Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22451 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22451 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
I watch as her face softens. She makes to speak, but I hold up a hand.
“Sweetheart, it was pure agony without you by my side. Food had no taste. There were no books I wanted to read, nor movies I wanted to watch. I swear, I spent hours on the couch by myself, just thinking about things, and it all came down to one conclusion: I want you to be my wife. I want to spend every day with you, and to wake up to your lovely smile in the morning, as well as look into your eyes when we fall asleep at night. I’m sorry that there was so much drama, and I would do it all over if I could. But please believe me, Nella: I love you, and want to marry you. Will you do me the honor?”
Her breath hitches, but to my great relief, a smile shows itself through the tears.
“Yes, Paul,” is her soft voice. “I love you too. Let’s get married.”
With those words, my world tilts on its axis. I lunge to my feet and take the curvy girl in my arms, passionately kissing her for the first time in what feels like forever. She mewls beneath me, her arms snaking around my neck and I growl against her lips. This is how it should be. I pull her lushness even closer, treasuring everything that is Nella. But then she pulls away, a bit breathless.
“Paul, I have something to tell you.”
I let out a hoarse bark of a laugh.
“After what we’ve been through, I don’t think there’s anything that would surprise me,” I say in a wry tone. “Why, what is it honey?”
She giggles, although there are tears in her eyes again.
“Well, I think this one could be a shocker because you’re going to be a father, Paul. I’m pregnant with your baby.”
I stare at her, a million emotions rushing over my frame. Did I just hear correctly? But then elation fills my soul and I let out a yell of joy.
“I’m going to be a dad? Holy smokes!” Tears of joy rush down my face as Nella nods confirmation. Then, I kiss the curvy girl enthusiastically again before picking her up and twirling her around the room, our laughter filling the air.
“Oh Nella, sweetheart, I’m so happy. Not only do I get to marry the girl of my dreams, but we’re going to start things off with a child too. I’m so grateful for all of this, and it’s all because of you. I swear, I’ll be the best husband and dad forever. I promise you that.”
Her next words melt my heart because Nella smiles gently then, her brown eyes liquid.
“I know you will,” she whispers. “Paul, I know.”
With that, her trust in me is restored, and my heart spins into the heavens. After all, we faced the craziest situation together. I actually have dated both Nella and her mother, but Nella came to her senses and realized that none of it was malicious. Instead, she recognized that sometimes, things just happen, and there’s no logical reason to explain random events. But in this case, my girl was courageous and decided to face things head on. She accepts that what happened is going to stay in the past, and now, we’re ready to move on, with our love cemented and a baby on the way.
Epilogue
Nella
Two years later.
I’m standing at the altar, gazing at my handsome fiancé through a veil of white. My hands shake faintly, but Paul gives them a comforting squeeze while looking deep into my eyes. I take a deep breath and smile through my tears. I’m grateful we’re here, and this is where I was always meant to be: with this man.
Meanwhile, behind Paul is a line of his groomsmen, and behind me trail a coterie of my bridesmaids. Of course, Justin and Marley are at our sides, and my friend Sansa is also standing with me, witness to this precious day.
A child gurgles happily from the audience and I look over my shoulder and smile because I’d recognize that sound anywhere. It’s our daughter, Claire, who’s currently sitting on my mother’s lap. Susan looks resplendent in a yellow dress, and Claire’s sundress matches my mom’s outfit, making it especially cute.
Of course, this isn’t to say that it was easy to work things out with my mom. Susan’s had a lifetime of being selfish, and old habits are hard to lose. But there was truth to my fiancé’s words: yes, Susan and Paul dated, but it was a long time ago and they never thought that he’d end up with me. Even more, they never imagined that Paul and I would get married and start a family, much less that Susan would become a grandmother. So I guess things worked out, although it took time for all of us to adjust.