NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 389: Family Bonding
The hush of the falling twilight was broken only by the low hum of the private jet as it descended gracefully. Cold winter air danced around the secluded island airstrip, nipping at noses and cheeks, but no one seemed to care as they waited breathlessly.
Wrapped in a stylish cream wool coat that barely hid the roundness of her belly, Amelia stood glowing like the first light of dawn kissing the ocean. And standing protectively beside her with his arm, resting firmly around her shoulders was Blaze.
The couple waited at the edge of the runway, their breath rising in delicate clouds with each exhale.
As the jet wheels kissed the icy tarmac, a whoosh of excitement surged through the crisp air.
Behind them, lanterns twinkled along the frosted path, casting golden reflections across the snow-dusted welcome banners flapping in the wind.
The moment the aircraft door opened, a rush of warmth from the delightful squeal and the joyful chaos that followed broke the cold.
"My princess..."
"Amy..."
"Cousin...."
"Bestie...."
Suitcases were forgotten. Heels clicked in succession and scarves flew in the air as everyone came spilling out, bundling Amelia and Blaze in a whirlwind of hugs, kisses, and mock scoldings.
"How is my favourite angel doing?" Gregory beamed embracing his daughter.
"I'm fine, Daddy."
"And my grandson?"
"Playing a tournament in there."
A ripple of laughter followed Amelia's reply as Gregory went on to greet his son-in-law.
"Look at you, Amelia!" Stacy shrieked, throwing her arms around her friend. "You're about to pop! What are you carrying in there—triplets?"
Amelia laughed, her cheeks flushed. "No, just one very powerful king who has already claimed his territory. He is ah...." Amelia squealed in excitement at the sight of Kayla, Nicole and Adrianna.
"Amy sweetie pie." Kayla chimed throwing her arms around her.
"Oh my goodness! I didn't know you girls were coming too." Amelia eyes moisted with tears of joy as she hugged al of them one after the other.
"We wanted to surprise you." Adriana embrace Amelia the longest, her heart warmed by the Amelia transformation into motherhood.
"Kayla, is it true?" Amelia asked, her eyes darting toward Kayla's concealed stomach.
"Yes!" Kayla beamed like a Christmas light. "I'm two months gone already." She confessed, covering her small bump as if trying to hide it from the winter air.
"Oh my goodness! No wonder you are glowing like a fairy light. Congratulations sweetheart." Amelia hugged her tenderly. "And welcome to the future mothers' club."
"Now, I'm jealous." Nicole rolled her eyes.
"Why don't you tell your billionaire boyfriend to do the needful?" Adriana teased.
"Without putting a ring on my finger first?" Nicole rolled her eyes. "Do I look like I want to be someone's baby mama?"
A ripple of laughter echoed amongst the friends, followed by more cheers, teasing and playful jabs.
After a few minutes of warm welcoming and laughter, Maria invited everyone over to the beach estate, where a feast was waiting for all of them.
By the time everyone had settled in and the golden sun had melted into the horizon, the villa had transformed into a cozy winter haven.
A crackling fireplace blazed in the corner, casting a warm amber glow that danced along the wooden beams and stone walls.
The scent of rosemary and cinnamon drifted through the air like an irresistible invitation.
The long dining table was a masterpiece decorated in winter whites and forest greens, with flickering candles illuminating the tantalizing delicacy spread across the table.
Steam curled from copper pots and serving trays, revealing a feast that had everyone salivating before they even sat down.
At the centre of the spread, a perfectly roasted turkey sat in regal glory, its skin glistening with a honey-herb glaze.
Surrounding it were platters of grilled lobster tails, bowls of creamy mashed potatoes, spiced lamb chops, baked salmon wrapped in banana leaves, and roasted vegetables caramelized to perfection.
Cranberry-orange chutney and warm bread rolls were passed around as the chatter grew louder.
Glasses clinked and plates filled as laughter echoed off the stone walls.
After a tantalizing meal came the dessert.
A towering chocolate fondue fountain stood proudly near the buffet, surrounded by strawberries, marshmallows, and cookies begging to be dipped.
Alongside it were miniature coconut flans, sticky toffee puddings, and a red velvet cake shaped like a baby bump that sent the entire room into a riot of laughter.
Nestled in her high-backed chair with a plush pillow supporting her belly, Amelia looked around with misty eyes. Her cheeks glowed, not just from pregnancy, but from the overwhelming warmth of being surrounded by people who loved her.
Standing up beside his wife, Blaze raised his glass.
"To laughter, to love, and to this wild, wonderful gathering we call family."
"And to the little one who's already stealing the spotlight," Amelia added, squeezing her husband's left hand resting on her shoulder.
"Cheers." They both chorused
"Cheers." The family and friends erupted.
The clinking of wine glasses amid laughter and happiness drowned the air as the dining festivity attained its peak.
After dinner, the family and friends had a wonderful time bonding and playing funny and interesting games.
Before Amelia retired for the night, she decided to share some hot cocoa with her friend who was too excited to sleep.
With blankets draped over their shoulders, mugs of hot cocoa in their hands and surrounded by trays of cookies, Amelia couldn't stop laughing at Stacy's silly joke.
"Amelia, I swear your cheeks have gotten so round, I could balance my teacup on them," Stacy said grinning.
"Oh please! I stopped keeping count after my thighs started clapping every time I walk." Amelia waved her hand dramatically causing a ripple of laughter amongst her friends while stroking her belly.
"By the way, Amelia, I was going to ask you something very important." Kayla dropped her mug, keeping a serious look on her face. "I remember you said something about your food cravings in your first trimester.
"Yeah..." Amelia nodded in confirmation.
"Well, I think my cravings are weirder than yours, babygirl. Do you know that last night I wanted an apple dipped in tomato soup?
"What!" All the friends burst out into laughter.
"Well, if it's just food craving then you have nothing to worry about." Nicole pointed out. "Imagine someone with your kind of food craving, plus hormonal chaos and stretch marks.
"How do you know about all of that? Have you been pregnant before?" Adrianna teased.
"Maybe...in my first life.".Nicole rolled her eyes chuckling.
"Isn't it crazy how life just keeps unfolding like this? First, you find love in the most awkward places, and then engagements, marriage, babies, love stories… It's simply beautiful." Stacy said dreamily.
"Yeah, life's wild, but with friends like you all, it's kind of perfect." Kayla cooed.
"Aww! Group hug." Amelia chimed and they all came together for a girl's group hug.
Just then, Blaze walked in with a tray of cinnamon rolls and a wide grin.
"Ladies, please permit me to take my pretty angels to bed. It's already past their bedtime." He said, dropping the tray before the ladies.
"But I'm not feeling sleepy yet, honey." Amelia pouted cutely.
"Don't worry, darling. Tomorrow is another day with your friends. Moreover, I have the perfect lullaby to sing to you, tonight."
"Aww... Love is so beautiful." Kayla chimed. "But I will take this delicious bribe." Kayla grinned, licking her lips.
"Tell me about it." Amelia moistened her lips, itching to take one bite. But her stomach was too stuffed to force anything down.
"Don't you, too,preggies get tired of eating? Adrian raised her brow.
"No.". Amelia and Kayla chorused laughing.
"Pregnant women and food are like soulmates on a delicious journey," Blaze interjected, carefully helping Amelia to her feet.
"So through..." Kayla replied with a full mouth causing another wave of laughter.
"Good night, beautiful ladies." Amelia's blew kisses while yawning from tiredness.
"Goodnight"