MR AND MRS

14.

3 days later

She curled her hair, letting it fall in loose, glossy waves, and added a touch of lip gloss and blush, her anticipation building for the moment she and Spencer would learn whether they were having a boy or a girl.

She stood in front of her mirror, smoothing her hands over her bump, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You ready to let us in on your secret, little one?" she murmured, her voice tender. "Mommy and Daddy can't wait to know you better." The thought of sharing this moment with Spencer made her heart flutter.

A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. When she opened it, Spencer stood there, looking effortlessly handsome in a tailored pink shirt-vibrant yet soft, a playful nod to the gender reveal-and dark pants. His smile was wide, infectious, his warm brown eyes drinking her in with an intensity that sent a spark through her.

"Liv, you look like you're glowin'," he said, his voice low and warm as he stepped closer, his hands finding her waist and pulling her close. "This dress... damn."

"You're not looking too bad yourself, James," she teased, her fingers brushing the collar of his pink shirt as she leaned in for a kiss. It started soft but deepened quickly, his lips moving against hers with a familiar heat that made her heart skip. She pulled back, grinning. "Pink, huh? Are you betting on a girl?"

Spencer chuckled, his hand resting on her bump for a moment. "I'm team healthy baby, but I ain't gonna lie, I'm feelin' pink today." He winked, his thumb brushing gently over her dress. "C'mon, let's go find out."

The drive to Jordan and Simone's place was filled with their usual banter, Olivia teasing Spencer about his old-school R&B playlist blasting through the car speakers. "You really out here with the 90s slow jams for a gender reveal?" she said, laughing as she scrolled through his phone to find something livelier.

"Don't hate on my classics, Liv," he shot back, pretending to be offended as he turned up the volume on a Boyz II Men track. "This is mood-settin' music."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't stop smiling, her hand resting on his as he drove. The sun was high, the sky a brilliant blue, and the air between them hummed with excitement and something deeper-something unspoken but undeniable.

When they arrived, the backyard was a vibrant explosion of blue and pink. Balloons bobbed in the breeze, streamers draped across the trees, and a long table was laden with snacks-cupcakes frosted in pink and blue, fruit skewers, and a towering cake with a question mark piped on top. At the center of the yard stood a large black box, wrapped with a ribbon, ready to reveal the secret. Family and friends milled about their laughter and chatter filling the air. Laura and Billy were setting out plates, Ms. Grace offered Olivia a warm hug and a plate of her famous mac and cheese, and Jordan was manning the grill while Simone adjusted a photo booth with props. Dillon and Serenity were running around, both wearing half-blue, half-pink T-shirts, their energy infectious.

"Liv, you look stunning!" Simone called, rushing over to pull her into a hug. "You ready for this?"

"Ready and nervous," Olivia admitted, laughing as she hugged Simone back. "I just want to know already!"