Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Greer beams with pride, her eyes shining with exhaustion and joy as she gently cradles her son. “Meet Cash Thorne,” she says, her voice soft and full of love as she gazes down at him. There’s a glow about her, a kind of peaceful contentment I’ve never seen before, and it suits her. Roman is standing close by, his hand resting protectively on her shoulder, the proud father through and through.
We’re all gathered around Greer and Roman’s living room, the air filled with light laughter and the clinking of champagne glasses. The cork had been popped the second we arrived, and the bubbles in the champagne flutes sparkled in the late afternoon light streaming through the windows. It’s a small group, just close friends, all celebrating the birth of this precious little boy.
“Now Devvie Junior has a cousin to play with,” Chloe says, holding her own son in her arms.
“Can I play with them too,” Nate says, glancing up at me for guidance.
Benedict smiles. “I’m sure they’ll let you play with them.”
I nod, reassuring my son. “I’m sure the three of you will be as thick as thieves.”
“And this one will join in as well,” Posey says, rubbing her hand over her belly. “Just a few more weeks before Aiden will be here too.”
“I can’t wait,” Ledger says, wrapping an arm around Posey’s shoulders.
We turn our attention back to Cash.
“He’s so sweet,” I tell Greer, glancing around the room as everyone takes their turn to coo over Cash. The smell of fresh flowers fills the air, a bouquet of blue and white roses sitting on the kitchen counter, and soft baby clothes are draped over the back of the couch.
Greer leans back into Roman, a quiet sigh escaping her. “I wanted to wait a few weeks before inviting anyone over,” she admits, rubbing the back of her neck. “Recovery’s been a bit harder than I expected. But I couldn’t wait any longer to show him off.”
I smile, feeling my heart swell for her. “You did the right thing. You look amazing, and this little guy—” I gesture toward Cash—“he’s perfect.”
Roman grins down at his wife, brushing a kiss to the top of her head. “We’re lucky,” he says, his voice low and full of affection. “He’s been pretty easy so far.”
We all laugh at that, but I catch the tired look in Greer’s eyes, the one that says she hasn’t had a full night’s sleep in weeks.
I reach out to gently touch Cash’s tiny hand, marveling at how small and delicate he is. “He’s so beautiful, Greer. You and Roman did good.”
Greer smiles softly, her eyes drifting to her son. “He’s our little miracle,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. “I can’t believe he’s really here.”
Posey steps closer, her own belly swollen with the child she’ll be delivering soon. “Is the labor really as bad as they say,” she asks Greer.
Ledger’s behind Posey, his arm wrapped around her. “I’ll be with you the entire time.”
“That doesn’t make me feel any better,” Posey says with a laugh.
I shake my head. “It’s not that bad,” I say, looking at my own son. “The outcome is definitely worth it.”
Posey smiles as she glances back at Greer. “Is that true?”
Greer stares down at her son. “Definitely worth it.” She tugs Cash closer, smiling down on him. “I already love him so much.”
We all grow teary eyed at the mention of her love for her son. I know exactly how she feels. Benedict steps closer, and I suck in a deep breath.
“I guess now’s a good time to tell everyone,” I start, and Benedict gives me a puzzling gaze.
“Tell everyone what?” he asks.
I smile, my heart racing as all eyes in the room turn toward me. “I’m pregnant too,” I announce, feeling a mix of joy and nerves rush through me.
The room falls silent for a beat, and then gasps ripple through the air. Devereaux, ever the jokester, slaps a hand onto Benedict’s shoulder with a wide grin. “Congratulations, Father,” Dev says with a laugh. “Now we really can call you that.”
Laughter breaks out, the tension replaced with cheers of excitement. Chloe, Greer, and Posey practically squeal in unison, their voices blending together as they all say, “Congratulations!”
Nate, who had been quietly playing by the window, suddenly jumps up and down, his eyes bright with excitement. “Does this mean I get to be an older brother?” he asks, his small hands clapping together in pure delight.
I nod, tears already welling in my eyes. “Yes, sweetie, you’re going to have a little brother or sister.” My voice wavers with emotion, and I glance up at Benedict, wanting to share this moment with him.
But when I meet his gaze, I see a mixture of shock and awe written all over his face. His usual confident, composed demeanor is gone, replaced by an almost boyish vulnerability. To say he’s shocked is an understatement.