MasukI 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
“What the hell? Why can’t you represent me? Do you think I can’t afford to pay you because I assure you that you’re well within my budget.” I feel blind-sighted at this wrench being thrown into the system. Why are they denying me after just one conversation? “It’s not that,” the older gentleman
“Sorry, I’m not in the right state to be dating right now. You’re a good person. I hope you understand. :) –Es” I hit send, and I let my phone sit on my desk for a second before I start returning to my work. To my surprise, however, Daniel unexpectedly calls me very quickly. I hesitate but slowl
I want to crawl into a hole. I want to burst into tears and curl up into the fetal position, and just…pass away. What the hell has gotten into me lately? I can’t believe my mistake; I must be losing it. What, just because Daniel and Derek both have names that start with D, I sent the message to
“What?!” The girls exclaim together again. “We are in public!” I hiss at the two of them, wishing they’d stop making a scene out of our conversation. “Please keep your voices down!” Lily shakes her head again, her blonde hair bouncing around her face. “You’re crazy, Esme; I mean, really.” “Wha







