FAZER LOGINI 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
But at the same time, he doesn’t have to worry about if he can take care of his kid. He’s already proven he doesn’t need their mother. I will do this without Ryan. But the question remains: can I do this? The ultrasound starts making a noise as the machine touches and slowly moves ar
“I cannot believe Derek interrupted your conversation!” Annie shrieks when Derek leaves the bar. “He was so jealous!” “I don’t think it was jealousy, Annie,” I retort, getting down from the seat. Derek tried to pay for my drink, though it was just water. Out of all the people in my life who
“I think,” I say back. “That Ryan is selfish and only cares about what’s best for him. He dropped divorce papers on our anniversary. Who thinks to do that?” Derek seems to consider this question, which isn’t a hard one to answer. “He didn’t ever deserve you, Esme,” my boss replies so
I blink hard at what Derek’s said to me. He’s got to be joking, right? He must be! “Did you just claim that no man in this entire bar would want to go out with me?” I press, scrutinizing Derek for his attitude. He shrugs, leaning in closer to me. “Do you really believe any of the men







