the first time after giving birth to me and how I was her best friend since that moment. Next comes Elena's, and it leaves me shaky.

"I would choose Imogen a million times over. The way she's made Jude so happy and how she cares for him. It's all a mother wants for her child. I'm so very grateful. I can't wait to have you as my daughter-in-law, Imogen. And to hold my precious granddaughter you created," she says, and I go to her.

We embrace, Jude kissing her cheeks before he takes the stage. Elena comes with me to sit by Mum, all eyes on my fiancé.

"Hello, ladies," he says, and everyone cheers. I giggle, giving him a wave when he winks at me. "Where do I start, hey? I know I'm not supposed to be here today, but I couldn't help myself. Not when I want to witness every part of this because you're celebrating the best person in my life."

The gasps surround us while I clutch my heart.

"Imogen has stepped up for me more than any of you will ever know. I'm sure it hasn't gone unnoticed, and not that I want to be morbid, but I haven't been where I want to be mentally just recently. The last time that happened was lonely, but having Imogen, it hasn't been so scary this time. She's a home, a supporter to a lot of us and is going to give our daughter one hell of a mother."

When he looks at me, my heart warms. We lock eyes and he smiles. "Imogen, you have my heart in every possible way, darling, and you deserve only the best today and everyday. Thank you, my love. You're an outstanding woman. One, I get to call mine, and seeing you grow our baby is something I will never forget."

He steps off the stage, and I kiss him, thank him, tell him I love him, only letting him escape when his phone goes off. I feel so very loved right now.

***

We're in cake heaven. Our cake maker, Julian, has surpassed all my expectations in this cake-tasting session. Jude is munching on the chocolate orange sponge, feeding me little pieces. We're alone in the room, speaking about Vivienne, while Julian tends to a customer calling the shop.