Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92529 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 463(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92529 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 463(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
She smiled at the warmth pulsing through her. “I have some ideas.” It was nice to know there were people she could go to about this, if she wanted.
“You know you don’t only get me, right, baby?” His tone was not as carefree as before.
Her lips twitched, even as she settled closer to his warmth. Sure, it was summer in California, but she wanted to be near him.
“I get Tully and Linc as well.”
“And Dawson, Emma, and Greer.” He cleared his throat.
“What about your sister?”
He stilled.
“I know you have one, Mitchell. I saw her photos and you’ve mentioned her a few times. Is she part of your life still?”
“I want her to be. Are you okay with that?”
“I don’t have siblings, so yes, I would love the chance to have a sister.” She pursed her lips. “Aside from Dawson and Emma of course.”
“When we announce the engagement, we’re going to have to invite Wendy, Alistair, Sonya and Erick.”
She lifted her eyebrows. “Engagement? Who said anything about that?”
He growled in her ear before he nipped the lobe. “Sorry, not sorry to break it to you. You’re stuck with me now, Flykra. It’s a no-return policy.”
“Even if I kept the receipt?” she teased.
He rumbled a warning as he rolled them over so his larger body covered hers. “Especially then. You’re stuck with me.”
She reached up to kiss him. “I don’t think that will be such a hardship.”
“One day at a time, baby. I will earn your trust again. I promise.” He skimmed his hands over her body, bringing her to a fevered pitch with the slightest touch.
Welcoming him into her body, Hope didn’t respond, for what was there to say? She loved him. Had for a while, and yes, there were some things to work through—but they could do that together.
“If you have to flip a coin, baby, I’ll take those odds too. Heads I’m yours, tails you’re mine.”
She arched into his touch. Either outcome would work for her.
Epilogue
Hope laughed as she looked in the mirror. Behind her the bedroom was a disaster. To say a tornado whipped through would have been kind. Clothing was strung all over the place and it wasn’t hers.
Mitchell narrowed his eyes at her and the panic in his expression broke the humor she was finding in the situation. Smoothing her hand down her V-neck knee-length dress, she turned and walked to the man she loved more each day.
Between him and his friends they were helping her figure out the best way to set up a grant with the inheritance her mentor had left. The Karl Jones Grant. To help those who needed a bit more assistance to follow their own stars and seek out their dreams.
“What is going on with you, Mitchell?” She smoothed a hand down his bare chest, reminding herself they had a wedding to attend.
“I can’t find my tux. I’m going to fuck up my best friend’s day because I’m losing my shit.”
Cupping his jaw, she waited for him to look at her. “I moved your tux to the back of your SUV along with everything else you need for today. Shoes, cufflinks, all of it.”
“I want to ask why you didn’t tell me this but I think you did, didn’t you?” He shunted a hand through his hair. “I’m a wreck. And it’s not even our wedding day.”
“You, my love, need to pull on some jeans and a shirt. You’ve got responsibilities and need to get to Tully’s side.”
He exhaled slowly and kissed the tip of her nose before he turned and walked to his closet and yanked on some old attire. Then he was out the door and Hope sighed.
“Not exactly how I thought today would go, but he’s a bit distracted.” She turned to the bed that sat littered with his tossed clothing and rubbed her belly with a soft smile.
“Flykra.” His deep rasp brushed her ear as his arms circled her, his hands covering hers as they sat upon her belly. “Were you going to tell me something? Or is there something you should be telling me?”
“I was but I don’t want to take from this day for you and Tully.”
He lifted her and the second she faced him, Hope wrapped her legs around his waist, no longer concerned he couldn’t hold her. He’d proven again and again he could toss her around with ease if he wanted. Head to head, breaths mingling, he held her gaze.
“Say the words, Flykra. I need to hear them.”
She licked her lips, swallowed, and did it again. He never moved, even his fingers which cupped her ass were still.
“I’m pregnant.” A pause. “We’re pregnant.”
“I. Love. You. Dr. Hope Roman.” A shuddering breath. “Thank you for making me whole. Thank you for giving me you.”
Spearing her fingers deep into his thick hair, she tugged him close for a kiss. Tongues twining together, she closed her eyes and loved him best she could without words. When he pulled away, his eyes sparkled.