Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53521 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53521 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
“I’m fine,” I say, shaking my head with a big smile.
“He’s very protective. You should be proud,” I hear my mom whisper to Carol.
“I’m very proud,” she replies.
“So what’s wrong?” Shepherd asks, wrapping his muscular arms around me.
I melt into him and my heart races when I hear Carol whisper to my mom that it’s so clear we love each other before they walk away to inspect the gifts.
Shepherd runs his hand down my hair and I lift my head to smile up at him. “Our mothers made us a beautiful quilt put together with our old baby clothes.”
“Oh, that’s why you’re crying? It’s happy tears?” I nod and he grins. “Thank goodness.”
“Shepherd, can you keep your hands off her for a minute so we can get some pictures?” Anya shouts, causing a fit of laughter throughout the party.
He chuckles and goes to pull away, but I hold onto him tighter. “I love you,” I whisper.
His eyes widen as he searches my face. My heart begins to sink, but he tightens his hold on me and crashes his lips to mine. I can hear whispers and laughter, but it’s drowned out by the sound of my heart pounding in my ears.
He breaks the kiss all too quickly for my liking and rests his forehead on mine. “This isn’t how I wanted it to happen, I was planning something a bit more romantic, but I love you, Felicity. I love you so damn much that I didn’t think it was possible.”
Once again tears swim in my eyes, stupid hormones, and he wipes them before they fall. “You do?”
He chuckles and kisses my lips quickly. “More than you can imagine.”
“Hello? We’re having a baby shower here. Can you unhand the guest of honor?” Anya says.
Shepherd and I both laugh and reluctantly pull apart. He squeezes my hand and smiles down at me. “To be continued.”
I nod right before Anya pulls me away.
After tons of pictures, some delicious dessert, and talking to each guest, it’s finally over.
My feet hurt and I’m exhausted, but I’m feeling more excited and hopeful than I ever have before.
“Mom, can you hand me that bag of gifts,” I ask from my seated position. Everyone has insisted I relax while they get the cars packed with all the gifts.
My mom hands me the bag and when the girls are back in the room, I stand up.
“Hey, you’re supposed to be relaxing,” Emmie says, putting her hands on her hips.
“Anya, Hartford, can you guys come here?” I ask. They come over and stand with Emmie, all three staring at me. I clear my throat as I glance at each of them. “I’m so grateful for everything you guys did for me and Shepherd. You’ve all gone above and beyond and this little boy is so lucky to have three aunts that love him so much already and I’m lucky to have found such a close relationship with you all. So, I wanted to say thank you for everything and let you know that I appreciate everything you’ve done.” I hand them each a small box and step back.
“Felicity, you didn’t need to do this,” Hartford says, holding the box like she’s afraid to accept it.
“She’s right. This is what we do. We spoil the ones we love,” Anya says.
“I didn’t do nearly as much as these two,” Emmie says.
“Shut up all of you. Just open your gift,” I say, laughing.
They all open it and one by one they stare at it before lifting their gaze to me with tear-filled eyes. I’ve given each of them a bracelet that says ‘Best Aunt Ever’ on it.
“You bitch,” Anya says, crying as she grabs me for a hug. “I didn’t want to cry, but damn this is the best gift I’ve ever gotten.”
I giggle as I hug her back. “Well, it’s true and everyone should know.”
Hartford pulls Anya off me and hugs me next. “Thank you, Felicity. I do love him so much already,” she says, her tears wetting my shoulder.
“I know you do and he knows it too.”
When she pulls away, Emmie stares at me and smiles before hugging me. “I will always have candy for him,” she says, laughing. “Thank you.”
“Oh great, Anya and Hartford are crying now,” Shepherd says, shaking his head.
“Get used to it because I’m going to be a mess when this baby is born,” Anya yells.
I stand back a second and take it all in. A few months ago I thought I’d be raising this baby on my own and now, well now, I’ve got a man that loves me and more family than I could have ever hoped for.
The future is bright and I can’t wait for my baby boy to experience all the love he has coming.
Chapter 28
Shepherd
I get Felicity home after the shower, and together we sit on the couch and I pull her feet into my lap. I start rubbing them, and she groans as she closes her eyes.