Chapter 73

Nicholas wasn't around a lot, spending extra time at the office. He'd already discussed stepping back from his involvement in the company, and they were all putting in a lot of work to make the transition smoother.

Aside from all that, I spent any extra time I had with Courtney and Lory, shopping for Christmas presents and maternity clothes. I was in search of one item in particular.

"This one is gorgeous," Lory said, holding a white floor-length gown in her hand.

Nicholas and I were expected to attend a Christmas ball with his parents, and I needed to find a dress that didn't make me look like a pumpkin.

I shook my head at her selection. "It looks more like a wedding dress. Plus, white will only make me look bigger than I already do."

Both of them rolled their eyes. "You aren't fat, you're pregnant," Courtney sniped. "You're still skinny everywhere but your stomach."

Courtney turned to me. "Are you still planning to take next semester off?"

I nodded. "Yeah." I rubbed my belly. "He