Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27826 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27826 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
I come over and press a kiss to the top of her head.
“Do you miss them?”
She thinks for a moment.
“Not really. They’re just too crazy. I mean, I literally have a sister who’s gotten so much plastic surgery she’s unrecognizable. And Duane … well, you heard he got that penis enhancement, right? So that he’ll appear larger on film.”
I shake my head.
“No, I didn’t know, and I don’t want to know.”
Catherine laughs.
“Well, we’ll be keeping them at arm’s length, that’s for sure. Oh, by the way, Corrie and Mark are getting serious!” she says excitedly. “I heard that they went ring shopping, and Corrie’s practically bursting at the seams with anticipation.”
“Really?” I ask, with a smile playing at my lips.
“Yes, I heard the ring is really beautiful,” Catherine gushes. “I’m expecting to be asked to be a bridesmaid too,” she confides.
I laugh.
“Well, maybe you’ll beat her to the punch and she’ll have to be your bridesmaid, because look what I have for you sweetheart.”
I drop to one knee, and reach for the velvet box in my pocket. It’s been burning a hole in my pocket for the last three weeks, and I can’t wait anymore. I want to see this woman wearing my ring, and pop open the lid.
“Do you think you might want to be with me forever?” I ask in a low voice. “Does that sound like something you might be interested, Catherine Lauder?”
Her eyes light up, and then sheen over with tears. The engagement ring sparkles under the light.
“Are you serious?” Catherine looks at me as tears of joy swell in her eyes.
Suddenly, a small voice interrupts us.
“Daddy?” Lily asks, glancing at Catherine and then back to me.
“Shh, baby,” I say. “Daddy wants to keep Mommy forever. But it’s completely up to her if she is willing to make that kind of commitment.”
“Hunter, I…” Catherine cups one hand over her mouth as she stares at the ring.
“Just say yes,” I urge. “Please, baby.”
“Yes,” she finally says between sobs. “Of course I love you always!”
I jump up and pull her curvy form into my arms. My heart beats sure and strong, and happiness suffuses my form. I claim her mouth with my own, savoring that sweet taste and taking what’s mine.
“I love you,” I rumble against her lips. “You belong to me.”
She smiles through her tears.
“I love you too,” she manages to say between my hungry kisses.
But then, there’s a tug at my pant leg.
“Daddy, where’s Mr. Pickles?” Lily asks with her little face scrunched. I scan the kitchen quickly before turning my attention back to her.
“Did you check the living room, sweetheart?” I ask. “Maybe Mr. Pickles is waiting for you there.” Lily nods her head and darts into the other room as fast as her little legs can carry her.
“She has your speed,” Catherine giggles as she curls her arms around my neck again. “Makes me wonder if the next one will be just as fast.”
I pause, the breath catching in my throat.
“The next one?” I echo.
A devious smile tickles the corner of my beautiful fiancée’s lips as she looks into my eyes.
“Yes, Hunter. You’re going to be a father again!”
I pull Catherine to me and to my surprise, my cheeks are wet with tears of joy. Never in all my life have I felt more blessed than in this moment. With my curvy fiancée in my arms, our daughter in the next room, and a baby joining the family, there’s only one way for this to end: with a happily ever after.
* * *
THE END