Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26475 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 132(@200wpm)___ 106(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26475 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 132(@200wpm)___ 106(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
“Hold it right there, missy,” I say, putting my hands on my hips and making a silly, exaggerated serious face. She turns around and bursts into giggles like she always does when she sees my expression.
“Ma-ma!” she calls, waving her arms.
“I hope you don’t think I’m going to let you wear next to nothing at your birthday party,” I say in a mock-serious tone. Then, I take a slow, deliberate step toward her. “Don’t you know that a faux pas like this will get you…” I hold up my fingers and wiggle them threateningly. “Tickle torture?”
Haley squeals and scampers away from me as quickly as her adorably pudgy legs will take her. I roar like a monster and chase her around the house, letting her think she’s getting away before reaching down and snatching her up into my arms. I promised her tickles, but instead, I shower my daughter with a bevy of kisses and finish off with a raspberry to her belly. Of course, Haley’s screaming with laughter as I take her to her room to get her dressed.
Meanwhile, the doorbell rings, and I’m sure it’s the pizzas we ordered for my daughter’s first birthday party. We’re hosting the shindig here, at our house, and it’s going to be wonderful. Besides, I know Damon will get the door, and sure enough, his deep voice sounds out, and I smile with happiness. We have such a perfect family, and my boyfriend is very much the love of my life.
But first, I have to get our daughter dressed. I locate the sparkly, baby pink tutu bunched up on the floor by her crib and kick it up into the air with my toe and catch it with a flourish that sends Haley into even more giggles. Then, I sit in the rocking chair with the baby in my lap and fit the dress back on. She squirms and complains as I tug the scratchy material over her legs, but there’s no getting around it: she can’t waltz around buck naked at her own party.
“Alrighty then, little miss,” I say, setting her back down on the ground. “I’ll be keeping a close eye on you, so don’t try that party trick again.” My daughter giggles once more, but then a deep voice interrupts us.
“You both look beautiful,” comes a masculine drawl by the door.
I look up to see the love of my life leaning against the frame. Damon grins at me, looking insanely sexy in a blue shirt that emphasizes the breadth of his shoulders while also bringing out the azure of his eyes.
“Da-da!” Haley exclaims, throwing herself at him. He picks her up easily but then pretend-staggers like she’s a two-ton load.
“You’re a whole year bigger, kiddo,” he says to her, and then turns to me. “Can you believe we’ve kept her around for an entire year? We’re the best parents, right?”
I laugh and shake my head before wrapping my arms around both of them in a huge hug. Then, I place a kiss on top of Haley’s head before turning to give her daddy a bit more attention. Our lips lock passionately and the fire sparkles between us even as our daughter tugs at our hair.
“Da-da!” Haley burbles. “Ma-ma!”
“Yes, your daddy loves your mommy very much,” Damon says, his blue eyes fierce. “More than you can imagine.”
I want to tear off his clothes right now, but the time isn’t right because the doorbell dings.
“Uh-oh, our guests are here,” I smile. “But I’ll take you up on that later, mister,” I tease before turning with a sexy sway to my hips.
We head downstairs, which smells like the most heavenly combination of cheese, dough, and marinara sauce. In celebration of one of our first dates, we ordered a couple of Detroit-style pizza from Lions, Tigers, and Squares, and it’s going to be really yummy with a serving of garlic knots and some cold beers too.
But first, our guests. I open the door, and Lina and Tim sweep in with their daughter, Rose. Lina and Tim are married now, but they’re actually former step-siblings too. Evidently, Lina’s mom used to be married to Tim’s dad when they were kids, but they worked through it, and are now a happy couple.
“How are you?” I ask Lina. Then I cock my head at her again. “Are you pregnant again?” I ask.
She raises a finger to her lips, eyes dancing.
“Yes, but don’t tell just yet!” she whispers. “I’m going to tell Tim tonight, and he’s going to be over the moon!”
I laugh, about to reply, but then the doorbell rings once more, and I go to answer it. It’s my friend Patty, who immediately throws her arms around me.
“Hey girlfriend!” she sings. “Oh my god, I had the worst client today. Okay, not as bad as that douchebag you had from two years ago, but still, really bad. He had a mustache with all these bits of food stuck in it, and I almost wanted to tell him to leave! OMG, how come I don’t have any hot physical therapy clients?”