The CEO’s Quadruplets

They all laughed, letting Isabella relax as she let her emotions take over her mind. She did not want to just forget the pain she felt, but as time stretched on her due date came closer and closer. With her baby shower coming in just a few short weeks, Isabella knew that she did not want to bring her four children into the world alone. It was not impossible, but it was not something she ever imagined doing. The belly she had laid out in front of her was a constant reminder.

Letting the conversation drift away from her as Anne talked about her childhood, and just swapped stories with Lizzie, Isabella pondered all these emotions in her heart. She knew that no matter what that this was not the end of her marriage, but her impatience grew. When was this time going to end? When would the rumors stop? She stabbed one of her last bites of pasta, knowing that much like her dinner that the marital problem was going to have to end soon.

***

The baby shower, much like Anne Blake, looked flawless. Isabella had requested that she did not have to leave her house for this party, and the hostess was kind enough to oblige the single wish. She was the guest of honor after all, so it seemed fair to have her own contingencies about this baby shower.

With a garden party theme, Isabella sat surrounded by her favorite people as she wore a crown of fresh flowers. An overflowing bouquet of peonies and greenery acted the centerpiece of a wide spread of gourmet hors d’oeuvres from her private chef that catered all the Blake’s philanthropic events. There were cheese boards, croquembouches, a chocolate fondue fountain, fruits from every corner of the world, and little appetizers that were as lovely to look at as they were delicious. Isabella had a plate full of decadent bites as she looked over the room Anne had spent the whole morning decorating. She kept her upstairs and away until it had been finished, and the surprise was worth it.

Flowers made of tissue paper and pink and blue balloons filled the empty corners of her living room. They hung from the ceiling making the eye go up and down to the tables scattered with confetti made to look like rubber ducks, pacifiers, and rattles. Fresh flowers in assorted bouquets could be seen in every room. There were even pink roses in the powder room under the stairs. Diaper cakes for her to keep long after the party decorated free standing tables. A guest log had been created by letting people sign a white photo matting for four smaller photos.

“It’s for the babies when they have their first pictures taken. I just thought it was much sweeter than a silly binder would have to store somewhere!” Anne chimed as she got Isabella a drink from the bar.

Classic mimosas and vibrantly pink mixed-berry punch were both available for the people who were not pregnant. The scent of champagne loomed off both cocktails. Sober people and Isabella had to suffice with the sparkling water and Italian sodas. Sipping her European soda, the flavor of it gave Bella little to complain about. A pair of attendants stood by waiting to keep trays filled and trash clear from the party as people began to arrive.

Everyone said hello to her, but thankfully Anne had planned an array of different activities and games for the guests. Old-fashioned lawn games were set up in the backyard where Romeo wandered among the guests playing croquet and corn hole. Motherly advice and guessing games were set up throughout the main floor with prizes as a way to encourage participation. Everyone found themselves in organized activity or just looking at the finally finished mansion that Isabella now called home.

Still, Isabella had her plethora of people to greet with a smile, even if she did not care to see them. Looking at everything made her miss her husband. She wanted to call and tell him about the festivities, and she kept catching herself thinking how she would gush about it as he fixed them dinner. Shaking the thoughts away, Isabella knew to put on a show. She did live in Hollywood after all.

Cousins of the Blake family arrived first, bringing along a rocking horse that stunned Isabella to look at. Her friends from college came that she had not seen in years. Old sorority sisters decked out in their pink and green fawned over Isabella as they each told her about their lives. Colleagues from her old practice and the university arrived, happy to be welcomed to the party. Even Isabella’s mother drove down from San Diego to see the party, but was leaving to check-in on the twins in Malibu before she headed back up.

“Mom, you can stay here. There is plenty of room.”

Behati smiled, patting her daughter’s cheek as she replied, “I know, Isabella, but your brother Kai has the flu.”

Isabella nodded. “He might kill himself if he tries to take care of himself.”

“I have to take him to the doctor tomorrow morning, but I will give them both your love.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“You look so beautiful, honey. Have I mentioned that?”

Isabella shook her head, saying, “No, Mom, but thank you. I don’t always feel beautiful these days. My growth is starting to get exponential.”

Behati nodded. “I remember the twins gave me a lot of trouble before they were even born. I should have known that they would always be a handful, but you… you were always my fearless independent girl. You traveled. You hiked. You explored everywhere I let you go. I’m so happy that spirit never left you. Maybe your children will be little adventurers as well. Would that not be just wonderful?”

Isabella smiled. “I think so.”

“What does Amory think? Where is my favorite filmmaker?”

Isabella sighed. She never told her parents about Amory. The only people who knew at the party were Anne and Lizzie. It was unavoidable with Anne, but Lizzie only knew after she asked at the sonogram two weeks before.

“He’s… traveling. He has been so busy with work. I don’t get to see him as much as I would like, plus between you and me, Mom, I think the pregnancy has been making things a bit stressful between us.”