Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 30401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 152(@200wpm)___ 122(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 152(@200wpm)___ 122(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
I order us each a shot of tequila and slam mine down. She takes a sip and makes a face at me.
“You’ve got to shoot it, baby. That’s why it’s in a shot glass.”
She tilts her head back and swallows the shot.
She wipes her mouth and says, “That was my first shot of tequila.”
“I could tell,” I grin. “Good girl. Now, dance with me. I want them all to eat their hearts out.”
Jessie is having the time of her life. She even managed to rub elbows with a girl she said was one of her childhood favorites on television. She’s a tad bit tipsy and I don’t want her to get drunk. She needs to be level-headed when I give her my surprise.
“Are we going home now?” she asks.
“Why? Are you tired?”
“No, just the opposite. I don’t think I want this night to end.”
“That’s good, baby. I’m glad you’re having a good time.”
We get back into the limo and ride to the bay so I can take Jessie for a walk along the pier.
“It’s not a mountain view, but it’s still pretty nice, right?”
“It’s beautiful.”
“I know that I say it all the time, but it’s not as beautiful as you.”
As she looks up at the stars, I take the box from my pocket. This needs to be done right. She deserves a moment to remember for the rest of her life. I sink to one knee and take both of her hands in mine.
“Jessie, the moment we met, I knew I had to have you. I love you, little girl. Will you marry me?”
With tears welling in her eyes, she nods and smiles. “I love you, too, Daddy. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
I take the platinum ring with a huge diamond from the box and slide it onto her finger.
“That errand I had to run today. It was to pick this up. I had it designed just for you. There isn’t another like it in the world because there isn’t a girl in the world that comes close to you.”
I rise to my feet and kiss away her tears.
“It’s beautiful, Daddy. You make me the happiest girl in the world.”
EPILOGUE
JESSIE
It’s getting harder and harder to make it up and down the stairs, so Jack has decided that it’s time for me to stay in bed.
He fulfilled his promise alright. There’s definitely a baby in my belly. Macy has been wonderful. She loves bringing me snacks and talking to the baby about all of the things she’s going to teach him when he comes out.
Yes, it’s a boy and his name is Joshua. When we found out the gender, Jack was over the moon. I think he’s excited to have some additional male energy around here.
It’s almost dinner time and I expect Jack to come through the door with a plate any moment, but instead, he comes in empty-handed.
“I thought you could use some fresh air so we’re eating outside tonight,” he tells me.
“Really? I thought you didn’t want me walking on the stairs.”
“I don’t,” he says and lifts me into his arms.
“I must weigh a ton. Are you kidding?”
“Baby girl, you’re as light as a feather.”
He carries me through the house and out the back door to the patio. It seems like forever since I’ve been out in the garden, and I suspect he knows how much I’ve missed it.
The table is set with candles and a vase of fresh roses. I look out at the garden and try to count the fireflies that float between the gaslights.
“I’ll let the cook know that we’re ready,” Jack tells me.
“Where’s Macy?”
“She’s in her room. She preferred pizza over steak and lobster so I ordered one for her.”
“You’re letting her eat in her room?”
“She’s growing up. I feel like she can be trusted to clean up after herself. How are you feeling today, sweetheart? How’s my boy?”
“We’re both fine but we’re also more than ready to get this pregnancy over with. Little Joshua Jameson is using my bladder as a step stool.”
“It’ll be over and we’ll be working on the next one before you know it.”
“Next one?”
“I mean, after you’ve had time to recover and adjust of course.”
“I can’t wait to be a mother, but most of all, I can’t wait to be Joshua’s mother.”
“Why?”
“Because he’s yours. I’m so proud to be having your baby.”
The cook, Daniel, arrives with our dinner. Jack insisted that we hire him when we found out I was pregnant. In addition to being a superb chef, Daniel is also a nutritionist. It looks and smells delicious, but as I lift my fork, I feel a discomfort in my lower belly.
“Is everything alright?” Jack asks.
“I don’t know. I just got a weird feeling…” I place my hand on my stomach and feel it tighten.
“Take a deep breath and relax for a second.” Jack takes my hand. “Baby, your hand is kind of clammy.”