Total pages in book: 296
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
To know Alex waited for me and had been thinking of me as much as I’d been thinking of him, even when we agreed to leave it all in Key West, means more than he’ll ever know. We shared something magical and meaningful on that island, something I hope wasn’t brought on by bucket lists and beaches, but only time will tell.
Being able to see the reaction on his face and how happiness radiated from him when he found out he would be a father confirmed I did the right thing after all. I’ll never forget that moment for the rest of my life—no matter what. He could’ve pushed me away. He could’ve argued with me or told me to fuck off. Instead, Alex embraced me like a long-lost lover and looked at me like I was his whole world.
The feelings that swirl through me as I think back on it are so intense my eyes water, and a tear rolls down my cheek. I swipe it away, cursing my damn emotions that have been getting the best of me the past few weeks.
I stand and stretch, adjusting my top that is now tight against my belly, then walk over to the large window and open the sheer curtain that allows the right amount of morning sunlight to leak in. I stare out and take in the beauty that I’m definitely not used to seeing back home. The land goes on for days, and as much as I want to go explore, I remind myself that I’ll have plenty of time. The thought excites me while another one catches me off guard. Am I really moving to Texas?
After I shower and get ready for the day, I walk downstairs and see a large buffet area set up with breakfast platters just as Alex mentioned. Before I can even make my way over to the plates, John walks up holding a folded piece of paper.
“Mornin’, ma’am,” he says with a big grin.
Southerners are so damn polite; I just want to bottle them all up. “Morning.”
“Did you sleep okay last night?” he asks. I know he’s making small talk, which I actually don’t mind. I want to get to know everyone in Alex’s family as best as I can.
“I did, thank you. I think that bed is better than the one I have at home.” I tuck my hair behind my ears, and when I look over at the buffet table, John realizes he’s stalling.
“Oh, sorry. Make sure you try everything on the buffet. It’s all delicious and from my mama’s recipes.”
“I’ll do my best.” I grin, keeping the thoughts to myself on being nauseous in the mornings and how some of their country style food is foreign to me.
“Well anyway, Alex left a message for you.” He hands me the slip of paper.
“Thank you.” I smile, and he gives me a head nod before walking away to help a guest check out. The more I look at John, the more I notice how similar their mannerisms are.
I open the note and recognize the Circle B Ranch emblem on top.
Lunch is at 12. I’ll pick you up.
-Alex
Looking at my watch, I see it’s only a little past nine, which means I have a few hours to get my mind right before I meet his parents. My nerves are stretched thin, and I can only hope they like me. Given the circumstances of how Alex and I met and got pregnant, I’m not so sure that’s a formula for a great first impression. However, I am having their grandbaby after all, so hopefully, they’ll warm up to the idea quickly. I feel like a teenager again, meeting the parents of a boy I like and all that.
I grab a plate and put a few items on it. As I walk down the buffet line, I see stuff that looks a little scary. The woman next to me is pouring white gravy on top of biscuits, and the thought of it grosses me out. I grab some fruit, bacon, a blueberry muffin, and a large cup of orange juice—all of which I recognize and pass all the Southern delicacy like buttermilk pancakes with icing, grits, and cornbread.
There’s a lounge chair by a window across the room, and I decide to sit there and eat my breakfast. As I stare out the window, I take a bite of a blueberry muffin, and it’s so damn delicious that I’m tempted to snatch up the rest of them and stuff them in my purse so I can eat them throughout the day. However, I find some self-restraint and stop after my second one. I feel the juice in my belly. The sugar always makes the baby toss and turn. It’s the weirdest, but coolest feeling ever.
Just as I’m getting ready to place my empty plate in the dishpan, John walks in with a big cheesy smile.