Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53521 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53521 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
“You’re lucky, Felicity. Do you have any idea what a woman would do to be a part of that family? They are like Magnolia Ridge royalty,” she says and I hear the sincerity in her voice.
“I know that. I was just never one of those women,” I explain.
“And I know that, but you and that little one you’re carrying are part of the Atwood’s now. It’s amazing.”
I close my eyes and nod. “It is amazing. I’m so thankful my baby will always have them, even if I don’t.”
“They don’t strike me as a family that will toss aside the mother of their grandchild. Even if you are just his fuck buddy,” she says with a laugh.
“I never should have told you,” I say, sighing.
“But you did,” she sing-songs.
It’s great having a best friend to confide in, but now that she knows Shepherd and I have this sex agreement she’s never going to let me live it down.
“I’m exhausted. I need to get some sleep before work tomorrow,” I say, stifling a yawn and stretching out under the covers.
“Nice way to avoid talking about your arrangement, but fine, go. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Emmie teases, though there's an edge of curiosity in her voice.
“Promise, we’ll talk more tomorrow,” I assure her, my voice fading as fatigue overtakes me.
We say our goodbyes and hang up. I place my phone on the nightstand, its screen glowing softly in the dim light. My heavy eyes close almost immediately, and I feel myself being pulled under by the comforting embrace of sleep. The day's events play back in my mind like a comforting lullaby, the warmth and acceptance of the Atwood family surrounding me in a cocoon of contentment. The anticipation of sharing more details with Emmie tomorrow lingers as my last conscious thought, and soon, I drift into a deep, restful sleep.
I startle awake, groggily checking the clock, and see I’ve been asleep for only a few hours. It’s not even three am. Unfortunately, this baby likes to lay on my bladder, and I need to pee again. I should be happy I got a few hours; it’s better than last night.
After finishing in the bathroom, my stomach growls, and I shake my head with a tired smile. “You’re killing me, little one. I’ll never sleep through the night again, will I? But if you want something to eat, I’m not going to deny you.” I rest my hand on my small baby bump, feeling a gentle flutter in response.
Walking down the stairs, the house is quiet and still, with only the faint hum of the refrigerator breaking the silence. Once in the kitchen, I flip on the light, squinting slightly as my eyes adjust to the brightness. I open the fridge, the cool air hitting my face as I scan the shelves. “What do you want to eat?” I murmur, my hand absentmindedly rubbing my belly.
I rummage through the contents, considering my options. There’s some leftover pasta, a bowl of fresh fruit, and various snacks. My eyes land on a container of yogurt and some granola. “How about yogurt with granola?” I suggest, feeling a tiny kick as if in agreement.
“Felicity, is everything okay?” Shepherd stands in my kitchen with wild eyes, frantically looking around.
“What the hell are you doing?” I shout, my voice a mixture of surprise and anger. My heart races at the sudden intrusion, my hand instinctively moving to my belly.
“It’s three o’clock in the morning and your light went on. I thought something was wrong,” he says, crossing his arms defensively, though his eyes soften slightly as he takes in my startled expression.
I narrow my eyes, suspicion creeping into my voice. “Are you stalking me?”
“I’m watching out for you,” he corrects, his tone firm but gentle. He runs a hand through his tousled hair, a sign of his worry. “You’re pregnant and alone. I just want to make sure you’re safe.”
I give a humorless laugh, putting my hands on my hips. “That’s stalking.” I shake my head and pin him with an angry stare. “You were clearly watching my house because the light was only on for a few minutes before you, once again, broke into my house”
“I used the key, which I told you to move from under your welcome rug and you didn’t. You really need to be more cautious. It’s the most obvious spot for an intruder to look.”
“Obviously,” I shout. “You can’t just keep breaking into my house, Shepherd. It’s an invasion of my privacy.”
This time he takes a step closer and my breath catches in my throat. “An invasion of your privacy? You’re carrying my baby. I’m allowed to check on you to make sure you are both okay. That’s not invading your privacy, that’s caring about what happens to you,” he hisses.
“Don’t you dare give me an attitude. You’re the one who is wrong here, not me. This is my house and you were not invited in.”