Stockholm Syndrome (BWWM)

Chapter 30

Twisting and turning in the full length mirror I purse my lips and pull down my maxi dress, trying to cover up my rotund belly. The bulge was still showing, so I grab my black cardigan and push my arms into it. Once my pregnancy was less noticeable I make my way downstairs smelling the heavenly scent of turkey and ham in the oven.

"How's the food coming along?" I ask Patricia and the other cooks Sam hired.

"Wonderful." She responds with a smile. "The macaroni is still cooking and we just finished the potato salad."

Taking in that information I pull out my famous deviled eggs and set them next to all of the other finished foods.

"Everyone should be here soon. Once all the food is done I'll set the table." I tell Patricia. 

The garage opens signaling Sam's return, so I open the door and smile at him as he steps out of his Maserati. "Did you get it?"

He holds up his arms showing me the cake and I clap my hands in excitement. To break the news to our family members we were serving cake for dessert that had the words: "We're having twins!", written across it. Sam places a kiss on my forehead, walks past me, sets the cake on our kitchen island and lifts the lid. One side was covered in blue icing and the other side was pink.

I smile. "This is great! I'm nervous to tell everyone."

Sam wraps his strong arm around me and squeezes my waist. "We've been through a lot together, this should be nothing."

"You're right," I chuckle. "Go upstairs and wash up before dinner!"

The first guests arrive while I'm setting the table, and once I hear the doorbell I excitedly race to it to see who it is. Stacey, Adam, Rebecca, and Ross are standing in front of me when I open the door and Rebecca hands me two bottles of expensive wine.

"Carter I missed you so much!" Rebecca says sweetly.

I pull her into a hug with my free hand. "I missed you too."

"Come in!" I gesture as I step to the side.

They all enter and Stacey approaches me next, kissing both of my cheeks. "Wow, you're gorgeous what kind of moisturizer do you use, because your skin is flawless."

I chuckle. "Thank you Stacey."

Ross hugs me and kisses my cheek. "I'm still available if you want to leave my brother."

"I'll keep that in mind." I say flushing at his comment.

"This place is incredible, I'll have to meet the agent that Sam used." Mr. Benson says looking around in wonder. "Who decorated?"

"I did, actually." I admit sheepishly.

"It's all beautiful." Adam says giving me a small smile.

I smile back tentatively. "Thank you."

Patricia comes in to collect their jackets and Stacey brightens up at her appearance. "Mrs. Diaz, darling, how are you? Is my son paying you well enough?"

Patricia laughs quietly. "I'm great, your son pays me generously."

"Good." She responds.

Speaking of Sam, I look up at him as he slowly descends down the grand staircase. His hair is freshly blow dried and he's dressed in all black wearing slacks, a long sleeved button-down and dress shoes. I lick my lips unconsciously as he finishes buttoning his shirt and rolling up his cuffs. He looks so handsome and delicious.

"Mother, are you questioning my employees on how much I pay them?" Sam says with a big sigh.

"Oh Sammie, how are you? I've missed you so much you definitely need to visit me more." Stacey responds dramatically.