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 imagine this is what they may have grown used to with Derek and his ex—their mother. “I can’t believe you right now!” I continue. “He got my cousin pregnant, and you’re telling me I’m the villain?” “Esme! Watch your tone!” “No! Why don’t you take my side?” “Because the
I’ve been avoiding my mother’s phone calls. But as I spend time with Derek and the girls a few days after seeing Melinda, I realize it won’t stick. “Seems like someone has been attempting to reach you?” Derek questions as my phone lights up with the sixth call in the past twenty minutes.
I lean forward, shaking my head to prove I’m okay. Taking a breath, I close my eyes to say the next thing. “Things may have been bad the past few weeks, but nothing with Ryan.” “You’d mentioned you found a lawyer at one point.” I open my eyes, giving him a kind smile. “I did. He’s doin
How different will my life become once this baby comes? Will I be able to give the baby everything it needs to be happy? Will I be a good parent who wants to be the best parent I can be? Or is there a chance I’ll struggle to raise the baby and also take care of myself? I don’t want Rya







