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
I can’t hide the shock as Anderson stares at me, my body threatening to break out into an all-out tremble. Of all the people in the city, how is my boss also my neighbor? I try to find words to say, but everything comes out a stammered mess. “I-I…wh-what? Wh-when did you? I mean, how long have y
I smile, pushing some curly blonde hair behind my ear and out of my eyes. “Yeah, it is.” “How much is your rent going to cost?” Lily jumps in. I think for a second, putting books into another box. “Uh, about two thousand.” Lily throws a pillow at me, pursing her red lips in my direction as she
The two of them turn to look at me, eyebrows raised, and, at least in my cousin’s face, a slight hint of fear. “What are you doing here?” Ryan demands. “Hearing you plan your new life.” I glower at my soon-to-be ex-husband. “You really think I’m this stupid?” “Oh no, I don’t think it, I know i
He hands over his card to the waiter, who quickly swipes it through and gives it back. “Sir, I don’t think—” Before I can speak, Anderson returns the card to his pocket. “Goodnight, Esme. I hope your paperwork is sorted out shortly.” “But sir, you don’t have to—” I’m sputtering, but he holds u







