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
Everyone is so laser focused on me and what I’m saying. My skin grows with goosebumps, but Bea and Tris in my arms again gives me strength to keep pushing, to finally admit the entire story. “I knew it was wrong from the start. I knew sitting on their laps while they did what they did was bad. I ha
“No,” Annie states. “Not at all,” Lily adds. “Fine. I’m on bedrest because I had to see some doctors.” Lily is immediately asking questions. “Doctors, what doctors? Is the baby okay, what happened?” My arms go up to assure her. “Baby is fine. I’m fine now. Things were just…” As I trail off, Bea
“Easy!” I defend Melinda. “Let me remind you she and I are working on getting back to a good place with one another. She lost her baby. I have a hard time keeping any anger inside for her when I think about that hell.” “I’m just surprised by your willingness to forgive her quickly,” Lily admits. “I
Derek helps me get into my bed. Bea and Tris have gone to take care of Sammy for me. I want them to have a moment to decompress after the entire scene they just witnessed. “Thank you for standing up for me,” I whisper to Derek as he sits beside me. He sighs. “I should have protected you. I will al







