Pretend (Harry Styles) - Book 3

Chapter 8: Fainting Spells Before Wedding Bells

She grabs me into a hug, practically choking me as her arms wrap around my shoulders.

"Wow. You're going to be a mum!" She laughs, stepping away from me, "And Harry.... Good lord, he's going to be a dad! Wow... What was his reaction? How far along are you? Oh!! You need to eat! Poppy, fetch some crackers or something for her!"

"Do you need a chair as well?" Poppy laughs as Lou rambles on.

"I think I might. Wow..."

"If this is any fore-gleam as to what the receptions going to be like, I can't wait! We're in for a bloody good show." Poppy calls over her shoulder as she exits the room.

I take several slow deep breaths, trying to steady my heart rate.

"You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." I smile weakly at Lou as she looks me over worriedly.

"This is wonderful Ava. Really wonderful."

"I know. Still can't believe it."

"How far along are you?"

"13 weeks."

Lou nods, "This explains a bit."

"Hmmm?"

"Bit odd you had a 'stomach bug' for so long.... Morning sickness is a proper bitch isn't she?"

"Very much so. Doctor said I should be past all of that. Have felt really good these last few weeks."

"Were you trying?"

"No." I shake my head, "I wasn't... I was told I couldn't get pregnant. We have our own little miracle I guess you could say."

"Oh Ava you're in for such a treat. Motherhood is... I can't even begin to explain it. It's lovely." Lou gushes, "You'll do brilliantly at it. You both will."

"I hope so." I smile.

"And heavens... You lot having a baby? Going to be gorgeous."

"Exactly what I said." Poppy agrees as she enters the room.

A small package of crackers is ripped open and I start in on them as Lou and Poppy discuss how 'blessed our child will be for inheriting both Harry and I's genes.'

"Model."

"No... I think singer/actor."

"What are you two going on about?" I question before popping another cracker into my mouth.

"The baby of course." Lou curtly informs me.

"Are you really discussing what career it's going to have?"

"Don't worry yourself about it. Eat up, the little one is hungry." Poppy hands me a glass of water, waving me off as they continue their conversation.

I can't help but laugh as they go over possible names and what the chance is on the baby inheriting Harry's coveted dimples.

High I hope.

After a good fifteen minutes, I've not only depleted the supply of crackers but am also feeling loads better.

"Think my lips need a touch up." I say as I stand up, carefully brushing a few crumbs off my dress.

Lou agrees, fixing my lips and giving my hair a once over. Once she feels satisfied I slip on my heels. The final touch.

Another look in the mirror and I know I'm ready. More then ready.

"Ava?"

I glance towards the door, Anne popping her head in.

"Can I come in?"

"Of course." I smile as she steps inside.

"You look beautiful dear. Simply lovely." She gives me a tight hug.

"Thank you Anne. Silly how nervous I am." I ball my hands into fists, willing them to stop shaking.

"I was the same. I have a little something for you."

She holds out a small box to me as she goes on. "Harry told me you had your something new and something blue covered. I thought maybe this could be your something old and something borrowed. Sort of a two for one you could say."

My hands fumble with the ribbon, opening up the small box to reveal two diamond studs. They're beautiful.

"My mother wore them at her wedding, and when I married Robin I wore them as well. About time for another Styles woman to wear them I think."

"Oh Anne.." I feel a tear slide down my cheek. "I couldn't. It's your family tradition."

She shakes her head, wiping the tear off my cheek with a smile on her face.

"Silly girl if you don't think I view you as my own."

I pull her into another hug, full on crying as she pats my back. I've never known what it was like to have a loving caring mother.

But now I have one.

Harry really has no idea how much he's given me.

Anne helps me put the earrings on and they go perfectly with the dress. Of course they do.

After another hug and a kiss to my cheek, Anne leaves to find Harry.

I'm scolded by Lou for smudging my eye makeup, but she's makes it look as good as new. If not better.

Gemma soon strolls in, a huge smile on her face as she sees me.

"Just so you know... Harry's non existent chest hair will be on full display this evening."

"Lucky us." Poppy wiggles her eyebrows.

"Excuse me while I hurl in the loo." Gemma cringes.

"I'm guessing you fancy the chest hair these days... If I remember correctly Finn has a nice little bit." Poppy teases.

Gem blushes, "Wouldn't know."

"Please!" Poppy laughs, "I was in the room next to you lot last night. Unless there was a five year old using your bed as a trampoline, you are all to familiar with every inch of dearest Finn."

"I wish I hadn't just ate." I groan as unwanted mental images creep into my brain.

"And I wish I would of waited another five minutes before fetching you."

Our eyes shoot towards the door, finding a red faced Finn standing in it.

"Oh god!" Gem covers her face in her hands. "How much did you hear?"

"To much." Finn chuckles, heading towards the bed and pressing a kiss to Gem's temple. "But not enough to scare me away. Not nearly."

Gem shyly smiles at him as he looks down at her. He's in deep. They both are. I love it.

He turns to me when Gem follows the other girls out of the room, "Knew you'd look stunning."

"Don't look so bad yourself." I smile as he gives me a hug. I have a feeling I'm going to receive more then my fair share of them today.

"Good enough to give you away?"

"If you deem him worthy." I joke.

"I had the talk with him." Finns lips form a tight line as he feigns seriousness. "I threatened my vengeance if he hurt you. He laughed. Was a good talk I think."

"And your verdict?"

"You're perfect for each other. No question about it." Finn holds out his arm to me. "Now I do believe we have an aisle that needs walking down."

"That we do." I nod, taking one more deep breath as he leads me out of the room.

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