Amanda and Heidi exchanged knowing glances before turning their attention back to her. Amanda, with a warm smile, leaned in and asked, "So, Mallory, what's the real story between you and Harris? Are you officially a couple now?" Excitement was evident in her voice.
Mallory hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting to where Harris was engaged in a conversation with David and Scott. Then, she turned her attention back to her friends, her expression thoughtful.
"Well," she began, her voice soft, "Harris and I are in a unique situation. We're not officially a couple, but we're working on our friendship, and we're co-parenting Harriet together. It's been quite a journey for both of us, and we're taking things one step at a time."
Heidi, ever the perceptive friend, sensed that there was more to the story. "Mallory," she asked gently, "what's holding you back from being in a relationship with Harris? You two seem so close already. Anyone who doesn't know you both would think you're a couple."
Mallory sighed, her gaze dropping to her hands. "It's complicated," she admitted. "I have my insecurities, doubts, and fears that I need to work through. And Harris has been incredibly patient and understanding about it all. He's told me that he can wait, what's important is that we're there for Harriet and that we're civil to each other. I just... I want to make sure that when we take that step, it's the right time for both of us."
Amanda and Heidi exchanged glances once more, this time filled with a mix of empathy and support. They knew that Mallory had been through a lot, and her cautious approach to her relationship with Harris was entirely understandable.
Heidi reached out and gently squeezed Mallory's hand. "Mallory, it sounds like you're making the right choices for yourself and Harriet. Take all the time you need, and when the moment is right, you'll know. And remember, we're here for you every step of the way."
Mallory smiled appreciatively, grateful for the understanding and encouragement of her friends. She knew that whatever path her relationship with Harris took, she had a strong support system to rely on.
With a hopeful smile, Mallory replied, "Thank you, both of you. Your friendship means the world to me, and your support gives me the strength to navigate through all of this. I know that when the time is right, Harris and I will figure things out together. Until then, we'll continue to be the best co-parents to Harriet that we can be."
As Mallory shared her thoughts with Heidi and Amanda, she couldn't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions stirring within her. Their questions had sent a flurry of butterflies into her stomach, and she knew that the love she felt for Harris was deep and genuine.
In her heart, she was madly in love with him, and every day, that connection seemed to grow stronger. But there were scars from the past, doubts that lingered, and the overriding concern for her daughter's well-being that made her tread cautiously.
She gazed over at Harris, who was still engrossed in conversation with David and Scott. His smile, his warmth, and the undeniable bond they shared were all too evident. Mallory longed for that closeness to evolve into something more, to officially be a couple, to openly declare their love.
Yet, for Harriet's sake, she also knew that taking their time and allowing their friendship to solidify was the wisest course of action. The little girl had been through so much, and Mallory wanted to ensure her daughter's emotional security above all else.
"You know what, guys, we should talk more about the incoming baby. That's the main reason we gathered here today," Mallory said. She leaned in with a warm smile on her face. "Heidi, I can't tell you how happy I am for you and Scott. You're going to be amazing parents."
Heidi blushed, her hand resting gently on her growing baby bump. "Thank you, Mallory. It's been a whirlwind of emotions, but I can't wait to meet our little one."
Heidi, her eyes glowing with excitement, was the center of attention as she prepared to embrace motherhood.
Amanda was quietly observing the interaction and couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation herself. She looked at Mallory, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Mallory, what was it like being pregnant with Harriet?"
Mallory's gaze softened as she reminisced about that time in her life. "Pregnancy was an incredible journey. There's nothing quite like feeling a life growing inside you, knowing you're going to be a parent. It's both exciting and a little scary at times, but the love you feel for your child is unlike anything else."
Heidi nodded, absorbing Mallory's words. "I can't wait to experience all of that."
Mallory reached out and placed a hand on Heidi's belly, a gesture of connection and support. "You're going to be a wonderful mother, Heidi. And Scott is going to be an amazing dad. Just cherish every moment."
Amanda smiled at the scene, feeling a deep sense of contentment. She leaned over and whispered to Mallory, "I think David and I should discuss this too."
Mallory's eyes lit up, and she turned to Amanda with a knowing look. "That's wonderful, Amanda. I'm thrilled for you both. Being parents is an incredible adventure, and it'll bring you even closer together."
Later on, Mallory welcomed the opportunity to change the subject, and her face lit up with enthusiasm as she began to talk about her new venture. "Scented Whisper," she began, "is something I've been dreaming about for a long time. It's an online business where I create and sell scented candles."
Heidi and Amanda leaned in with genuine interest, their curiosity piqued. "That sounds amazing," Amanda chimed in. "Tell us more."
Mallory's eyes sparkled as she explained, "I've always had a passion for scents and how they can transport you to different places and moments. So, I decided to channel that passion into crafting scented candles that can evoke those beautiful memories and emotions."
Heidi nodded, captivated. "What scents do you have? We haven't talked about an update on your business lately."
Mallory's smile widened as she shared the details. "Well, we're both busy. I had to take care of the rumors about me and Harris while working on a few signature scents. There's 'Cozy Fireside,' which has warm, woody notes. 'Ocean Breeze' brings the freshness of the sea to your home. And 'Lavender Serenity' is all about relaxation and calm."
Amanda chimed in, "Those sound incredible. I can already imagine how soothing they must be. How do you come up with these scents?"
Mallory paused for a moment, reflecting on her creative process. "It's a combination of research, experimentation, and sometimes, it just comes to me when I least expect it. I want each candle to tell a story, to create an ambiance that people can connect with. Harris has helped me a lot in terms of management, suppliers, and creating branding."
Heidi couldn't help but ask, "So, when can we expect to see Scented Whisper candles on the market?"
Mallory's expression turned determined. "I'm working hard to get everything ready, from the packaging to the scents. I'm hoping to launch the website in a few months. It's a bit of a challenge juggling it with my responsibilities, but I'm excited about the journey. I also took advantage of the popularity I'm getting on social media because of the circulating rumors. People have supported me and Harris after Harris stood by me and Harriet."
"Yes, I've been seeing that on social," Amanda said. "I'm glad people have seen the real you as a mom while co-parenting with Harris. I truly hope everything will continue."
"Yes. I hope so too," Heidi seconded. "I'm so fed up with all the lies on the internet."
Amanda spoke on behalf of Heidi. "Mallory, we have no doubt that you'll make Scented Whisper a huge success. And when you do, we'll be your biggest customers," she said.
Mallory's heart warmed with gratitude. "Thank you, both. Your support means more to me than you can imagine. I can't wait for you to experience the scents I've been working on."
Meanwhile, Harris and David found a quiet spot away from the bustle of the baby shower, the ambient sounds of laughter and conversation fading into the background. Scott has to leave them to attend to some of the guests.
With serious expressions, they settled into a couple of chairs, ready to discuss matters of business and the challenges Harris was currently facing as the Chairman of the Thompson Group.
"Harris, you seem a bit stressed," David observed, concerned in his eyes. "Is everything alright with the Thompson Group?" David knew that besides the circulating rumors about Harris and Mallory, the Thompson Group was the one giving Harris some headaches, especially after cutting ties with the Hudson Group.
"Yes, I'll tell you something, but promise me you won't share this with Mallory until we get the solution," Harris said with pleading eyes.
"You have my word," David agreed.