Chapter One

*Scarlet*On Christmas Eve 26 years ago, I came into this world, a healthy, baby girl; but I wasn't the only one born on that day.Enter, Cole Caldwell; the other baby in my neighborhood, born Christmas Eve, 26 years ago. Also known as my best friend. His brother Johnny is one of my best friends too, but Cole and I have been attached at the hip since we entered this world. Years and years of sexual tension between us, yet, we NEVER have crossed that line. It's not like I haven't wanted to, the same goes for Cole; we just didn't want to ruin our friendship. Friends having sex, usually, never turns out good. I don't want to lose my best friend over something as simple as SEX. We both just recently got out of long, toxic, relationships, and we've decided to get away for the Christmas holiday. Luckily the pediatricians' office I work at is also closed for the holiday, so I don't have to worry about that.We're going to California to spend Christmas weekend at my mother's beach house with

Last Updated : 2023-10-01

Chapter Two

The secret that Johnny and Mads planned was, no surprisingly, a day on my mom's yacht; they wanted to go more than me.No words were spoken about what happened last night between Cole and me, but I know they'll be coming on the boat. We had a nice breakfast Johnny cooked, and now we've split up to get ready for the day on the beautiful California ocean. I slip into a bathing suit and fix my hair, anticipation rapidly rushing through me."Damn! Lookin' sexy, girl!!" Maddie smiles, making me blush. "Thanks, girl, you do too... Trying to impress someone?""Bitch, please, I look good in everything and I have no idea what you're talking about, there's no one to impress.""Yeah, okay, Mads. C'mon let's head out, the guys are waiting."We get to the docks fast; they're only right down the road from the beach house. I feel excited when I see our boat."This is gorgeous out here! And the fucking boat is huge." Johnny shouts. I smile as I watch him climb aboard, running around like a child, a

Last Updated : 2023-10-02

Chapter Three

A month later... the end of January*I sit at my desk, my head swirling as a wave of nausea rips through me. I tried to tough it out but it's inevitable. With no time to run to the bathroom, I grab the wastebasket beside my desk and hurl right into it, emptying the contents of my stomach."Ughh."Little beads of sweat form across my forehead as I lean over the trash can one more time."Girl, are you alright in here? I heard you in the hallway."Penny comes in and rushes to the sink, getting me a cold rag to put against my forehead as I slump on top of my desk."Thanks, Penny. I don't know what it is, but I've been feeling like shit lately.""Have you seen your doctor?" She asks, tapping her fingers against her chin."No, I've been swamped with all the things I put off when I took my trip; I haven't had the time.""Well, we do work in a doctor's office, I can run some tests on you, and then you should take the rest of the day off.""Might as well take advantage of it, right?" I shrug,

Last Updated : 2023-10-06

Chapter Four

Last night I found out I was pregnant, and with Cole's baby--of all people.He spent the night but just left to go and open the youth center where he works...with Hanna.Poor Hanna. I sort of feel sorry for her since she was hoping to start something with Cole, but at the same time, I'm not.I was jealous as fuck, I won't lie... I still don't know where Cole and I stand though, we haven't talked much.It's early as shit in the morning, and I decide to go on a run. I need the fresh air before I start my hectic day.The cold January breeze whips around outside, chilling my bones as I run along the road in my neighborhood. There's no snow on the ground, but with the temperature as freezing as it is, it should be snowing.Mmmm. The cold air feels fresh and relaxing as it hits me in the face.There's something about the cold air that takes my nausea away; if I could stay outside all day, I would.As I jog down the sidewalk I think of the baby that's inside of me; Cole's baby, that's inside

Last Updated : 2023-10-19

Chapter Five

5 months later—20 weeks pregnant— JuneI wake up to the sound of birds chirping out my window, a signature sign that summer is here, and it's exciting.I look down at my growing belly and smile as I feel our little lima bean—not so little anymore—kick against my ribs.You need to stop kicking mommy, little bean; you're hurting me.A grunt sounds from the other side of the bed. Turning, I smile at a sleeping Cole with his mouth wide open, drooling. Ever since the dinner where we told our friends and family, Cole's been staying with me, and we've been doing so well. We still haven't defined our relationship; we didn't want to just date because of the baby, we're seeing how things go. We might as well be dating, he practically moved in with me and hasn't left; I'm not complaining either. I love him being here; he's thoughtful, caring, and extremely supportive, not to mention great in bed… Yeah, we've slept together again, numerous times, actually, and as of right now, neither of us is se

Last Updated : 2023-10-27

Chapter Six

Cole's POVWhen Scarlet and I went to the ultrasound and found out we were having a baby boy, my heart never felt so full. I never even thought about having a child with my best friend, after 26 years it never crossed my mind. But now that it's happening, I don't think I could go back to being how we were together; everything has to change.Today's the day I ask Scarlet to move in with me officially, meaning we look for a new house together… My nerves are strong with the notion that I have to ask her to give up her house she bought herself.I know she's lil' miss independent and never wants to depend on anyone else, and she won't have too. Her due date is approaching soon, within months and time is flying by. We still need to make a nursery for our son.Halloween is coming up too and that's Scar's favorite holiday so I want to plan something for her, but what?I'm actually picking the lovely Scarlet up from work today, but I'm going to meet Johnny at the gym beforehand.I head up to m

Last Updated : 2023-12-02

Chapter Seven

End of August. Eight 1/2 months pregnant.Cole and I ended up finding our dream house, in Manhattan, and it's pink. The night he asked me to buy a house with him, and be his girlfriend, I seriously thought he was going to propose. Thank god he didn't back then...I would have said no. However, now? I think my answer would be yes if he were to ask me.Things have been going really well with us as we navigate through new territories; our new relationship.Honestly, I couldn't be any happier. I love this house. The porch is my favorite. I sit out here every morning and have tea or coffee and listen to the birds.Cole's at the youth center working, getting ready for the benefit tonight; they're raising money for at risk kids. They're hoping to build another youth center since the only one around here is overwhelmed with troubled teens. He's doing amazing things with the youth center, and it makes me so happy to see him thriving, doing what he loves. Cole grew up rough, like I did; absent p