Chapter 19

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Leigha's POV

"Okay! This party is going to be so much better than the one we threw a month ago," I say as Mike and Kevin hang up the banner.

"I think so too," Mike grins.

Lauren and Mia are putting the presents out, and Jayden and Emily are working on securing balloons. Jii and Antonio are back at the Shiba House with Daisy. The room looks great. I hope this party goes better. I stick the cake in the fridge. We've got a lot of fun things planned including swimming with the dolphins.

"Looks great," Jayden wraps an arm around my waist.

"Thanks," I smile slightly.

I lean back into his arm and close my eyes. Suddenly a wave of nausea overtakes me. I throw his arm off of me. I grab my purse and then run into the bathroom leaving a confused Jayden alone.

"Le-"

I shut the door and lock it behind me. I rush over to the toilet and throw up. I take deep breaths and lean my head against the cool stainless door. There's a knock on the door.

"Leigha? You okay?" Jayden asks.

"Yeah. I'll be right out," I call back.

I stand up and flush the toilet. I go to the sink and wash my hands and mouth. I grab a mint out of my bag and pop it in my mouth. I hold onto the cool marble and try to cool off a bit. A few minutes later, I look into the mirror. I pull out my concealer and touch up under my eyes where my eyes were watering badly. I take deep breaths and then put my lipstick back on. After I look okay, I head back out.

"Are you okay?" Jayden immediately walks over. He gently holds my arm and searches my face. I can see the concern in his face.

"Yeah. Just a little queasy," I explain.

"Okay," he nods and kisses my cheek.

From the way Lauren and Emily are looking at me, I know they want to talk. I set my purse back down and walk over to my sister-in-law and friend. I smile at them.

"What was that?" Lauren asks.

"I don't know. Just got really hot. Didn't feel too good," I shrug, "but I'm okay now."

"You've been working hard," Emily guides me to sit down before walking away.

Lauren feels my forehead, "you feel a bit warm, and you're flushed."

"Here have some water and crackers," Emily come over.

"Thank you," I smile at Emily.

"Sure you're okay?" Jayden comes over and kneels down next to me. He takes my hand and gently rubs his thumb over my hand.

"Mhm," I nod.

"Just a little over worked," Lauren says.

"Nothing we can't fix," Emily smiles.

"If you're sure," Jayden looks at me.

"Positive," I nod.

"Okay. Jii just called, and they're on their way. I'm going out to greet them."

"Alright," I smile.

"I love you."

"I love you too," I lean up and kiss him.

He kisses me back and then walks away. I smile as I watch him walk away. I take a drink of my water and eat some of the crackers. I close my eyes and lean my head back.

"You okay?" Kevin asks as walks over with Mike.

"Yeah. Just a bit tired," I nod.

"You've been working hard," Mike assumes.

"Someone has to," I laugh.

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!" Mike's voice goes up a couple octaves.

"Someone has to do the heavy lifting around here," I tease.

"I lift!"

"Yeah yeah yeah," I joke.

"Here we are!" Jayden leads Daisy and her friends into the room.

They all seem really happy. I'm so glad. I stand up and smile as I walk over to them. I hug Daisy and her friends. I stand up and watch as they look around the room. I smile and hold Jayden's hand as we lead them into the rest of the aquarium. We go meet up with a keeper who smiles and starts the tour.

"Hi! Welcome to the Harwood Aquarium. I'm Aria, and I'm going to be your tour guide today!"

I gently hold onto Jayden's forearm as well as his hand hand as we walk around the aquarium listening to Aria talk. Jay's arm is still in a sling, but today is the last day. Then, he wears his brace for another month. His ribs are healed. He leans down and kisses my forehead.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"I don't say 'I love you' because I want to hear it back. I say 'I love you' because I never want you to forget," he murmurs in my ear.

"You're the sweetest," I turn and kiss him.

As we continue walking, I start to feel sick again. I excuse myself to the nearest restroom. I once again throw up with a soft groan. I lean against the door of the stall again. I hear the door open up as I flush the toilet.

"Leigha?" Lauren asks.

"Lei?" Emily calls.

"Here," I mumble opening the door.

"Still sick?" Emily frowns.

"Yeah," I mumble.

"Maybe you should just take a bit of a break and meet us when it's time to go swimming with the dolphins," Lauren suggests.

"Maybe," I nod slowly, "I hate to admit it but the smell of fish is making me sick to my stomach."

"That'd make it hard to swim with dolphins," Lauren nods.

"Here, I'll stay with Leigha. You back and join the rest of the party," Emily says.

"Oh no. Go enjoy," I protest.

"No don't worry about it."

"If you're sure," I look at the blonde.

"Positive."

"Thank you," I smile before looking at Lauren, "what are you going to tell Jay?"

"Just that you still weren't feeling too well, and you'll try to be back in time for swimming with the dolphins."

"Okay. Just make sure he stays with Daisy."

"Okay. Feel better, Leigha."

"Thanks," I hug her.

"Mhm!"

Lauren's POV

I leave Emily and Leigha in the bathroom. I head back into the rest of the aquarium so I can find Jayden and the kids. I smile when I find them. Jayden immediately notices Leigha and Emily aren't with me. His brows furrow. I gently tug him away.

"Where's Leigha? Emily?"

"Leigha still isn't feeling good. She went back to the room. She'll try to join us when it's time to swim with the dolphins."

"Oh. I'll go-"

"She wants you to stay with the rest of the party."

"But-"

"Jayden, you need to stay with Daisy."

"Okay," he nods though I can see he's upset.

I smile as I walk around the aquarium. Daisy seems to be having a great time. I'm so glad this one is better than her theme park party. She's skipping around with a big grin.

When it get closer to go swimming with the dolphins, I call Emily, "hey how's Lei?"

"She's better. We're on our way to rejoin you."

"Oh good!" I smile knowing Daisy and Jayden will be happy about it.

"Mhm. See you soon!"

I let Jayden know that Leigha and Emily are on their way to join us again. Jayden just lights up. He looks so excited. It's not long before Leigha and Emily rejoin us. Jay immediately walks over to her and kisses her cheek. It's nice to see Jayden so happy. Leigha looks better.

Aria leads us to the back where we can change out of our dry clothes. We take the girls to the bathroom and get changed. Leigha, Emily, Mia, and I hand out the lifejackets with a smile. The kids are so excited as we bring them back out to the aquarium.

Aria smiles at us and introduces us to the trainers. They explain how everything will work. I know the kids are bouncing with excitement. Jayden's holding Leigha's hand. She looks just as excited.

Jayden's POV

I smile as Leigha walks out with the girls and the kids. She looks like she's feeling better. I walk over to her and take her hand. I kiss her forehead before pulling Daisy in for a hug. She hugs me back. I know she's so excited. It's all she's been able to talk about.

Aria introduces us to a few different trainers who explain how it's going to work. We nod and then wade into the water before swimming out a little further. Once we're in place, they let the dolphins into the pool. Everyone starts squealing. I smile as a dolphin comes over to Daisy, Lei, and I.

"Oh my gosh!" Daisy grins as the dolphin pokes her hand.

The three of us smile and pose for a picture with the dolphin. The other kids are having a great time too. I'm so happy this part is going better. I kiss Leigha's forehead.

"This is wonderful," I smile.

"I agree. Thanks for helping me plan this."

"Of course."

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