Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
"It's up to you. I know you want to tell your parents, right?"
"Yes. They'll be pissed if they find out from someone else."
"Go ahead and tell them. I need to call Penny first, so she doesn't get upset when I let it slip."
"Okay." He takes a seat on the foot of our bed and pulls me down beside him while he dials his mom's cell. She picks up immediately. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes. Everything is fine. In fact, it's great." I can hear the giddiness in Anthony's voice.
"Oh my God. You're having a baby."
"What? How did you know?"
"You sound too happy, and there's nothing—aside from getting laid, which I’m sure you didn't call to tell me—that could account for that level of happiness.”
"Nope, but you're right. Jules is pregnant."
"I'm so freaking happy I could hug you both. I can't wait. How far along? Have you seen the doctor? Do you know what you're having?"
"Slow down, Ma. We just found out. She's not far along, and we'll have to figure out the rest when the time comes. Where's Dad?"
"Tinkering in the garage. I'm going to brag that I knew first."
"Yeah, well. I've got to go. We're heading out. I'll give you guys a call tomorrow."
"Okay. Be safe. I love you both." He ends the call and gets up.
"Come on, wife. We have to meet Sophia before she freaks. Call Penny on the way there."
"I will." We finally make it out of the house, and I dial Penny. Lately she and I have been playing phone tag because she's always so busy between the shop and the baby. I really should face my fears and get out there into the real world. I could be helping Penny since I'm not working at all.
"Hey, Pen, I'm going to hang with Sophia for a bit. What are you up to?"
"Same ol’ thing. I just put another batch of cookies in the oven, and now I'm going to my office to feed the baby."
"I'm sorry, girl. You need to hire some more bakers or staff, period. I ditched you and so did Roxie."
"It's okay. I love baking. I just really need a nap. Jackson is supposed to come to get the baby in twenty minutes so I can finish my work and then head home." She sounds so exhausted that I feel terrible that I abandoned her all those months ago.
"Well, I love you, Pen." She’s been wonderful to me over the years, even when my stepfather kept us apart.
"Love you, too. Miss you."
"We should hang out soon,” I offer, and I truly mean to make it happen.
"I'll look at my schedule to see when I can stop by."
"Okay. Talk to you later." I'm not going to tell her that I'm going to try and go out. I want to see how today goes. Anthony's stealing glances at me.
"Why didn't you tell her?"
"Because she's so exhausted from working and the baby that I didn't want to wear her out. I'll tell her later."
"Okay. Do you want to stop by and pick up some goodies to take to Sophia?"
"Yes. That sounds like a good idea." We stop in the shop to see another cashier there that I don't know.
"Hi, is Penny in?"
"Yes, but she's busy at the moment."
The bell dings behind us, and it's Jackson. "Hey, I thought I saw you two pull up. Come on back."
"Um...Mr. Steele. She's busy," the cashier quietly remarks. She did say she was going to feed the baby. Then it dawns on him, and he nods.
"It's okay, Jackson. We'll wait."
"Thanks." He walks in back and we place our order.
"Jules, it's so good to see you out," Penny exclaims as the girl boxes up our treats for Sophia. She comes around the counter and we hug. "I missed you. Is that why you called? You wanted to know where I was?"
"No. I'm meeting with Sophia, so we thought I’d bribe her for being late."
"Elle, this is my cousin, Jules. She used to work here."
"About that. I'm wondering if you need any help."
"Baby, are you sure?" Anthony asks. We don't need the money, but I want to get over being scared.
"If that's all right with Blade, I'd love to have you baking again."
"If you want to, we'll double the security around here. I want whatever is gonna make you happy."
"Thank you. I was planning on waiting, but it felt nice to be outside."
"How does twice a week sound?"
"That could work for me."
"Elle works most days alone, so she could use some help."
"That would be great."
"How about I come for about two hours every morning to get the rush out and if you need anything else done? That way I don't work too much, but you have me during the important times."
"If you feel up to it. I'm not rushing you. I know that this is a big step."