Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 24098 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 120(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24098 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 120(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
With that, I pull her in for a heartfelt embrace as tears come to my eyes.
“Thank you, baby,” I whisper into those brown curls. “I’ve wanted to be a father for so long, and you know all about how my first marriage failed. But now, I’m getting another chance.”
She nods.
“We’ll have to tell Jeannie together,” the curvy girl says in a soft voice. “I think my mom’s going to be really excited for a grandchild, even though the baby will also technically be her ex-husband’s child.”
I nod.
“Our family tree will be a little complicated, but it’s fine,” I state in a shaky voice. “A child is a blessing, and I’m grateful to be with you, sweetheart.”
With that, I claim Cleo’s mouth in a deep kiss as her arms wrap around my shoulders because this is right. Maybe this woman was my stepdaughter once upon a time, but that marriage fell apart over a decade ago. Then, we re-connected under different circumstances, and everything shifted. I put my baby in the beautiful brunette’s belly, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done because with Cleo at my side, everything will work out just fine.
EPILOGUE
CLEO
“The crib is the last thing that we have to put together,” I smile as I show my mom around the nursery. “It’ll go right in the corner over there, beneath the window. Aside from that, though, this room is finished.”
Jeannie purses her lips.
“Honey, I hate to be a meddling mom, but beneath the window probably isn’t a great idea. You have no curtains right now, and the baby can’t handle that much sunlight. Maybe over here, in this dark corner?”
I smile with exasperation.
“But I’m going to get curtains!”
Jeannie holds up her hands to show she’s giving in.
“Okay, okay, it’s fine. I just wanted to offer my opinion as a doting grandma-to-be.”
I smile as tears spring to my eyes because I’m so glad Jeannie’s here with me. After the shitstorm (literally) at the basketball game, I leaned on my mom for support. Jeannie’s been through a lot in her life, and she was happy to hear that not only did I get my revenge, but that Brody and I are committed now. She was even happier to hear that I was moving in with him and expecting a child too.
“Come on, let’s head back to the living room,” Mom laughs as she tugs me out of the nursery. “You can finish eating the rest of the brownies that I brought.”
I merely nod.
“I’ve been so hungry recently that it’s incredible. I’m going to finish that pan within a day.”
Jeannie merely pats my hand as we sit down on the couch.
“You’re just like me, sweetheart. When I was pregnant with you, I was eating two whole pizzas per day, by myself too. You couldn’t have stopped me if you tried.”
I giggle while popping a bite of brownie in my mouth.
“Really? Two pies?”
She nods, her grayish-brown ponytail bobbing.
“Yep, and loaded with toppings too. No plain cheese for me.”
I giggle.
“That sounds totally over-the-top, yet believable too. But what about you, Mom? How are things going with you?”
Jeannie nods.
“Well, I have some good news,” she says with a sly smile. “I got a job.”
I lean forward with excitement.
“OMG, that’s wonderful! Where?”
My mom’s expression is positively smug now.
“I’ve been placed through a prison work-release program as a receptionist for a gastroenterologist. Pretty awesome, right?”
I nod.
“Yes, but what does a gastroenterologist do? Sorry, I don’t know my “ologies” that well.”
My mom smirks.
“That’s the best part, sweetheart. A gastro handles all sorts of digestive disorders, from constipation, to diarrhea, to giving people colonoscopies. Pretty gross, right?”
I nod.
“Very, but it’s perfect for you, Mom. I mean, those laxatives were killer.”
Jeannie giggles.
“I know. I perfected the secret sauce in my cell, and let me tell you, it’s formulated for maximum effect. Maybe I should see if my new employer could use some. You never know,” she says with a wink. “There are definitely some patients who could benefit, that’s for sure.”
With that, we both descend into gales of laughter because life is just so absurd sometimes. Who would have guessed that my mom’s prison skills would translate into a full-time job? Even more, Jeannie helped me wreak my revenge, and I’m grateful for that.
But then, Brody strides into the room and my mom shoots me a knowing wink.
“Okay, I’m going to give you lovebirds some private time now. You don’t need a meddling mother-in-law hanging out non-stop.”
“Mom, we love having you around. You know that.”
Jeannie nods.
“Still, it’s time I got going. Bye everyone,” she sings before disappearing out the front door. “I’ll tell you more about gastroenterology next time.”
My boyfriend stares after the door closes.
“Gastroenterology? Is that what I think it is? Please tell me your mom’s staying on the right side of the law.”
I giggle.
“No, she just got a job at a doctor’s office, and he specializes in digestive disorders, that’s all. Pretty coincidental, right?”