ANMELDENI open the front door and smile widely. “Let me take that!” I insist. Lily and Pedro come into the house carrying drinks and snacks. “No need to upset the baby!” “I’m barely pregnant, Esme,” my best friend taunts. “Two months is nothing.” “As someone who’s had two babies, I can promise you that yo
“Save the kissing for your personal time!” I hear Annie prodding at me. We look over at her and Guillermo. Annie, to her credit, wasn’t lying about trying to get pregnant. Four months ago, she called us to say she was six weeks pregnant. Now, her bridesmaid dress shows off her baby bump. "How are
It’s a little more than a year later that Derek and I walk down the aisle. With Bea as our flower girl, Tris as our ring-bearer, and all the people we love watching, Derek and I say our vows. “What can I say that I haven’t before? You’re stronger than any woman who’s gone through the trauma you hav
“Thank you.” I take my time to get out of the car, but Derek is fast. He unbuckles Orchid in one swift movement. He hands over the baby and grabs my bag from where he left it next to her. Then, after locking his car, he holds out one hand to me. I’m touched by his sweet gestures today. He must kn
Esme Derek picks us up from the hospital a couple of days after giving birth. Walking again has been very challenging, but nothing beats holding my daughter in my arms after all this waiting. Bea and Tris both got to hold Orchid. Annie and Lily came to visit their little “niece.” My mom cried her
I’m overthinking this. I don’t even have a ring yet. Hell, I don’t know what kind of ring Esme would even want. Guess Annie and Lily are going to be helping me more than I thought. Hmm. She’s going to be here for at least a day or two. Maybe I’ll wait until she gets home. I pull out my phone to t
“Hello?” My mother’s voice is shrill on the other end. “What have you done, Esme?” I narrow my eyes, confused by the direct question with no indication of where it’s going. “What are you talking about, Mom?” “First, I find out you’re divorced, and now I find out Ryan is going on trial?” I sit do
Banging on my front door almost forces me to drop my computer and work on the floor. I sigh, unsure what’s happening. So, I deposit everything onto my kitchen table before getting to the door. Sadie. “Good, you’re home.” The redhead walks right in. First, she shows up unannounced, and now she’s e
“Yet even if my feelings ever present, I am that coward. Sadie and I were each a powerful fire capable of destroying everything around us. And I told myself I’d never let my heart break that way again. So, I developed commitment issues. Created walls and challenges that could easily push away someon
Derek’s eyes change suddenly. He drops his grip from both my wrist and chin and takes a large step back. “Sorry, that was…sorry.” But now that I’ve given myself a piece of pleasure, I’m not about to let him get off that easily. Pun not intended. “You’re such a coward.” My neighbor’s brows furrow







