Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23437 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23437 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
My handsome lover merely shrugged.
“Of course, go ahead, honey. You know I’m not very involved in the domestic stuff. Barbara’s handled it for me for a long time now, and usually I leave everything to her.”
I nod.
“Yes, but Barbara’s off because of lower back pain, so I think the staff has been slacking a bit. Is it okay if I take over while she’s gone?” I ask. “I mean, I’m not going to take her job or anything like that. I’d just like to make sure that everything is done a little better.”
My man winks at me.
“So you’re the lady of the house now?”
I giggle.
“Not really! It’s just I see areas for improvement, that’s all.”
Rick merely leaned forward to kiss me again before placing a hand on my burgeoning belly.
“Of course, sweetheart. Anything for the pregnant lady. Boss them around as much as you like.”
I nodded happily because actually, I am the lady of the manor now. Of course, I’m not swanning about in petticoats, and I don’t get my breakfast delivered in bed or anything like that. But I do have full-run of the property, and our staff defers to me. We’ve established a happy system and it’s because the folks who work for Rick are wonderful. I recognize their expertise, loyalty, and dedication, and I’ll make sure they get nice bonuses over the holidays for it.
I sigh again happily, looking about me in the garden. The begonias are a gorgeous hot pink color, and I take a sip of lemonade from my spot on the veranda. My nap dress is loose and comfortable over my baby bump, and I push back my curls before lifting them from my neck. Goodness, it’s getting hot and I should go in before the sun’s power really strikes.
But then, the doorbell chimes inside and I frown. That’s odd. Rick’s at work and Amelia’s at school, so I’m the only one at home. Then again, we’re getting new blinds for the sitting room, which are a pale peach color, so maybe it’s the delivery man. The sitting room is going to be gorgeous because Rick’s letting me turn it into a personal space for myself, and I’m looking forward to doing it up in a pretty, feminine manner.
Awkwardly, I hoist myself up and then waddle inside before making my way through the cool interior of the house. The manor is big, so it takes a few minutes, but I finally make it to the front door and swing it open.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” I murmur. My words die on my lips because before me isn’t a harried delivery person, but rather a beautiful and slightly pregnant young woman. She has long, wavy blonde hair that flows down her back, and is dressed in a cheery yellow nap dress not unlike my own.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “Can I help you?”
The woman peers in back of me, looking over my shoulder into the darkened foyer.
“Yes, I’m looking for Rick,” she states. “Is he home?”
I shake my head.
“Unfortunately, not at the moment because he’s at work. But you are…?”
“Savannah,” she says in a cheery voice. “He knows me, don’t worry. Can you let him know that I stopped by?”
I nod, unable to speak through the frog lodged in my vocal cords for a moment. But then I clear my throat and manage a watery smile.
“Yes, of course I will. Can I tell him what it’s about though?”
Savannah smiles merrily, her pretty cheeks blooming pink.
“You’re the help, aren’t you? Rick mentioned that he has a full staff to run his manor.”
I look down at my grey nap dress. Okay, so it’s not exactly the prettiest outfit I own, and it’s a little wrinkly too because I actually did take a nap in it earlier today. But do I really look like the help? I suppose with my messy hair and sweaty visage, it’s possible.
“Um, yes, I help Rick,” I hedge. “Why, what can I do for you?”
The pretty blonde girl leans forward, almost bursting with happiness. She smooths her hands over her bump, and giggles a bit.
“Well, just tell him that I have a surprise for him, that’s all,” she coos. “It’s something from the stork because we didn’t always use protection, and now he’s going to be a daddy.”
I stare at her small bump.
“How far along are you, may I ask? I know it’s none of my business, but I’ll be sure to relay the information to Mr. Patton.”
Savannah shrugs merrily.
“Not far along. Maybe six to ten weeks? I haven’t seen the ob-gyn yet, but they’ll tell me for sure when I do. Meanwhile, I know this is unexpected but Rick’s going to be overjoyed, I’m sure. After all he’s a very virile man, and I’m a fertile woman,” she giggles. “You know what happens when a virile man and fertile woman get together.”