Saturday, December 7th, 2019

Janiyah's POV

Ugh, another red carpet. I just want to sit down and eat. I better put on my phony smile face. Graeme stepped out of the limo, then stuck his hand out for me to grab. We then walked the red carpet. Well, Graeme walked, and I waddled down it. Jacee wants to eat too. She is moving around like crazy.

I rubbed my belly on our way inside the reception venue.

"We are sitting with the cast of the movie. I see Damion, so we must be up towards the front."

"Just great. Tell your daughter to stop kicking me." We made our way to our table near the front of a stage.

After we sat down, several waiters started bringing what looks like trays of drinks. Since I can't have any alcohol, I asked for water to drink. The waiter left, then came back and sat a pitcher near me.

Several more waiters then carried what looks like appetizers. I just grabbed the tray out of one of the waiter's hands and sat it in front of me on the table. The waiter looked at me like I was crazy.

"My wife is pregnant," I heard Graeme say as I devoured the appetizers. I didn't feel embarrassed either that I took the tray. Lou walked up on the stage.

"I'll keep this short. Everyone, please enjoy a night of dinner, dancing, and fun. Dinner is now ready, and waiters will come around to each table. There is plenty."

Thank goodness. Even after eating those appetizers, I'm hungry. This time, the waiter came over to me first. It was surf and turf - salmon with a honey glaze, filet mignon, veggies, etc. "May I have a glass of ginger ale, please?"

"Yes, ma'am. I'll be right back." The waiter left, and Graeme just stared at me.

"I don't have an upset stomach from stuffing my face with the appetizers, so stop staring at me."

I heard my parents, Marsha, and Liam laughing at me from their table. Damion and actor Blake Russell were laughing too. I just kicked both of them in their shins. They stopped laughing real quick.

"Ouch, Niyah! That hurt."

"That was the intent. Stop whining. You try being pregnant with aches, pains, cravings, and mood swings. Otherwise, leave me alone." The waiter came back with the ginger ale. "Thank you."

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Dance music came on as more waiters came around to just the cast tables. They handed us swag bags that were fully-loaded with trinkets. I'll look at after I drag Graeme for a dance or two.

"I want to dance, Mr. Harrison. Let's go." I sure did grab Graeme's hands and dragged him to the dance floor. It was a slow song this time, so Graeme wrapped one arm around my waist and held my other hand.

"After tonight, it's massage time. I miss wearing my heels because I'm feeling extra short while dancing."

"Where does your back hurt?"

"Right where your arm is - the small part of my back."

Graeme started massaging my back while we danced, and it sure feels great. "You're hands are miracle workers. My back is starting to feel great, baby daddy. Thank you. I wish I could lay my head on your chest while we dance."

"You're welcome, baby mama. We can do that when we get home. Remember to let me know when you want to leave."

"Jacee and I are ready for some cake. After we get some cake, I want to go and spend a little time with Shane. I feel terrible that he went back to the house. And, my feet are bothering me. You can stay and enjoy the party. I'll ask my mom or someone to come with me."

"I'll grab your things while you go talk to your mom and get some cake."

Surprisingly, my parents were dancing, so I can't ask them. Griffin and Niko were sitting at their table, but I didn't see Sophia and Tatianna. "Hey Niko and Griffin, where are Sophia and Tatianna?"

"They went to dance. Are you okay?" Griffin asked.

"My feet are bothering me. And, I'm going home so I can spend time with Shane. I was hoping for some company, but don't bother them. Let Sophia and Tati enjoy themselves. I'll probably be asleep when you guys come home, so go have fun."

"I'll go with you, Janiyah, and come back with the limo."

"Thank you, Niko. Uh, I want to get some cake first."

"Of course. Let's get you and Jacee some cake. Griffin, can you let Tatianna know where I went?"

"Sure. Go ahead."

"Thanks, Niko." Niko and I went to get some cake which I saw while Graeme and I were dancing.

