best to make sure you never regret this. You’ll be the happiest woman alive.”
He knew he would keep his promise no matter the cost. Sometimes love meant sacrificing for those you cared for, and he’d give anything to keep her happy and by his side forever.
Chapter Eighteen
Chelsea thought she’d gone all out on decorations at Le’s house but it was nothing compared to what Liz and Jason’s place looked like. The inside of the two story brick home could have been Santa’s workshop. A large tree dominated the foyer with a more moderately sized one in the living room. Garlands and lights were strung around the banister leading upstairs, an entire Christmas village lined the living room bookshelves, and not one but two old fashioned trains circled the base of the tree, letting off a blare of horns every time they passed the main section.
Appetizers , each one looking more delicious than the last, were spread out across the kitchen bar that separated it from the living room. People gathered around the table, or in the living room talking. Le took her around introducing her to his parents, then to Jason and Brian’s parents. Years ago when Hope had been in the hospital, she’d met Brian, but they reacquainted themselves before Liz dashed in.
“Chelsea, come with me , I want to show you the rest of the house.” She nodded toward the door and Chelsea followed.
She waited until they climbed the stairs before she laid a hand on Liz’s arm. “I’ve been here before, so why did you want to get me away from everyone?”
“To show you this.” Liz pushed open the door and she stepped closer to see what was inside.
A nursery, done in a pale pink, with white and black accents , the name Faith in fancy letters above an ebony crib. There was a changing table, dresser, and rocker that matched. The crib bedding was black with large white swirls and pink roses; the edges had vibrant pink trim.
“Are you? But I thought—”
“With the cancer treatments I went through as I child, I can’t get pregnant, but we’re adopting. Our beautiful baby girl is due on Valentine’s Day.”
“Le didn’t say anything.” She turned her head to look at her friend. “He doesn’t know. You r brother doesn’t know.” Shock coated her words.
“No one but Jason knows. We didn’t want to say anything until we were sure. The birth mother is a nurse’s assistant at the hospital. She’s young, single, and wants to go back to school for her registered nurse’s license. It’s going to be an open adoption, and Faith will know birth mother.” Liz paused and looked back at the nursery. “It’s everything I wanted and finally it’s happening. I never thought I’d be a mother, but Susan is great. She’s allowing me to come to her doctor’s appointments, and I was there when we heard the heartbeat. Oh, Chelsea, it’s more than I could have hoped for.”
“When are you telling your family?”
“When we sit down for dinner. We’ve been holding off until everyone was gathered together. Susan will stop by later on so everyone can meet her and see our baby.” Liz laid her hand on Chelsea’s arm. “I wanted you to know first, because I know what a hard time of year this is for you. I didn’t want to upset you.”
“Oh no , Liz, don’t worry about me. I’m happy for you.” Memories of expecting Hope resurfaced. She’d never replace Hope in her heart or thoughts but she wondered if Le was interested in having children. They had never talked about it but she hoped he would be willing. She wanted to try again. It was time.
“Are you sure?”
“I am.” Chelsea turned to her. “Actually, I was hoping to get a minute alone with you today because I have some news of my own.”
“ Spill it.” Liz leaned back against the door frame and eyed her.
“Le asked me to marry him and I said yes.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful.” Liz pulled Chelsea into a tight hug. “I’m so happy for the two of you. You do understand
He knew he would keep his promise no matter the cost. Sometimes love meant sacrificing for those you cared for, and he’d give anything to keep her happy and by his side forever.
Chapter Eighteen
Chelsea thought she’d gone all out on decorations at Le’s house but it was nothing compared to what Liz and Jason’s place looked like. The inside of the two story brick home could have been Santa’s workshop. A large tree dominated the foyer with a more moderately sized one in the living room. Garlands and lights were strung around the banister leading upstairs, an entire Christmas village lined the living room bookshelves, and not one but two old fashioned trains circled the base of the tree, letting off a blare of horns every time they passed the main section.
Appetizers , each one looking more delicious than the last, were spread out across the kitchen bar that separated it from the living room. People gathered around the table, or in the living room talking. Le took her around introducing her to his parents, then to Jason and Brian’s parents. Years ago when Hope had been in the hospital, she’d met Brian, but they reacquainted themselves before Liz dashed in.
“Chelsea, come with me , I want to show you the rest of the house.” She nodded toward the door and Chelsea followed.
She waited until they climbed the stairs before she laid a hand on Liz’s arm. “I’ve been here before, so why did you want to get me away from everyone?”
“To show you this.” Liz pushed open the door and she stepped closer to see what was inside.
A nursery, done in a pale pink, with white and black accents , the name Faith in fancy letters above an ebony crib. There was a changing table, dresser, and rocker that matched. The crib bedding was black with large white swirls and pink roses; the edges had vibrant pink trim.
“Are you? But I thought—”
“With the cancer treatments I went through as I child, I can’t get pregnant, but we’re adopting. Our beautiful baby girl is due on Valentine’s Day.”
“Le didn’t say anything.” She turned her head to look at her friend. “He doesn’t know. You r brother doesn’t know.” Shock coated her words.
“No one but Jason knows. We didn’t want to say anything until we were sure. The birth mother is a nurse’s assistant at the hospital. She’s young, single, and wants to go back to school for her registered nurse’s license. It’s going to be an open adoption, and Faith will know birth mother.” Liz paused and looked back at the nursery. “It’s everything I wanted and finally it’s happening. I never thought I’d be a mother, but Susan is great. She’s allowing me to come to her doctor’s appointments, and I was there when we heard the heartbeat. Oh, Chelsea, it’s more than I could have hoped for.”
“When are you telling your family?”
“When we sit down for dinner. We’ve been holding off until everyone was gathered together. Susan will stop by later on so everyone can meet her and see our baby.” Liz laid her hand on Chelsea’s arm. “I wanted you to know first, because I know what a hard time of year this is for you. I didn’t want to upset you.”
“Oh no , Liz, don’t worry about me. I’m happy for you.” Memories of expecting Hope resurfaced. She’d never replace Hope in her heart or thoughts but she wondered if Le was interested in having children. They had never talked about it but she hoped he would be willing. She wanted to try again. It was time.
“Are you sure?”
“I am.” Chelsea turned to her. “Actually, I was hoping to get a minute alone with you today because I have some news of my own.”
“ Spill it.” Liz leaned back against the door frame and eyed her.
“Le asked me to marry him and I said yes.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful.” Liz pulled Chelsea into a tight hug. “I’m so happy for the two of you. You do understand
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