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)
He’s searching my eyes as he leans on the counter next to me. “My family loves you, by the way.”
My heart is already beating fast, but now it’s pounding. “That’s sweet. They were all very nice. I’m thankful our son or daughter will have such an amazing extended family.”
“You will too,” he says, keeping his dark eyes locked with mine.
Unwilling to explain again that we aren’t a couple, I simply nod. “I’d like you to have dinner with my mom.”
He nods. “Anytime. Just tell me when and I’ll be there.”
“Just like that, huh?”
He moves closer to my face and I can feel his warm breath on my cheeks. “You’ll always get what you want from me, Felicity. All you need to do is ask.”
He makes it all sound so simple.
Chapter 20
Shepherd
“Don’t talk about the moon landing,” Felicity says from the front seat of my truck, her tone half-serious, half-amused.
I stop at a red light and shift to face her, raising an eyebrow. “Why the hell would I bring that up?”
Felicity shrugs, the action somehow making her look even cuter. She looks absolutely adorable today, wearing a summer dress that flows down to her ankles. The bright floral pattern is cheerful and vibrant, perfectly matching the sunny day. Her small baby bump is just starting to show, a gentle curve that makes my heart ache with the urge to touch it, to feel connected to the little life growing inside her.
Her hair is done up in a twisty-do, neat yet playful, and her makeup is subtle, enhancing her natural beauty without overpowering it. Soft, rosy cheeks and a light touch of mascara make her eyes seem even more expressive. She looks fresh and radiant, a picture of serene beauty that makes me want to lean over and kiss her right here and now.
“What’s with the moon landing rule?” I ask, my voice tinged with curiosity and a bit of amusement.
“It’s just a weird thing. My mother doesn’t believe it ever really happened,” she replies with a laugh, her eyes twinkling. “Let’s stick to things a little more down-to-earth.”
I chuckle, turning back to face the road as the light turns green. “Fair enough. How about we talk about how stunning you look today instead?”
She blushes slightly, looking out the window to hide her smile. “Flattery will get you everywhere,” she murmurs.
I grin, feeling the warmth of her presence beside me. “Good to know.”
We decided to take one vehicle to her mother’s house, feeling weird following each other out here just to turn around and drive back to our side-by-side houses. It’s early on Saturday afternoon, and all week I’ve been busy with the brewery that I haven’t really spent much time with Felicity at all.
And I can tell she’s missed the interaction. She won’t tell me, but I know getting her off has become her favorite pastime.
I place a hand on top of her thigh, over her dress, and she smiles. “I figured afterward we could…” I let my implication for sex hang in the air.
“Maybe,” she says noncommittally, her voice trailing off as something catches her eye. “Oh, look.” She points out the window, her face lighting up. “I love this house.”
I follow her gaze and see a large white house with blue trim sitting gracefully atop a hill. It’s gorgeous, a picture-perfect scene right out of a storybook. The house has a wrap-around porch with hanging flower baskets swaying gently in the breeze. Tall, majestic oak trees frame the property, their leaves casting dappled shadows across the manicured lawn.
The front yard is dotted with blooming flower beds, a riot of colors that add a whimsical touch to the pristine landscape. A cobblestone path winds its way from the driveway to the front steps, lined with lanterns that likely cast a warm, inviting glow in the evening. Large bay windows reflect the morning sun, giving the house a welcoming, almost magical appearance.
Felicity’s eyes are wide with admiration as she takes in the sight. “It’s like something out of a dream,” she murmurs, more to herself than to me.
“Yeah, it really is beautiful,” I agree, feeling a pang of longing. “Imagine living in a place like that.”
She sighs contentedly, her hand unconsciously resting on her baby bump. “It’s the kind of house you can see yourself raising a family in, you know? Kids running around the yard, barbecues on the porch, watching sunsets from those big windows.”
I glance at her, touched by the wistfulness in her voice. “Maybe one day,” I say softly, my heart swelling with hope.
She swipes a tear away, and shifts in her seat. “I could never afford a place like that.”
I stare at the home, wondering about the people who live there. Are they raising their very own family?
I think about my life. About the family I want to raise. The child growing inside Felicity’s belly. The life I want to give this child. And her.