The young lady that was cutting the cake cut one piece and handed it to me. I looked at her like she was crazy, but I wasn't rude. "Uh, excuse me, sweetie, but I'm pregnant and in the mood for sweets." Niko just stood there and laughed. I don't see anything funny. She cut me another piece. "Thank you, hun."

Niko got a piece for himself. I sure did grab his plate as we walked away. "Hey, woman!"

"Not so funny now, Mr. Kostopoulos. Is it? You wouldn't dare take a piece of cake from a pregnant lady?"

Niko just grinned, "Nope, because you are not snapping at me. I see Graeme is near the exit."

Niko and I walked over to where Graeme was standing. "Hey, Graeme, I'll ride with Janiyah, then come back with the limo."

"Thanks, Niko."

Graeme handed Niko my bag and wrap as we walked out of the venue and to the limo. Home we go.

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Niko helped me out of the limo and walked with me to the door.

"Thanks, Uncle Niko."

"You're welcome. Get some rest." Niko waited until I stepped in the house to walk back towards the limo.

I heard the television, so that's where I went.

"Hey, Janiyah. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Shane. Well, my feet aren't. Jacee and I wanted to spend some time with Uncle Shane." I sat next to Shane on the couch.

"Thanks for spending time with me. Niko sent a text that you have some cake for me. Thank you, Janiyah."

"Of course, I am. You're my bro and family." That sneaky Mr. Kostopoulos. Wait until Niko comes home.

"Uh, Shane can you get the chocolate ice cream from the fridge?"

"Sure. Uh, Janiyah are you one of those moms that put pickles in ice cream?"

"No. I tried once and found it to be disgusting."

"Chocolate ice cream coming up." Shane stood up and walked to the kitchen. I grabbed my phone and texted Niko. He texted me back with the laugh emoji.

"I hope Shane enjoys his cake." 😂

Shane came back with my ice cream and a spoon. I handed him the cake I stole from Niko.

"I saw some reviews already for your movie, and they were mostly great. Some did say you did okay for your first acting experience, but they also said that you have the potential to do great things in Hollywood."

"I'll take it. I didn't think it would work out. But, I had an amazing time on the set with Graeme and my brother. The next test will be the fan reviews when the movie comes out in theaters. That will be next Friday."

"Don't worry. We all know fans can be fickle. Some can be downright mean. Ask Graeme about how he handles negative feedback from fans."

"I sure will. Now, let's eat our cake and ice cream."

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Saturday, March 7th, 2020

Graeme's POV

The movie has been doing quite well in the theaters. For the first month, the movie was even number one. Janiyah and I even went to see it, incognito, of course. Surprisingly it is still doing well in the theaters at number two. Typically, a movie stays in a theater for 90 days. So, Lou says everything is on schedule for it to be released on Blu-ray and DVD in June. I'm super excited. We'll show Jacee when she is old enough. We will not be showing her the intimacy scene where she was created. Jacee will find that out one day when she is much older.

Today, we're having a baby shower for Janiyah. It was hard trying to keep this baby shower a secret from her, but we did. My mom, Sophia, Megan, and Janelle took Janiyah shopping for an outfit. I told her we were going out to lunch. Well, we are because it is outside.

Hopefully, Janiyah is not giving them a hard time. The mood swings increased ten-fold. Not even her favorite lullaby worked. She will be surprised and amazed at who came. I had the food catered because there is no way I was cooking for how many guests we have here.

Janiyah will finally get to see Jacee's room that Steven, my father, Hunter, Brett, and Damion created. Steven told me handling an irritated Janiyah was a task enough, so they took care of the baby room. Jacee even has her own bathroom. She is so spoiled already.

"Graeme, Janelle said Janiyah is pitching a fit. They are on the way home, whether we are ready or not."

"Thanks, Steven. We are ready." Steven left to wait for them out front.

"Thank you all for coming. Shane, do you know of Bliss's condition? I felt sick to my stomach when I heard what happened. Whoever did that to Bliss deserves the worse punishment ever. Janiyah and I have been so worried about her."

