chapter 44

Josie POV
''-- And that is why I am so excited to be an auntie,'' Maya squeals. ''To Josie and Matthais,'' she raises her glass.

''Josie and Matthias,'' everyone echoed back.

The anxiety sits below my smile. Matthias hasn't been back since he left out to be with Zach and it is eating me alive to know whether or not he's okay. I heaved a sigh and touched my belly as Maya came behind me with a tap on my shoulder.

''Everything's okay?'' She asked.

''Yeah, I am just worried about--''

''--Matthias? He's right over there.''

I heaved a deep sigh as Matthias's eyes locked his in mine. ''Don't worry everything's going to be fine,'' she pats me on the back and leaves me alone to myself.

Matthias came to me with a small smile, kissing me on the cheek.

"What took you so long?" I said in a whisper.

"Zach. I don't want to say much but he's not himself," he said, placing his head down.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. This isn't the first time." He held my hand and walked me over to a seat as we proceed with our baby shower festivities.

We watched people playing some games that Maya created, I have gotten the chance to open up some gifts and thanked everyone for their time being here.

People were leaving the house one by one as Matthias prepared the staff to clean the house. We left towards the front of the house by the fountain, looking upwards to the sky.

Pink, orange, yellow with a tint of purple swirled across the sky. I knew at that moment sunset was appearing, and I couldn't help myself but stare at it.

I sighed and looked at Matthias who seems a bit annoyed.

"Are you okay?" I asked, locking my hands with his.

"Mm," he responds.

"Mm, what?"

Roughly, he brushed his hair and shrugged. "I don't know Josie."

"Baby, talk to me."

"I just don't know whether or not if I should be mad. Zach's my friend and I feel like he's going through it but I don't know why I feel like shit from not letting him be here."

"Well, it was your decision. You stopped him from being here. Besides, he's full of surprises. I don't think we would expect anything from him. He could've harmed someone."

"True, but still."

"Why don't you talk to him about it."

He sucked his teeth. "Ah, I don't know baby. I'm gonna have to get some space before I do something that I'll regret."

He turned to me and placed both of his hands at the side of my face. He leaned over and kissed me softly as I gasped when I felt the baby kicked inside.

"Are you okay?" Matthias said, worried.

I laughed. "Yes, my love, I'm okay. He's so feisty."

His eyes glistened after I said he.

"Are you sure it's a boy?" He teased.

"Ha. Yes, my love, I'm sure."
.....
The next few days I was at bed rest at home. Matthias was able to make it home on time before we were heading to dinner together at an event in downtown.

The doorbell rings and I stopped the makeup artist before I made my way to the front door.

There, it was Zach with a bouquet of roses and a box of chocolate on his hand. He seemed worried whether or not I was going to accept his offer.

I sighed. "Zach."

"Josie, I'm sorry for being an emotional wreck at your baby shower. Is Matthias here?"

I stammered.

"Please, I'm trying to do the right thing. I know what you're thinking and I know I do deserve it. I just thought to give you a gesture would me make amends with you and Matthias of course. But mainly you. I'm sorry."

I took another deep breath and looked back as I saw Matthias came down the steps, tying his tie and walked behind me.

He opens the door wide and walked down a step closer to him.

"Zach. Is there a problem?" He asked.

"Can we please talk?"

"Fine."

"Alone?"

"Nope, Josie can stay. If you have something to say, you can say it in front of me."