Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 40128 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 201(@200wpm)___ 161(@250wpm)___ 134(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40128 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 201(@200wpm)___ 161(@250wpm)___ 134(@300wpm)
“Come on little terror, let’s go harass, Pops.” He takes the little blabber mouth out of the room, and I feel better, but now it’s just me and my father. When I look back at him my face is flush with embarrassment.
He chuckles, laughing so the crinkles in his eyes show. He’s older, but my father is still a very handsome man. “Come on now, Princess. You have two little ones and you’ve been married for ten years now. I think I figured out how you two got them.”
“And how we made this one, too,” I confessed, rubbing my belly.
“What? You’re going to have another baby?”
“Yes.” My smile is a mile wide, matching my father’s.
“Congrats.” My father hugs me and then pulls back. His face pales and I’m surprised because he should be happy for us. “Are you trying to get me murdered? Why am I always the first parent to find out? Your mother is going to be upset when she learns.”
“Learn what?” We both whip our heads toward my mother who looks lovely as ever with her hands on her hips and her brow raised.
I walked up to her and took her hands in mine, giving them a squeeze. “Mom, Will and I are having another baby.”
“I thought so.”
“You did?”
“Yes, I saw the both of you coming out of the doctor’s office yesterday and you were grinning from ear to ear. Will pressed his hand to your stomach. I was waiting for you to say something.” She yanks me in for a hug. “Goodness, you were a bad girl,” she says after sniffing me. “Maybe take a shower.”
“Gross.”
“I’m talking about how she smells like men’s cologne.” She slaps my father’s arm. “Where is my little man at?”
“He’s napping in his play yard.” I point over to the secured area where little Garrett sleeps. He’s nearly two years old and resting after running around all morning. As if on cue, he begins moving.
“He must know his favorite Grandma is here.”
“Yes, he does,” Crystal says, coming in through the door with a laugh.
“Oh lord, babe. It looks like we’re going to have to give them ten kids to make them happy,” Will says, walking back in. His dad is carrying Andrea who is now holding an ice cream.
“Where did she get that?”
“From the outside cooler,” Will says, pointing to my father-in-law. He’s been working on the grill.
“Grandpa said I earned it,” she says with a smirk, licking it with attitude.
“She conned it out of him,” Jackson says entering the clubhouse with a tray of food, Penny following behind.
“He’s getting soft in his old age,” my dad says.
“Look who’s talking. You gave her a cookie before dinner yesterday even after I told her no.” I glared at my father. He wouldn’t have dared let us get away with that when we were kids.
“Don’t be upset, Melanie. We do it for the grandkids too,” Penny says, giving me a hug. “One day, you’ll do it, too. Now come and pick out your favorites before the hoard snatches them. I want my future grandniece or nephew well-fed and spoiled.”
I shake my head and giggle, walking over to the dessert bar set up on the bar top inside the clubhouse away from the heat. How it spread already is amazing, but then I remember Will was outside with his father and mother who we told this morning. I wasn’t going to burst my father’s bubble, but I was sick and they saw, so they caught on. Either way, I’m happy that Will and I are adding to our growing family.
“What’s on your mind, my lovely Raven?” Will asks, sliding his hand around my waist and nibbling on my neck. Goodness, we just finished a fast round in his office and I swear I’m just as riled up and ready for another wherever he’d like to take me. These ten years together haven’t dulled my lust for my husband.
My mother had been right. I remember seeing my dad chasing my mother in the kitchen and wondering if she played hard to get because she really didn’t want it or because she enjoyed the chase. We talked about it recently and it was the thrill of being pursued. I loved it. Will could hunt me down any time he’d like.
“Nothing but joy. Now, let me pick my goodies,” I huff, pretending to be annoyed with his touch.
“I know what I want.”
“Which ones?” I asked.
He growls and nibbles on my neck. “You’re all the sweetness I need. Forever.”
“Later, Mr. Steele. Later.”
He bites my neck and then slaps my ass, whispering, “Always,” as he walks away.