"My mum keeps me posted on what's happening. She did say that Bliss is no longer in critical condition. But she is still in a coma. And, I'm not any closer to who is blackmailing me."

"You'll find them and make them pay. I know you will. I hear a vehicle pulling up." As soon as everyone got quiet, we heard Janiyah hollering. Oh boy.

Janiyah's POV

Wherever Graeme is taking me to lunch better be worthwhile. I'm so not in the mood.

My dad helped me out of Marsha's Denali.

"You look beautiful, Niyah."

"I wish my mood matched the beautiful dress. I'm hungry and cranky!! Not to mention your grandchild is getting on my nerves today!!"

I linked arms with my dad as we walked towards the back yard. "SURPRISE!!"

"SAY WHAT?!" I saw camera flashes all around me as we continued walking in the yard.

"Babe, now you know I was going to throw my baby mama a shower. It was my mom and Sophia's idea. I took care of the food and guests list."

I cried as I walked over to my hubby and squeezed him as tight as I could. I sure did wet his pink t-shirt. "Thank you, Papito."

Graeme started massaging my back as I continued to cry.

"Wow, there is a lot of people here. And, look at Lexie, Brownie, Smoky, and Tigger in their pink shirts too. That is so cute. I need to sit down now. My back is hurting."

As Graeme led me to my seat, I saw Shane and waved him over. I know it's hard, but I had to ask because I am truly concerned about Bliss.

"Come sit next to me. How is Bliss? Have you found out who is blackmailing you?"

"My mum said Bliss is still in her coma. And, I'm not even close to knowing who is doing this to me. It's hard knowing I can't visit her in the hospital."

"I'm so sorry, Shane. I miss seeing you guys together. We were going to visit Bliss, but my body has been so tired over the last two months. I want to punch whoever is hurting my bro. I can't stand them!! Thank you for coming. It means a lot."

"You're welcome, Janiyah. I'll try to make it in two weeks too. My mum and father said to tell you hello, and they sent a gift for Jacee. Uh, I can't tell which one it is because, uh, well, you'll see what I mean."

I kissed Shane on his cheek. "Thank you, Uncle Shane. And, tell Mama Adrian and, Brently, I said thank you as well. Your mom is amazing. When you and Bliss are back together, we are having a family party."

"We sure are."

"Graeme, sweet hubby, your wife and daughter are hungry."

"I'm way ahead of you."

While I was talking to Shane, Graeme already fixed me a plate. As I was eating, he placed something on my head. " What did you put on my head? And why am I wearing a pink sash?"

"It's your baby shower crown. Look, I have one too. Come on, it's only for a few hours."

Graeme's sash says, 'Proud daddy-to-be.' My sash says, 'Proud mommy-to-be.' "Ugh, fine."

"While everyone is eating, Janelle, Hunter, Brett, Megan, and Damion are bringing around pink clothespins. The words you can't say is baby, shower, Jacee, Janiyah, or Graeme. If you're caught saying these things, you have to give your clothespin to the person who caught you. At the end of the shower, we have a prize for the winner," Marsha announced.

"You mean I can't even say my own child or husband's name today?"

"Are you afraid to lose, wifey?" Graeme had the nerve to say.

"Game on, Harrison. You can't even say my name. Ha! You already know I don't back down from a challenge." Janelle handed me a clothespin. Megan gave Graeme his clothespin.

"Aww, look at my animal babies. They look adorable and silly at the same time. I hope someone has a picture."

"Uh, Mrs. Harrison, may I have your clothespin?" Shane says with a smirk on his face. Dang. Graeme was dying laughing as I handed Shane my pin.

"Thank you guys so much for coming. It means a lot to me. The twins are so adorable, Cris and Kam. How old are they now?"

I was holding Kekoa while Graeme was holding Isabella. Cris says she tends to gravitate towards' male figures, especially Shane.

