로그인I 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
Derek I barely pay attention to the traffic lights as I rush over to the hospital. I call Dr. Leona to make sure she’ll be with Esme while she gives birth, but otherwise, everything happens in a blur. I should have known the baby would try to come when it’s vital for everyone. I just hope Bea and
“He’s so sweet.” Yeah, the cat being close with a little kid is probably the most rewarding part of Barry. As we watch the movie, I feel my eyes getting heavy. With the baby, sleep has been difficult. I try not to alert the girls to the exhaustion. But when I suddenly jerk awake, I can tell somet
“It’s alright, girls,” I assure them. I lower myself onto the couch slowly. “Esme’s just tired. I know you’re excited to meet her.” Derek motions to where Barry’s run off to. “Why don’t you two go play with the cats for a minute? I want to talk to Esme.” They don’t hesitate to rush off, and Derek
The weeks pass as I come up on my due date. The only problem is, a week after I’m due, I’m still walking around my apartment stressing over the baby. I struggled to get through Tris’ birthday last month, but the look on her face when I brought in her kitten was priceless. I don’t know where she cam







