Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 48271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 241(@200wpm)___ 193(@250wpm)___ 161(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 241(@200wpm)___ 193(@250wpm)___ 161(@300wpm)
By the time I finish, both their jaws are practically on the floor.
“Ho—ly shit,” Harlow finally manages, breaking the newfound silence.
Penny, on the other hand, gives me a vibrant smile. “A baby, really?”
I nod, her genuine reaction fueling my own.
“Oh, Ellie, this is wonderful.” Placing down the bucket of flowers, she walks over and pulls me into a hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
Warmth invades my chest as I hug her back.
“Yeah, yeah, really wonderful,” Harlow agrees but waves aside that topic for the moment. “Tell us about the sex. How hot is it?”
“Harlow,” Penny chides with a laugh.
“What?” she counters, feigning innocence. “We just discovered that our twenty-four-year-old friend is no longer a virgin because she lost it to her hot best friend. I think we’re entitled to some details here, don’t you?”
Penny, still laughing, raises her hands in mock surrender and then turns to me, awaiting my response.
“It’s …” I pause, searching for words powerful enough to describe it. “Beautiful. Profound. Life-changing.”
Even those pale in comparison to what I truly feel when I’m with him, especially that first night.
“His touch is as patient and gentle as it is pleasurable,” I continue softly, losing myself in the vivid memories. “He whispers the sweetest things in my ear as he completes my body and soul … and a few dirty things.” A laugh escapes me as a blush warms my cheeks.
Penny and Harlow share my smile.
“It feels right, natural even, which I didn’t expect. I always thought there would be some awkwardness since we’ve been friends for so long, but there isn’t. Not at all.” I shake my head, knowing I’m probably not making much sense. “I can’t explain it but that night in his arms, and everytime since, I feel whole in a way I never have before. As if my entire life has led me to this moment with him.”
They both peer back at me, their faces a potent blend of emotion and envy.
Harlow raises a hand to her chest, instinctively seeking her heart. “That’s the most beautiful thing I have ever heard, and I’m a wedding planner.”
We share a collective laugh over that remark before she crosses the distance and pulls me into a hug just like Penny did.
“I’m so happy for you, Elle,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. A rarity for Harlow.
“Thanks.” Pulling back, I meet both their gazes. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you guys about the whole baby plan sooner, but I needed to make this decision on my own, ya know?”
Penny nods, her eyes filled with gentle understanding. “That makes sense. It’s a big decision.”
“It is,” Harlow agrees. “And no one could make it except you. But for what it’s worth, I think you’re making the right choice, especially by having Gunnar be the father.”
Her validation means a lot, even if it isn’t necessary.
“I mean, we all knew something would happen between you two eventually. Just not quite like this,” she adds with a chuckle.
I frown, surprised by that remark. “You did?”
“Duh,” she teases playfully. “You two have basically been married since you were eight years old, just without all the sexy perks.” Her eyebrows dance suggestively making me laugh.
“It’s called being best friends, you goof.”
“No,” she insists, shaking her head vehemently. “Best friends spend a lot of time together. They share dreams and secrets, lean on each other when times are tough. But they don’t make every major life decision based on the other. They don’t plan their lives around each other. And that’s exactly what you and Gunnar have done. It’s not a bad thing,” she rushes out. “But it’s not a best friend thing either. It’s a couple thing. Which is why you never dated anyone.”
“I’ve dated,” I counter defensively, before quickly recanting. “Kinda.”
Harlow scoffs. “Please, notebook Johnny from your business class in the big city doesn’t count,” she says, referring to the guy who always walked with his notebook strategically placed to cover his obvious erection.
He was so nervous when he asked me out that I couldn’t bring myself to say no, and it ended up being the most awkward dinner I’ve ever had. Never mind the attempted kiss afterward. Needless to say, there wasn’t a second date.
“But even if it did count,” Harlow continues, “you never told Gunnar about it. Why?”
“Because there was nothing to tell,” I exclaim, my voice rising in exasperation. “It was just dinner. Besides, it would have made things weird between us. Gunnar and I don’t share that stuff with each other. We never have. It’s just how it is between us. How it’s always been and …” My words stop mid-sentence as I realize how ridiculous I sound. “Oh, hell. Who am I kidding?” I grumble, sinking down onto the stool next to me.
“Not us,” Penny interjects, sharing a chuckle with Harlow.