Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 17637 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 88(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17637 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 88(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
“Absolutely,” she replies, her tone kind but firm. “Now, get out of here before your handsome young man comes searching for you.”
“Thank you so much.” I hug her quickly before rushing to the office to grab my purse.
I give Esther a wave before stepping outside into the cool air. Walking to my car, I take a second to center myself. I’m still shocked this is happening so quickly, but I couldn’t be happier. My parents are going to be shocked when they get home from their vacation to find me not only mated but also expecting a little one. It’s just another day in the crazy Bearly Family.
The sun is barely peeking over the mountains when my phone buzzes, and I glance over at it in the passenger seat to see my mother’s face flash across the screen. I know what this is about even before I swipe to answer.
My parents returned from their three-week vacation last night, and I’ve been awaiting this call.
“Hello?” I answer, trying to sound like my normal mix of casual and cheerful.
“Good morning, Gianna! We’re back and we missed you so much!” Her voice is a melody of enthusiasm and warmth, and I can practically hear her repressed excitement over the line. “Plus, from the rumors floating around, we missed a whole bunch of family news.”
Yep. She’s already talked to one of my loose-lipped brothers. “Hey, Mom! It’s great to hear from you. How was the trip?” I ask, trying to throw her off for a few more moments so I can get my sleepy mind into gear and ready for her interrogation. My mind wanders as I drive home, and she launches into a quick recap, including sunsets, strange foods, and at least one awkward encounter with other tourists.
“It was wonderful, but I can tell you all about it later. Right now, we need to arrange a family dinner. Your father and I can’t wait to meet your new mate.”
And there is the real reason for this call. I should’ve known my parents wouldn’t let the grass grow under their feet when it comes to meeting my new mate.
“We can do that,” I reply, striving to keep my voice from hitting new octaves of stress. “But you know, our entire family might be a bit overwhelming right out of the gate.”
“Nonsense!” she cuts in, her tone decisive. “Our family is perfect. Plus, it won’t be the entire family anyway. Bethany and Clay are visiting Honey Pot Hollow, and Emilia and Dillon have their hands full with their teething son. It’ll just be you, Sawyer, Gabe, Grant, and Lennon, along with your father and me. Intimate.”
Intimate? That’s not the word I’d use, but my mother is immovable, and I know when she's made up her mind, it’s easier to wrestle with a sleepy bear than to change her mind. “Okay, we’ll be there,” I agree, cringing at the idea of Sawyer swimming amidst our familial chaos as I pull up the driveway.
“We’re so excited! See you both at six, sweetie!” she trills before the call ends with an efficient click.
I pull the phone away from my ear, staring at it as if it might offer advice. Dinner with my family and Sawyer promises an entirely new level of chaotic potential. With Gabe and Grant’s unending teasing and Lennon’s amusement smugly hiding beneath her polite exterior, it’ll be an entertaining evening, to say the least.
With that thought firmly lodged in my mind, I make my way to the bedroom. The sound of running water meets my ears as I approach, and I find a smile creeping onto my face. Sawyer’s in the shower, steam billowing out like a foggy morning in Glacier Pass. Perfect timing.
Throwing caution and towels to the wind, I strip down and tiptoe toward the bathroom. The glass is fogged up, obscuring everything, and I knock lightly on the shower door before sliding it open and stepping in, feeling the hot water envelop me instantly.
Sawyer’s head snaps around, his surprise quickly morphing into a grin as he sees me. “Well, hello,” he says, raising an eyebrow. “To what do I owe the pleasure? Not that I’m complaining.”
“Well,” I reply, sidling up next to him, letting the water cascade over both of us, “I’ve got a bit of a deal to make with you.”
“A deal?” He chuckles, his curiosity piqued as he slides his arms around me. I melt against his hard body and breathe deeply, inhaling his spicy masculine scent.
“Yeah.” I nod, trying to maintain a serious expression, which is hard with his cock growing steadily harder against my wet skin. “Consider this a bribe. I need to butter you up before tonight.”
He smirks, hugging me closer. “Why are you bribing me?” He laughs before adding, “Again, not that I’m complaining or anything.”
“My parents are back in town, and they want to meet you.” I slowly run my hands up and down his wet back.