Bound By Her Bump novel Chapter 30

Eric pulled up in the driveway and went to open the door for her. "Welcome home sweetheart." He smiled as he lifted her in a bridal style.

"I'm happy to be home." She said, snuggling against his chest. She was tired of staying in the hospital and Doctor Myers made her stay a day extra to ensure she was perfectly okay before she was discharged.

Eric walked into the mansion with Annie in his arms and placed her on a couch in the living room.

He squatted towards her. "What do you want for lunch?"

"Anything yummy." She replied.

"And I want a chocolate cake for dessert." She requested.

Annie has been trying to get back on track since the incident occurred and no doubt Eric has been a great help. He has never left her side, only when he had to go take a shower.

"Welcome home beautiful people." A familiar voice said. They turned around and saw Elaina who was holding a tray of juice and cookies.

"I thought you had gone back to your apartment," Eric said surprised.

"Yeah. I just decided to take a break. I called in for an extra three days. So I hope you'll accommodate me here."

"Sure," Eric replied.

"Yeah, I could use some company," Annie added.

Both Eric and Annie's parents visited Annie at the hospital two days ago. It was an emotional encounter. Tears were shed, words of hope were given to Annie and most importantly, they tried to cheer Annie up before they left.

Shortly after they left, Elaina appeared; she stayed with them till night time before leaving for her hotel. Seeing that she was still around was kind of a surprise because they expected her to have back gone to her apartment which was in the next city.

"I'll be right back, ladies. I have to get the bags from the car." He kissed Annie before he departed.

Annie couldn't believe he had the nerve to kiss her in front of his sister. She was kind of embarrassed about it; her cheeks turned a little red as she started looking everywhere except Elaina.

Elaina teased. "You don't have to be shy about it you know."

"I'm working on that." She replied shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I need to tell you something Annie," Elaina said, kind of nervous.

"Sure, I'm listening." She encouraged.

"I'm seeing someone. His name is Jace. We've been together for two years now and he proposed to me last week."

"Really?" she asked and Eliana nodded.

"Congratulations Elaina. You're a very loving person, beautiful in and out and you deserve all the happiness in the world."

"Thank you." She replied shyly.

"Does that mean you're hiding your ring?" Annie asked and Elaina sighed.

"I didn't know how Eric would react, that's why I took it off."

She took out her small black purse and searched for the ring. She found it and showed it to Annie.

"Wow. It's beautiful." Annie said as she admired the diamond ring.

"So I take it that Eric does not know about Jace."

"No, he doesn't. I did not tell him about Jace because I was scared."

"Of what?"

"Of Eric not approving him for me, I wouldn't blame him though, because most guys I've dated were just with me for my family's fortune."

"But honestly, Eric's blessing means so much to me as my parents' blessings."

"Do you really love him?" A familiar voice said which made Elaina freeze. So he heard all that they were saying.

"I'm sorry I didn't approach you before proposing to her. I assure you I love Elaina and I'll never do anything to hurt her."

"Ladies please excuse us," Eric said as he stood to his feet. "I'd like to have a private discussion with Jace." He said and then led Jace to the study room.

When they departed, Elaina grumbled and took a seat beside Annie. "Why does my brother have to be difficult?" She frowned.

Annie smiled. "He just wants you to end up in safe hands. I'll say he's doing his duty. You're so lucky to have him as a brother. He cares so much for you."

"Yes, I know." She rolled her eyes. "And you're so darn lucky to have him as your boyfriend."

Her statement made Annie blush. They haven't made it official. She knew he liked her and so did she but she could not define their status right now especially when they just lost their baby.

"So, my brother told me about your cosmetic line which you will be launching soon," Elaina stated.

"I don't know about that," Annie responded.

Elaina took Annie's hand in hers. She understood Annie's point. She just lost a child and was unsure of moving forward or when to move forward.

"He or she will always have a place in our hearts. Without him or her, we will not be here today. Your little miracle brought my family and yours together.

"I just wish I didn't lose it. I wish I had the chance to know if it was a girl or boy. I wish he or she was still here with us. I don't know how to move on without him or her." She said as she freed her hand from Elaina's own and wiped the tear that fell."

Elaina pulled her into a hug. "It will be fine, Sis. I know there are better days ahead. You will go through this." She assured.

"I know" Annie replied as she pulled away from the hug. "I will still go on with the launching but I'll push it to a later date."

"You can always count on me," Elaina assured.

"Thanks" Annie replied with a sad smile.

Their conversation was interrupted by a sound of laughter. It was Eric and Jace laughing at what Jace was saying. That eased Elaina's tension. She wanted her soon to be husband and her brother to get along.