Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 75656 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75656 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“I’ll pick you up. I’ll head to my place and load up what we need and then swing by yours.”
“What do I need to bring?”
“Just you and your camera. I’ll take care of everything else.”
I smile at him. “I can’t wait.”
“Scarlett!” Kennedy calls. “Do you mind grabbing a few shots of the gift table before we start opening gifts?”
“Already done,” I call back to her.
“Perfect. Let’s do this.”
Everyone gathers around Crosby, and their backs are to the rear of the room where I’m still standing with Archer. I lift my camera to take a picture from this vantage point when I feel his lips against my cheek.
“Until later, Firecracker,” he says huskily. He lets his fingers trail across the expanse of my back before he walks away.
I stand frozen as I focus on getting my breathing under control. Desire and excitement courses through my veins. I’ve missed him. He didn’t admit it, but I’m pretty sure fishing is a euphemism for sex, and if it’s not, well, it’s going to be after tonight.
All it took was a simple touch and the sound of his voice, and my panties are ruined. I curse the fact that there’s still a couple of hours or so before this shower is over, and I’m just going to have to deal.
Crosby starts opening her gifts with her husband at her side. Rushton holds up an outfit to her baby bump, and everyone laughs at his antics. There’s a pang of envy gripping my chest like a vise. This here is what I’ve always wanted. Maybe not right now, but someday. I’ve always wanted a husband and kids. I vowed at a young age that I would make sure my kids were loved and that they knew it. My parents gave me that when they adopted me. Sure, I’m still a little messed up about being abandoned by my biological parents, but we don’t know the story, and we never will. That’s something that I have to live with. I’ve been through thousands of dollars of money in therapy to be able to admit that to myself. It’s not that I remember my time in foster care, but I know about it. There’s just something about knowing that you weren’t good enough for the two people who gave you life. Then again, I don’t know the circumstances either. All the more reason it sometimes messes with my head.
Then I lost them. My parents. The ones who chose me. They chose to love me unconditionally. They were my first example of what love looks like. I always wanted what they had, but now they’re gone. Once again I’m all alone. Left with nothing but the pain of their loss beside me as I venture through life.
I spend the next few hours hiding behind my camera. I might sneak a picture or two of Archer. Only a few are for me, and the rest will go to Crosby with the rest of the memories from today.
“Thank you so much, Scarlett,” Crosby says, pulling me into a hug. “I cannot wait to see the pictures.”
“I went a little crazy,” I tell her.
“Perfect. I want all the memories.” Her eyes shimmer with tears, and I pull her into another hug. I feel a connection with Crosby, with the two of us having a similar background.
“You’re going to be the best mommy,” I say softly, keeping my words low, just for her.
She pulls back, wiping at an errant tear. Her smile is wobbly, which has Rushton on high alert.
“Hey, you okay? Is it the baby?”
“I’m fine,” she assures him. “Just happy.”
“Love you.” He kisses her temple, and her body relaxes into his.
“Do you need help with anything?” I ask.
“No. You’ve done so much already. I can’t wait to see the images,” Crosby says again.
“I’ll have them to you next week. I’m going to head out. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your special day.”
“You’re always welcome here,” Crosby tells me. There’s something in her eyes, but it’s gone before I can decipher what she’s trying to tell me.
I make my way around the room, saying goodbye to everyone before heading out to my car.
I’m barely at the end of their street when my cell phone rings. Reaching over, I dig it out of my purse, keeping my eyes on the road. As I pull up to the Stop sign, I see Archer’s name, and my heart skips a beat.
“Hey,” I answer, trying to sound as unaffected as possible.
“I just wanted to let you know that I’m leaving now too. I’m going to stop and get what we need. Give me twenty minutes or so to be at your place.”
“Sounds good. You sure I don’t need to bring anything?”
“I’m sure, Scar. I’ll see you soon. Drive safe.”