Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
“Shhhh, let’s not announce it to the entire bar. I’m not ready to tell the world about my surprise pregnancy.”
She stops bouncing but keeps me in her clutches.
“I got knocked up by my boyfriend.”
“Yes, Charlie, but you were engaged.”
“My first pregnancy was a surprise.”
“Raven, you were married!”
“When’s the wedding?” Charlie’s question sets my head spinning.
“There is no wedding. Major’s building us a house and I’m having a baby. That’s enough for this year.”
“Jesus, what do I pay you two for? You bartending or yammering about girlie shit all night?” Tom places a box on the service bar, the bottles clinking together.
“The bar is empty, except for Charlie and Raven.”
“Yeah, and last time those two were here, their posse about drank my bar under. You better stock up.”
Harley releases me, twisting to him. “Sorry to disappoint you, but it’s just them tonight.”
“Actually, I messaged Declan, and the band is headed over after they’re done at the studio. Stock up,” Raven informs us.
Tom’s eyebrows shoot high, and I spot the dollar signs flashing in his brain. It’s only happened a few times, but the nights the band comes in, the place gets wild. They bring in a following that has no problem spending money to catch a glimpse of their favorite rockers.
“Jewls, reserve the side bar. You two,” he points at Charlie and Raven, “get your asses over there and behave. I don’t want your husbands showing up and causing trouble.”
Meaning, he doesn’t want Declan and Blake to walk in and see men flirting with their wives. Blake knows he married a nut, but he’s protective in his own way. Declan is much like Ace and Major in his jealousy.
They do as he asks without argument. And I start on Charlie’s martini.
“Jewls, it’s unexpected, but I’m thrilled for you and Major,” Harley says softly.
“He’s building us a house.”
“I know. And you may panic at the thought of marriage, but it’s coming.”
“Let’s get through your nuptials before we plan mine. And for God’s sake, keep this to yourself until my next appointment.”
“My lips are sealed.” She makes the zipper motion across her lips, tossing an imaginary key over her shoulder.
I want to call bullshit because she’ll tell Ace the first chance she gets.
Harley takes the martini to Charlie, and I grab my phone, sending a quick text to Major.
Harley, Raven, and Charlie know…
A few seconds later, his reply comes through.
I know.
Me- How do you know?
Major- Ace told me she was ambushing you today. Figured you’d roll.
Me- I didn’t roll. She brought in the big guns. Raven and Charlie are pregnancy pursuers.
Then it hits me.
Me- Does Ace know?
Major- All the guys know.
Oh my God!
Me- You squealed?
Major- I don’t squeal.
Me- You know what I mean, you told them…
Major- Babe
Babe? Babe?
Me- That’s your response? Babe?
Major- See you in an hour. Do you want anything?
Me- I want to hang you by your balls for telling our secret. At least they tricked me.
His reply isn’t immediate, and I stew for a minute while the little bubbles dance on the screen.
Major- Be hard to have four kids if you fuck with my balls.
“UGH!” I stomp, gaining attention from the two tables eating.
“Jewls! You gonna finish that inventory sheet before next week?” Tom hollers from the stock room
“On it.” I shove my phone into my back pocket, tying the extra material of the shirt in a knot at my mid-drift. He thinks this is funny? Let’s see who’s laughing tonight.
“Four kids, my ass,” I mutter, grabbing the inventory clipboard.
It doesn’t matter the quantities in the bottles. Knowing the band is on the way, we need extra of everything. Which means a long night. Then another thought hits. My bartending days are numbered.
Tomorrow, I’ll set up a savings account and deposit fifty percent of my Tom’s earnings for this baby. Since my trip to Europe is out, and basically any trip in the next few years, I’ll have a slush fund.
“You in la-la land again?” Tom grouses when I hand him the clipboard.
“Not really.”
“I know your family needed you, but it’s good to have you back.”
Here comes that soft spot that makes an occasional appearance. If I’m not careful, my eyes will leak without warning.
“Of course it is. I am awesome. Your regulars clearly couldn’t handle me being gone.”
“Pain in my ass,” he grunts, his lips curling as he takes the list to the stockroom.
“I love you, too!”
“Fill those stools with asses and get my bar ready for the circus.”
“Aye, aye, Master!” I mock salute.
“We have about four minutes before he comes back. I’m dying to know Major’s reaction.” Harley tugs me back to the girls.
I smile, resisting the urge to palm my stomach. “This is my favorite part of the story.”
“Mrs. Keller?”
“Yes.”
“This is Dr. Vaskar’s office. She’d like for you to come in.”
My heart and stomach take a swift, deep plummet. “Is there something wrong? My appointment isn’t until next week.”