Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 47279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
But then, I smile deeply as I take in the scene before me: my best friend and Carlton’s best friend connecting; my baby, happy and healthy; and the man I love, always by my side.
I sigh contentedly.
“What is it, darling?” Carlton asks me quietly.
I beam at him. “I’m just really happy, that’s all.”
He smiles back and plants a soft kiss on my forehead. “Me too.”
“So, Ramona,” Carrie unintentionally interrupts our intimate moment. “What’s the latest on the plans for the new firm? Any more movement with the licenses?”
I feel my pulse quicken with excitement at her question because after I revealed my pregnancy to Carlton, we had a heart to heart. I’d already quit my job at Concord Design, and while it may have been a somewhat rash move in the moment, it turned out to have been the best decision in the long run because within a few weeks of my leaving the company, Melody was fired for unprofessional behavior with another client. What she did, we’ll never know, but I’m willing to bet it had something to do with her used panties again. That woman was awful, and I’m so glad I don’t interact with her anymore.
But Carlton convinced me to start my own interior design firm, with Dissidence serving as my financial backer. It’s been slow-moving with my pregnancy, but finally, the pieces are falling into place, and soon, I’ll have my own design firm.
“It’s moving along, slow but steady,” I burble to Carrie. “It’ll be another couple of months before the papers are in order, but I have a good team at my back.” I wink at Bruce and smile lovingly at Carlton.
“I’m so proud of you for taking this step,” Carrie says warmly. “You’re such a girl boss!”
“You know you’ve got a job if you want it,” I remind her with equal affection.
Carrie smiles and shakes her head. “The second the doors are officially open, and I’ll be there,” she promises.
For the next while, we enjoy an easy meal with our closest friends. The four of us laugh over Andy’s messy attempts to eat his spaghetti, talk excitedly about upcoming holiday travel, and make plans for our next get-together. The dinner party ends after ten, and I could swear that Carrie and Bruce leave together.
“You think they’re going to hook up tonight?” I ask as the door closes.
“I definitely think so,” Carlton answers with a growl.
We laugh companionably before tucking Andrew into his crib, and once he’s nestled snuggly in the nursery, Carlton and I go through our evening routine of curling up on the sofa in front of the fireplace and recap our day.
“I love this penthouse,” I sigh as I take in the stunning living room for the thousandth time.
Carlton chuckles. “It’s a good home, thanks to you.” He kisses me on my forehead as I snuggle even more deeply into his embrace.
I moved into Carlton’s apartment the day after I’d told him I was pregnant. There had been no doubt in my mind that this had been the right thing to do, and now, cozy and content, it’s the perfect size for the three of us, even if there are still a few extra bedrooms.
“You know,” Carlton’s voice rumbles in his chest. “I could get some momentum going behind those licenses, get the business up and running a little more quickly.”
I look up at him and smile. “Oh yeah?” I ask naughtily, “What would I owe you in return?” Carlton whispers something provocative in my ear and I feel my face flush.
“As enticing as that sounds,” I sit up a little so I can look him more easily. “I actually don’t want to rush the licensing process. There isn’t really a need.”
Carlton frowns a little, unsure what to make of my statement. “But I thought you were eager to get the firm situated and start taking on clients,” he says slowly.
“I was, and I still am. But I have something a little more important that should be addressed first.”
The handsome man cocks his head to a side, waiting for me to explain my cryptic words.
“Really?” he asks, blue eyes gleaming. “What is it, sweetheart?”
I take a deep breath, but I’m no longer nervous to share anything with the man I love.
“I’m pregnant, Carlton. You’re going to be a daddy again.”
I watch my boyfriend closely as he processes this news. “You are?” he asks softly, those vibrant blue eyes darkening with emotion.
I nod eagerly. “I am,” I say, my own voice choking with happiness.
The alpha male stands and scoops me up. He spins me around in a delighted circle, laughing and whooping in his joy.
“We’re going to have another baby!” he shouts loudly. I laugh delightedly at his enthusiasm and press myself closely to his big form. After all, he’s been such a great father to Andy, and I know he’s going to be even better when number two is born. Then, after another excited spin, Carlton drops me gently onto the couch, but doesn’t sit down next to me.