The Unexpected Bride

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Eight

Fanning her face, Sharlene fought the squeal from escaping her mouth. Hearing distinct chatter, water running, and low murmurs, she was not alone in the reasonably sized bathroom. Burying her head in her palms, she groaned.

"What was that earlier?"
Her near fumble earlier made her bite her lip in shame. She blamed her and Nick's lack of face-to-face interaction for the past few days, and seeing him today made her miss him even more.

Taking a deep breath, she chided.
"Sharlene Cunning-ham, you are embarrassing yourself."

Glancing down at her stomach, where a bump was yet to form, she beamed. Gently placing her hand on the surface, an action she was slowly growing accustomed to, she stroked, giggling.

"Mummy is sorry, little one. She neglected emptying her tank for too long again, and caused you discomfort. But..., it was not her fault. Blame it on your daddy appearing and making your mummy's heart skip a beat and blank out as always. Don't take it to heart, okay? When you get older, you'll understand."

A soft ping from her bag disrupted the intimate moment.

Furrowing her brows, she fished out her phone and carefully read the message.
'You looked lovely tonight. Seeing you made me miss you even more. How are you and the baby? I hope everything is fine. You looked as if you could no longer hold it in earlier...Don't push yourself too hard. Just enjoy the evening. Love you. N.'

A laugh burst forth, her eyes watering. Ending the message with a corny gif of a teddy bear sending kisses, Nick's text was both sweet and awkward. Was it because he only had a few seconds to send it her way? Or did she really look that uncomfortable?

Grinning, she sent blushing, kissing, and hugging emojis accompanied by a shy response.
'I missed you too. Goodnight, handsome.'

Nicholas' sharp appearance had taken her breath away. And his jealousy? A jealous Nick was not on her bingo card, but she embraced it. The most anticipated moment had taken place, albeit earlier than expected, but she was pleased. Sharlene's shoulders relaxed.

"And that little one is the reason why I, your sweet mummy, am growing to love you every single day. You allowed your mummy to meet her Mr. Right."

Humming, she gave her baby another pep talk before stepping out of the cubicle.
Madam Sinclair raised a brow upon seeing her.

"You're looking less nervous than before."

"That I am."
She moved to the sink nearby.

"Something good happened?"

"You could say that."

Madam side-eyed her. She was grinning like a fool and fervently examining herself in the mirror.

"Hmm. Very peculiar. Does it have anything to do with the baby in here?"
She murmured, applying blush to her cheeks.

Sharlene gingerly tapped her stomach, then beamed.
"Do you like children, most preferably babies, Madam?"

Pursing her lips, she gingerly applied gloss on her lips.

"I neither like nor dislike them. Why?"

Sharlene hummed.
"I like them very much."

"Good for you."

"But there is a difference between liking them in your arms and carrying one in your womb."
She pouted, feeling a slight ridge in her dress.

"There is."
A dry response, but Sharlene was undisturbed.

"Do you think I will look fat when the baby bump starts showing? I read an article last night where it said that gaining more weight than the size of the stomach is normal. How do you think the extra fat will look on me? Will I look funny? Chubby? Oh, don't tell me I'll not be able to fit through the office doors!" She gasped. "What about through your office door? Will I have to roll like a ball for the coming months? I will, won't I?"