Cora

Blaine made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. I thought it was adorable when Carter escorted Amelia into the ball while Will held on to her arm from the other side. Blaine said it was the same when he was a child.

I love Amelia, and she has really loosened up since the first time we met. When we walked into the ballroom, all eyes were on us. Blaine stood with pride as we were greeted by the snotty rich people of New York.

"Blaine!" An absolutely gorgeous woman approached and hugged my fiancé. He didn't look too thrilled.

She looked at me. "You brought a date?" She asked. Her blond hair is lighter than my own and her eyes are a sparkly blue. She's absolutely gorgeous.

"Yes, Kelly Jennings, this us my fiancé, Cora Ashley." He said as he stood very stiff and, obviously, he was uncomfortable.

I held out my hand. "I'm pleased to meet you," I said, and she shook it back.

"Likewise." She didn't seem too sure, so I am guessing I have met Blaine's friend with benefits.

He looked down at her with a stern look. Well, this can't be happening.

"I believe Blaine may have mentioned you and had many kind things to say. I really mean it when I say its a pleasure to meet you." I said. There's no reason for either of them to worry. Hell, I'm already carrying a child that's not biologically his, and I know he had a life before me.

A smile rose up on her face. "Blaine, where did you find this beautiful creature?"

"I..well.."

"I was a good friend of Cassidy's. We met, and everything happened very quickly." I said, and he relaxed.

"Cassidy's? My God Blaine, you found her?" She looked shocked.

He nodded. "Unfortunately, we were too late. She passed from natural causes. We're adopting her son Will who is over there with my parents." He said.

"I am so sorry to hear that, Blaine. Cassidy was such a joy to be around, but I have a feeling Cora here will be just as wonderful. Congratulations to both of you." She said, and we both said thank you.

"Blaine, have you offered your fiancé a glass of champagne?" She asked.

He looked down at me. "Would you like a drink?"

"Sure, I'll take some champagne." I teased, and he gave me a stern look. "Fine, get me a ginger ale." I smiled up at him. He leaned down and kissed my cheek.

"Are you okay?" He whispered.

"Yes, but please come back soon," I said, and he looked at both of us before walking away.

"I guess I'm not a secret." She said.

I shook my head. "No, we have both been very open about our pasts." I made sure to throw in the word past.

She smiled. "He deserves the best, and I'm not sure I have ever seen him with that spark in his eyes before. I am very happy for both of you." She said.

"Thank you," I said.

"Now, the last time someone ordered a ginger ale at one of the events, it was Cassidy, and she was pregnant. Is Blaine finally going to be a father?" She asked.

I nodded. "Yes, our wedding is coming up soon though, and we really aren't ready to share that quite yet." I said.

She snorted. "Good luck with that, the women in this place are like blood hounds and can smell juicy gossip from miles away. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." She smiled.

"I'm not sure it's a huge secret. I do think Blaine has shared our news with some people." I said.

"Blaine and I may have had some great moments, but we are friends first and foremost. I truly am happy for both of you and hope we can someday share the same kind of friendship." She said, and of course I snorted.

"Sorry, I don't swing that way." I said, and she busted out laughing.

"I'm so sorry, I don't mean it that way." She said, and we both laughed.

"Not that Blaine would mind." She laughed as he walked up.

"Blaine wouldn't mind what?" He looked between us with curiosity as he handed me my drink, then took a sip of his.

"Kelly has invited me to your friendship." I elbowed him, and he choked on his drink.

"She what?" He looked down at me in shock.

"She is pretty cute, Blaine." Kelly said, winking at me while his jaw dropped.

"I'm not..well." He scratched his head, and we both busted out laughing at him.

"We're just kidding." I said, and he let out a breath.

"Thank God, that was awkward." He said, and we both laughed.

"I might just steal her away, Blaine." She hooked her arm in mine.

"Where are you taking her?" He asked as we walked away.

"Off into the sunset." She said, and we left him standing in confusion.

I laughed. "I don't think he expected that."

"No, he was expecting the worst. After the marriage he had, I can't blame him." She said as she walked me to a corner.

"See that woman in the bright red dress?" She asked.

"Yeah, she has black hair?" I asked.

"Yes, that's the former Mrs. Blaine Lowell. She's talking to Mary Anne and Susan, they are total bottom feeders. They aren't married because their fathers can't get any man to accept them, not even with a hell of a business deal." She said.

"They look like evil step-sisters." I said.

"That's exactly what they are, but you have the upper hand. Blaine and his parents are at the top of the food chain in this place. They are like royalty, so don't worry about any of the snobby women, Amelia will take care of them." She said.

I think I may have found a friend in the most unlikely person.

We looked around. "You should be drinking that in a champagne glass." She said, and took me to the bar.

"I need another champagne and a ginger ale in a champagne glass, add a strawberry to both." She ordered.

Soon, a group of women approached, and Kelly must like them, because she's laughing and having fun. They were very welcoming when she introduced me. Of course I got a few raised eyebrows when she introduced me as Blaine's fiancé, but it worked out alright. I think I might just be okay in this life.