INICIAR SESIÓNI 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
“Even if you and I are moving toward marriage?” His face reddens as he squeezes my hand. “Am I that obvious?” He questions. “I think we’re on the same page with that,” I admit. “I know I want to marry you.” He sighs. “Okay, good, I want to marry you, too.” “I’m not in any rush, though,” I push.
Derek wants to take me on a fancy, sweet date. Finding a dress to fit into proves to be a true challenge. Eight months and I feel like an elephant. “You look beautiful, Esme.” “So says you,” I groan as he tries to help me zipper up. The dark blue dress is supposed to be floor-length. However, wit
“I’m also just tired of being pregnant. Let’s get this show on the road, mother nature. I’m waiting around to start being a mother.” Derek kisses my forehead. “You’re already a mother in the eyes of my girls.” “And I wouldn’t trade that for anything,” I promise him. “Your girls are treasures. I wa
“If you’re just tuning in now, we have an update on this breaking story. Thirty-two-year-old Ryan Price, a now divorced man, was convicted on a multitude of charges earlier this year after his divorce hearing found that he’d attempted to rape his ex-wife. He was arrested following the hearing, and a







