Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 32750 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32750 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
“Enough.” He pulls back just enough to meet my gaze. “You’re a kind soul, Skyler Holt.”
I laugh and shake my head.
“It’s true,” he insists. “You didn’t have to accept Crystal’s apology, but you did. Because you have a caring heart.”
“Do I?” I tease.
“Yes, you do. I see it every time I look at you.”
My ribcage suddenly feels too small for my chest. “Can you see what my heart is saying right now?”
Ben tilts his head. “I believe it’s saying you want breakfast.”
“Close.” I rise onto my tiptoes and brush my lips against his ear. “It’s saying, I love you, Daddy.”
Before he can reply, I jump back from him and dip into the kitchen.
“Now,” I say, rubbing my hands together. “Let’s take a look at this breakfast you completed. I’m still not entirely convinced you didn’t burn it.”
Ben steps up behind me and rests his hands on my hips. “Hey, I’ll have you know, I learned from the best.”
“I’ll be the judge of that.” I dip my fork into the pan of eggs and slide a bite of cheesy goodness into my mouth.
“How is it?” Ben asks, looking a little anxious.
“It’s delicious!” I moan before spearing another bite and holding it up for Ben to taste.
A contemplative look graces his masculine features as he chews and then swallows. He grins. “Well, damn. That might be the best damn egg I’ve ever eaten.”
“I think I’ll just have you cook me breakfast every morning from now on.”
Ben pulls me in for a soft, sensual kiss that makes my pulse break into cartwheels.
“I’ll make you anything your heart desires, Baby Bird.”
Gazing into Ben’s eyes, I see the love there, clear as glass. And I know, without a doubt, that he means every word.
epilogue
BEN
Four years later
The ceramic plates clink together as I load them into the dishwasher. Skyler wanted to help rinse the dishes, but I told her in no uncertain terms that her only job was to keep her feet up. After a delicious dinner of grilled shrimp and fried rice with veggies, I’m looking forward to settling in with my wife for the evening.
It’s been four years since I met Skyler, two years since I made her my wife, and every year has been better than the one before it.
We recently renovated and moved into a house in Nashville, near the fourth location of Gold Standard Fitness. Until we hire a regional manager, I’ll be in charge of the day-to-day operations here, while Skyler sets up our Health and Wellness department and serves as the in-house Nutrition Consultant. She’s amazing at her job, not that I ever doubted her, and because her love of yoga remains as strong as ever, she still teaches part-time. She’s even convinced me to join her in teaching a couple’s class every other week.
Of course, our schedules will no doubt change dramatically after the baby’s born.
Skyler’s five-months pregnant and absolutely glowing, growing more beautiful every day. Though she assures me she can handle the physical activity, I won’t risk her overworking herself.
I know, I’m one to talk. But, if anything, being with Skyler has helped me shift my priorities to make room for the simple pleasures in life—like spending the evening curled up on the couch with my Baby Bird.
With the baby on the way, Skyler promised me she’d slow down if I slowed down, too, so I hired a personal assistant and committed to only working 40 hours a week. To be honest, I’m starting to get the hang of this whole work-life balance thing. Just don’t tell Barbie; she’ll never let me live it down.
Once the plates and silverware are all loaded into the dishwasher, I pack up the leftovers and put them in the fridge. Skyler and I cook together most nights of the week. It’s our favorite thing to do together—well, second favorite; I don’t think anything can top the fun we get up to in bed.
I dry my hands on a dishtowel and brew a cup of herbal tea, which I carry out to Skyler in the living room where she’s lounging on the couch, texting away on her phone.
“Mmm, thank you, Daddy,” she says, as I set the tea on the coffee table.
“Who’re you texting, baby?” I take up my usual spot on the sofa with Skyler’s feet across my lap. She makes the most amazing noises as I start to knead her ankles.
“Crystal. She’s telling me all about her new boyfriend, Tyler. He seems like a nice guy, and she’s excited to introduce him to us next week at the family barbecue.” Skyler laughs. “She says he has to pass the ‘best friend’ test before things get too serious.”
“Well, you are good judge of character.” I work my fingers into the swollen bits of her skin.
She moans in relief and rubs a hand over her round belly. “I try to be. She also called godmother dibs for the baby.”