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’ve got to leave a few hours early today,” I say, my head popped into Derek’s office around ten. “I needed a doctor’s appointment, and this was the only time they could squeeze me in.” He lifts his head to look at me. He seems tired today, a steaming cup of coffee sitting beside him on the desk.
“So, you’re just going to go through life like you’re not growing another human being inside of you?” he questions. With a shrug, I reply, “For as long as I can, yeah.” My boss chuckles. “Esme.” “What?” “I won’t tell anyone about the baby. But this can’t be hidden. If it comes out you purpos
Esme Derek and the girls stand on the other side of my front door, all smiling at me eagerly. “Come on in, girls,” I instruct, waving them in. “Sammy’s over by the couch.” Bea and Tris run in, cooing at Sammy as Derek walks past, allowing me to shut the door. I get a whiff of what might be c
Ryan The rain is finally letting up as I cross the street. I avoid the streetlamps as to stay out of sight, my hoodie up and concealing my face. Once I finally reach the building, I hit the button like I was told. A few seconds pass before a loud beep sounds, unlocking the door. Truth be told,