"They are fifteen months now. And, into everything. Dia and Rocco, say hi to your Aunt Janiyah. She's having a... little girl." Cris caught himself.

"Hi, Aunt Janiyah. What's her name?" I looked at Cris and rolled my eyes because I saw him whispering to Dia. Now, I know what he told her to ask. I got something for him.

"Dia, sweetie, you see the name on the napkin? That will be my little girl's name." Ha! Take that, Mr. Fiore. "Oh, and Cris, hand over your pin." Kam and I traded high-fives as Cris handed me his pin. This game is going to be fun.

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I now have six pins to Graeme's four pins. We walked around the yard and greeted our guests, which was a lot. And, on my way from the bathroom, I saw what Shane was talking about with the gifts. My office was filled with gifts. We are not opening any of those tonight.

I even met some of my favorite movie stars from the Avengers. They congratulated me on my first acting role and said I did a great job. I asked them to autograph some baby shower plates. I will be blushing like crazy every time I see them. We had all kinds of desserts and cakes. 

I still haven't seen the cake Graeme and I are supposed to be cutting.

My mommy yelled, "It's game time, ladies and gentlemen. Everyone can play. My kids and Marsha's kids are passing out drinks to everyone. It's water so everyone can see their cubes. In one of the cubes in each cup, there is a gummy bear. Once the ice cube melts, yell, 'My water broke!' We have prizes for the first ten guests who yell that phrase."

My mom was smart to say 'her kids' and not my name. My dad and Liam also helped pass out drinks.

"Marsha will start the next game once the drinks have been passed out."

Once the drinks were all passed out, Marsha introduced her game.

Marsha's POV

"Janiyah and Graeme had no idea this game would be played at their party for my grandchild. Sophia and I asked them a range of questions about their little one. The sheets are being passed out now."

"Mom, pass over your pin, please," Graeme says as he walks my way. I totally forgot. Liam, Steven, Hunter, Brett, and Damion passed out the sheets for the game.

"For this game, you will have 15 minutes to guess who. There are also two questions both had the same answer. There will be ten winners for this game. Your time starts now."

I used the timer on my phone. Meanwhile, I kept checking my drink to see if the ice cube melted. For all of the adults, except Janiyah, we soaked the gummies in some flavored rum.

Fifteen minutes went by fast because my phone began to ring. "Times up everyone. Here are the answers."

"Who guessed ten to fifteen answers?" Surprisingly two of our celebrity guests raised their hands. Tatianna and Shane raised their hands as well.

"My husband and Steven have your prizes. How about five to ten answers, correct?" Three more of the celebrity guests raised their hands. Kamea, Griffin, and Niko raised their hands.

"Brett, Hunter, and Janelle have your prizes. Let's give our winners a big hand. We have one more game for now, and the sheets are being passed out. Janiyah's mom, Sophia, will handle this game."

Sophia's POV

"Now I know why my mom asked me what I liked. She asked me like she was taking a quiz in a magazine."

"That is what mama's do best. You'll do the same thing too." The sheets were passed out to each guest.

"Just like in the last game, there will be ten winners. And, you will have 15 minutes. Your time begins now."

We heard, 'My water broke!' being yelled by one of Cris' kids. It was his daughter, Dia. She said it so cute too.

"Dia, honey come to get your prize. You're the first one." Cris pointed to where I was sitting and Dia came over. Steven handed Dia her prize.

"I won a prize, daddy," she said on her way back to her seat. 

My phone started chiming, signaling time was up. "Here are the answers."

"For those who answered ten to thirteen right, please come get your prizes from Liam or Steven." Five guests raised their hands, so they walked over to get their prize.

"The first five to have five to ten correct, please come get your prize. Let's give our winners a round of applause. Janiyah, it's cake time."

"Mom, it's time to give up your pin. Thank you."

Janiyah's POV

I sure did waddle over to my mom with Kekoa in my arms for her pin. He fell asleep on my shoulder. 

"Janiyah, I'll hold Kekoa while you cut your cake."

