Mag-log inI 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
“I told you that my marriage ending was astronomically difficult. The girls are still young but holding them when their nightmares culminate into memories of our yelling at one another puts into perspective just how much they see us breaking down.” “I don’t think I can do any of this,” I admit.
“I don’t know how many years it has been, but I do know that it has been far too long, and I have no sufficient evidence,” I admit with a deep sigh. Derek only watches me, no words, no movements. “My mother might disown me. The rest of my family doesn’t even know a thing. It’s been…I have no clu
I scoff and roll my eyes. “What kind of company is that? One who hires men that assault other people? They did do that!” “I thought this would be simple, and I’m sorry, Esme. I want this to be open and shut. I know money can’t fix what he did, but compensation for your emotional trauma should neve
A few days later while at work, Derek calls me into his office. I don’t think twice about it, but when I hear what he wants us to do, I can’t help but drop my jaw. “A project with you?” “As partners. Not as your boss.” “Is that a thing?” “I do projects with others all the time. This time, I’







