Hello My Fake Fiancé (Book 1 Hello Series)

HMFF12-Dresses Doctors and Diapers

Chapter 12...Dresses, Doctors, and Diapers

Danielle

I hate shopping. I've always hated shopping, yet here I am trying on dress after dress. Short dresses, long dresses, tight dresses, and any other dress Olivia can get her hands on. With the way my baby bump has been growing, I know if there's going to be a wedding, the date will have to be sped up.

"I don't like you in the mermaid style," Olivia says, studying my figure critically. "I liked the ball gown much better. The fluff hides your baby bump."

"Why should she have to hide it? Most people already know she's pregnant," Rebecca chimes in from the sofa, leaning back and rubbing her very large belly. I'm surprised she hasn't popped yet.

"It just looks better," Olivia replies, forcing a smile. I bite back a sigh. It seems like she's not as thrilled about this pregnancy as she pretends to be.

"Dani, I know you're going to hate me, but I agree with Olivia. You do look better in the ball gown. Not only does it hide your bump, but it also shows off your curves," Abby says, stepping up to smooth the fabric of the dress. She's always been good at reading my moods, and I'm glad she came along today. If Mom were still here, she'd be the one helping me through this, but Abby's doing her best to fill that void.

"Okay," I grumble, "but which ball gown? I've tried on, like, ten of them." My back aches, and my boobs feel like bricks—pregnancy is no joke.

"Well, there's only one way to find out: try them all on again," Olivia declares with a bright smile, as if this is her idea of fun.

"Mother, don't put Danielle through that torture," Rebecca groans, shifting uncomfortably.

"Well, how do you suggest we go about it, Miss Smarty Pants?" Olivia retorts, raising an eyebrow.

"How about this: I'll pick the three I liked, and then you can decide which one you prefer," I say, retreating to the dressing room before Olivia can argue.

I try on the three dresses I picked out, but of course, Olivia finds flaws in every single one of them. Abby catches my eye, clearly sensing my frustration. She steps in, trying to help.

"Dani, don't you look absolutely stunning in that dress?" Abby says, giving me a big wink.

"This one does fit better than the others," Olivia admits reluctantly, tilting her head. "Rebecca, what do you think?"

Rebecca glances up from her phone, barely paying attention. "Um, I agree. It's fabulous," she says, forcing a smile before going back to whatever she's scrolling through.

"Okay! I think we've found your dress, Danielle!" Olivia cheers.

"Yay," I mumble, trying to muster some enthusiasm. But just as I step off the platform, Rebecca suddenly doubles over, clutching her belly.

"Rebecca, what's the matter?" I ask, rushing to her side.

"Oh, nothing. Just that my water broke while Mother was bickering about your dress," she says through gritted teeth. Her voice cracks, and tears spring to her eyes.

Oh, Lord. A baby is coming.

The drive to the hospital is a blur. My hands grip the steering wheel like a lifeline as I speed through traffic. Rebecca's groaning in the passenger seat, and Olivia is trying—and failing—to stay calm in the back.

I call Dawson as soon as we get Rebecca settled in the maternity ward. He arrives shortly after, and of course, the whole Conn platoon shows up too. His nieces and nephews swarm him the moment he steps into the lobby.