"Thanks, Kam." Once she held him in her arms, Graeme and I walked over to the cutest cake ever. There was two of the same cake and I'm guessing because of how many guests was invited.

"I love it. It looks too cute to cut. But, not today because I want something sweet."

My mom handed me a knife. Graeme placed his hand over mine, and I cut the biggest piece of cake I could handle for myself. I smacked Graeme's hand as he tried to put some on a fork. "That is for me and your daughter. Now we can cut a piece for you."

After cutting his piece, my mom cut the rest of the cake for everyone.Graeme carried my cake back to the table. Dance music was now being played while we ate our cake.

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I made sure to hug everyone and get their addresses so we could send thank you cards.

I looked at my cup and saw that my gummy bear was floating. "My water broke!!"

Graeme, my dad, and Liam seemed like they ran a track meet over to where I was sitting. "No, I don't need to go to the hospital. My ice cube melted, so 'my water broke.'"

"Thank goodness it was just from the game. You scared me, woman." The prize was a personalized cup filled with chocolate candy. Yes! The candy will be gone by the time we get ready for bed, which I feel like I am ready for.

This time I am holding a sleeping Isabella. Kam, Tati, and Sophia are sitting with me on the patio.

"I really appreciate you, ladies, for coming today. This was an amazing surprise."

"You're welcome girly. You deserve it. What are the puppies and kittens' names?" Kam asked.

"The puppies are Brownie and Lexie. Lexie is the Cavalier King Charles puppy. The kittens are Smoky and Tigger."

"They are adorable. Griffin and I have two dogs, Bailey and Jellybean. Jellybean is a Yorkie. We got him last year before our wedding."

"We'll see how they behave around our little one."

"Girl, you are good with playing the clothespin game."

"Thanks, Tati. Hubby and I are very competitive. He challenged me, and so far, I am winning between us."

"Janiyah, let me know when you need a break from Isabella."

"I'm okay, Kam." Cris and the guys came to join us.

"Hey, wifey, me and guys were talking about the huge amount of gifts. We can open them all tomorrow."

"Excellent idea because I don't think I have enough energy to open even one tonight. We indeed have one spoiled little girl who isn't born yet. Look at all of the pins Shane has. I think he has the most."

"Shane is very observant and attentive," Niko said.

"That's my bro for you. Oh, Shane, take some of the prizes home for your family and Bliss' family. Bliss may not be here physically, but we are all thinking about her. Bliss is my friend, and I miss her a lot."

"Thanks. I'll have my mum give them their gifts. Andrea and the rest of the Sanders' crew will appreciate it."

"Kam, can you take Isabella? I think it's time for me to lay down now. My daughter is kicking the heck out of me."

"Not a problem. Other than her family, you are the first female Isabella let hold her." Kam came over and took Isabella from my arms.

Graeme helped me stand up and walked with me inside the house. "I have one more surprise for you." Graeme helped me walk up the stairs, then put his hands over my eyes.

"Is there a reason why you covered my eyes?"

"So you won't peek. Put your arms around my waist." Once I did that, we walked a short distance, then Graeme stopped.

"Keep your eyes closed." I heard a door open, then Graeme grabbed my hands and led me inside. "Now, open your eyes."

"Oh, my goodness! It's beautiful, and I love it."

"We knocked down the wall into the room next to this one so we could have the bathroom added. Jacee's room is just as big as ours."

I sure did take his pins, and he didn't complain about it. "She is going to need the space because of the amount of gifts downstairs. Can you give the 'thank you' speech for both of us? I really am tired."

"Get some rest, mommy. We are heading down the home stretch. In two more weeks, Jacee will be here. Good night, mommy-to-be."

"Good night, daddy-to-be."

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Opening invitation is courtesy of www.postermywall.com

Baby shower games are courtesy of games-for-baby-shower.com

Picture of outdoor dessert table is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / byronaguilar

Picture of baby shower cake is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / krsmanovic