Free A Leap of Faith by T. Gephart

being piped through a small PA and the chatter and laughter had grown louder. Wait staff were circling the room with silver trays filled with canapés and the drinks (strictly non-alcoholic) were free flowing.
    “Lexi!” Mike’s face lit up as we came into view.
    “Hey Mike. You look amazing! Have you been working out?” I greeted him with the standard Bowden hug and felt that he was more defined than he had been. His chest and arms were straining slightly against his microfiber shirt as he flexed to return my hug.
    “Yeah, a little.” He blushed, “It’s part of the rehab, building up the legs so I figured I’d do a whole make over.”
    “Well, you look great!” I gently kissed him on the cheek, causing him to blush again.
    “You trying to put the moves on my girl?” grinned Alex slapping Mike playfully on the back.
    Mike glanced over at me, slightly alarmed before relaxing. I shot him a quick wink and a reassuring smile to confirm that Alex was joking.
    “Technically, I found her first ,” laughed Mike, goading Alex further.
    “Found me? I believe it was me who found YOU,” I corrected, my mind being cast back to that horrible, rainy night that forever changed the path I had been traveling on. 
    “Yeah, Yeah... and now you’re with this douchebag,” grumbled Dan, poking Alex in the chest. “I want to know why I can’t get a beer in this place? It’s unnatural Lexi. You can’t have a bar without beer!” Dan’s eyes were wide in utter confusion.
    “It’s a baby shower Dan, it’s not fucking Frat party.” I shook my head in amazement. Sometimes I thought Dan just said stupid shit purely to piss me off.
    “Well I didn’t knock anyone up! Why am I being punished? And where is the fucking soap?” Dan’s tone was becoming increasingly annoyed.
    “There is no actual shower, Numb-nuts!” Troy chortled, grabbing a drink from the bar.
    “Another freaking disappointment. I once saw this strip show in Vancouver that had these two girls in a shower...” Dan proceeded to explain.
    “Dude! There aren’t going to be any strippers. James’ Ma is right over there,” explained Jason smacking Dan across the chest.
    “No booze, No strippers. This is a shit party,” pouted Dan.
    Jason, Alex, Mike and Troy laughed uncontrollably at Dan’s lack of understanding at what he had RSVP’d for.
    I looked at these men and shrugged, my affection for them was growing exponentially as more time passed.
    I grabbed the mic from near the PA and flicked it on it. A small pop filled the room as the microphone came to life. I took a deep breath before commencing.
    “Hi Everyone. Can I have your attention for a moment?”
    Everyone turned to face me, the music had been lowered and I had the rooms’ undivided attention.
    “I just wanted to thank everyone for coming and helping us celebrate this new little life that James and Hannah are going to be welcoming into the world soon. If everyone can gather round, Hannah and James are going to open their gifts and then there will be another food service. Thank you and please enjoy the party.”
    Hannah grabbed my hand and squeezed it.
    “This is the best shower ever ,” she squealed.
    “I’m sure Dan would disagree but I am so glad you are enjoying yourself,” I laughed as I placed the mic back on the top of the speaker.
    Everyone gathered around as James, Alex and Troy carried over the gifts and placed them in front of Hannah. Jason had grabbed a large chair and instructed Hannah to sit when she tried to help, as everyone else gathered in a roughly formed circle around her.
    She took her time reading out each card and opening various boxes and gift bags. There were blankets, toys, bottles, clothes and other nursery items. James’ parents had rolled in a beautiful Bugaboo pram to various “ooh and ahhs.”
    Hannah stopped occasionally to wipe her eyes, being emotionally moved by the generosity of their friends and family.  She laughed when she opened gifts from