CHAPTER 80: CELEBRATION GALORE
"So far, any questions?" Harry asked.
Diana sighed, "It's just too much to take in."
James squeezed her hand gently. "Well, we can process it together, at your own pace."
"Oh, and enjoy all the food you can now," Harry said, standing up. "Because after your first trimester, we'll switch you to a healthy pregnancy diet that benefits both you and the baby".
"And while enjoying yourself, don't overdo it with the calories, alright. Remember, a healthy mom means a healthy baby."
"Okay, doc. So," Diana asked, a touch of worry in her voice, "this pregnancy won't affect my daily activities, right?"
"Not at all," Harry reassured her. "Many women work well into their third trimester. My wife, bless her, was one of them." He shot a smile at Diana. "She'll have plenty of stories to share with you later."
"I have no doubt about it. Thank you, brother-in-law," Diana said with a grateful smile.
"You're welcome."
James scoffed playfully. "Why thank him? It's his job."
Harry chuckled, unfazed. "Alright, well, you're both discharged with a clean bill of health. Congratulations, you two!" He beamed with genuine happiness and pride.
Turning to James, he clapped him on the shoulder. "Seriously happy for you, bro."
"I know" James said, returning the smile. "Thanks, Harry. We appreciate it."
Just as Harry opened the door, a chorus of cheers and congratulations erupted. James' friends and their wives flooded in, arms laden with gifts.
"Well, seems the baby shower came early," Diana remarked with a dry smile.
Laughter filled the room as Jared engulfed Diana in a hug. "Congratulations, sister in-law!"
Diana giggled, returning the embrace. "Thanks, Jared."
"Hey," Harry's voice boomed over the joyful chaos. "No alcohol for the new mom, everyone!"
The men chuckled, remembering Diana's previous encounter with tequila. The women, blissfully unaware, exchanged curious glances.
"Don't worry Diana, we are all here for you," Sandra said, pushing Jared aside to hold her.
"Yes, baby, we'll share our pregnancy experiences with you. Over tea, of course," Monica chimed in, earning a laugh from Diana.
"Sure Monique."
Jerry smiled and clapped James on the shoulder. "Congrats, bud!"
"Thanks, man," James replied, tapping Jerry's hand on his shoulder.
"So she was pregnant that night she was drunk?" Henry asked no one in particular.
"How could you not have noticed, Harry?" Victor added, shaking his head.
Harry rolled his eyes exasperated and placed his palms on his forehead. "Just how could I have known that, Victor?" he responded.
The murmur of conversation continued as Jared poured wine for everyone, offering Diana a glass of juice.
Diana looked at what she had been reduced to as she stared at the clear liquid, a pang of longing tugging at her heart. "For the baby," she thought, nodding to herself. She took a sip, a bittersweet smile playing on her lips.