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
Biting my lip, I groan and whimper aloud. “Oh God. Fuck.” My mind shows Derek smiling down at me. His white teeth dazzle and glimmer. Then, he’s moving his free hand to his own pants. “Don’t stop, don’t stop,” I whine. Dream Derek leans his mouth into my ear. “In no world could I ever stop.” My
A sleepless night. Tossing and turning, images of Derek next to me on the couch, and the words of Ryan replaying in my head. I end up in the shower at 4am. The frustration of trying to understand Derek’s intentions is killing me. My ankles are absolutely killing me. I sit on the edge of the bathtu
“Whose side are you on?” “Oh, clearly her own. Have you met Esme?” Derek shoots back. I can’t believe this is my life. Bea and Tris get tired after two hours, and Derek apologizes, stating he’s got to get the girl’s home. “Can I give you a ride?” He asks me. “You’re already calling it?” Lily wh
The bar is packed once I enter at six. Annie and Lily are surprisingly with their men. Pedro kisses Lily on the cheek before taking a sip of his beer. Guillermo offers me a hug. I hadn’t seen my best friend’s significant others in months, even before Ryan and I started the divorce track. But remem







