Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
He offers her a warm smile. “I think I can handle you.” He looks over her shoulder at his friend and manager. “What do you think? Can you deal with Gabby telling you what to do on a daily basis?”
Chase gives him a pointed look. “And that would be different than now how?”
Gabby just shrugs. “It’s true. The man’s a mess.”
I can’t help but chuckle at their easy banter. Oh, there’s definitely something going on there. It’s been brewing for some time, but I’m not sure if either of them are ready to finally admit it. I guess only time will tell, especially if they’re going to be working together almost daily.
“Okay. You start Monday. Eight o’clock sharp.”
Gabby beams with excitement. “I’ll be there!”
Harrison turns to face me, keeping his arms wrapped around my waist. “I’m going to regret hiring your sister, aren’t I?” he whispers, swiping his lips across my forehead.
“Oh, definitely. You have no idea what you’re in for.” I giggle, knowing full well my sister is going to run that ship like a seasoned drill sergeant. He exhales and hugs me to his chest.
“Uh, guys?” Chase says, pulling our attention his way. “I’m pretty sure my beautiful goddaughter just shit all over me.”
Gabby gently moves his arm and peeks between him and the baby. “Oh my God!” She bursts into fits of laughter.
“Fix this,” he demands to my sister.
“No can do,” she says, taking a step to the side. “Uncle Chase is going to clean you up now, Princess. You be nice to him,” Gabby says aloud to her sleeping niece. Before she pulls away, she also whispers, “Make sure you pee on him too.” Then she kisses her forehead and heads toward the door.
“Where are you going?” I ask.
“Gina’s in jail, which means I’m not in danger anymore. I’m going home to move Chase’s crap out onto the front porch. Then I’m opening a bottle of wine and watching American Horror Story on Netflix.”
“Dammit, woman!” Chase loudly whispers behind my sister so he doesn’t wake the baby. “You’re lucky I’m covered in baby shit right now or…”
“Or what? You’d stress eat ice cream and cover your face with a pillow because you’re being forced to watch scary movies and can’t sleep? Don’t worry, Chase. Your secret is safe with me, little chicken.” Gabby grins, a blinding smile on her face as she heads outside and gets in her car.
Chase sighs.
“You don’t like scary movies?” I ask when the silence is too much.
“Of course I do. I’m a man,” Chase argues.
“He hates them,” Harrison interjects with a smile.
“Fuck off.”
“Come on, Chase. Let’s get you and the princess cleaned up. Then Harrison can take you home since your ride left you high and dry,” I add, smiling at the tic of his jaw. Oh, Chase isn’t happy to be left behind.
We watch as our friend heads up to Sophia’s bedroom, already having a word with our daughter about her explosive diaper issue. “Wait,” Harrison says, stopping me. He returns his arms to my waist and pulls me in close. I can already feel his erection pressing against my stomach.
“Why, Mr. Drake, you seem mighty happy to see me,” I tease, running my lips along the edge of his jaw.
“Oh, I’m always happy to see you, baby. I was just thinking maybe we can do more of that other stuff you showed me early this morning,” he says, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
“I do like the other stuff,” I tell him, my lips finding the corner of his mouth.
“My cock really liked it too.” Finally, his lips land on mine in a fierce kiss. “I love you, Winnie.”
“I love you too.”
His lips are urgent and hungry as he trails his hands down my sides and around to my backside, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Uh, guys? Still covered in baby shit up here!” Chase hollers down the stairs, making us both laugh.
I start to pull away to rescue our friend when Harrison grabs me again. “He can wait another minute,” he whispers before taking my lips once more in a fierce, hungry kiss that leaves me breathless and yearning for more.
“Not funny!” Chase yells, causing us both to break out into fits of laughter once more.
“Come on, my love. Let’s go rescue our friend from the poopy princess.”
Together, we head upstairs, hand in hand. I never thought this was how our story would go, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have a beautiful daughter and a redo with my husband slash ex-husband slash fiancé. Something tells me this time around will be different. This time around, we’ll get it right.
Because our story isn’t over.
It’s only beginning.
Epilogue
Harrison
* * *
I remember the first time I did this, waited at the end of the aisle for the love of my life to appear. This time though, things are different. For one, we’re in our backyard. We have less than twenty people in attendance, and in my arms is my baby girl. She’s four months old today, and she’s wearing a little pink lace dress with a matching pink band around her head. This time, I know the pain that comes with losing the love of your life. I know the joy of rekindling that love. There is, however, one thing that remains the same. My love for Winnie. No matter if we were together or apart, my heart was hers. Now, in front of our family, our closest friends, and our daughter, I get to vow to love her until I take my last breath.