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
“Home sweet home,” I grumble as I slam the front door closed. I let everything in my arms drop to the floor and slowly make my way to the couch to lie down. The utter exhaustion that runs through my veins is enough to face plant down on the soft material without a second thought. After this
Another step forward from Derek. He’s maybe five or six feet away from me now, closing in on me. It feels like I’m absolutely suffocating. “Then let me buy you a drink after work. As an apology. From your friend.” Is that what I want from him? Do I want a friendship, or is that too c
Derek’s face finds mine, his own dark eyes baring into my soul. “Esme.” It’s only one word, but God does it pack a powerful punch. “I’m fine.” I don’t even mean to say it so quickly; it’s almost like I’m pushing back at him for something. “What?” He asks.
Aside from his attitude, of course. “Let me spell this out for you since you seem to be misunderstanding me.” He grabs my arm, and the blood starts to drain from my face. “Get your hand off of me,” I sneer, ready to either spit in his face for touching me or punch him in his stupid n







