Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 86158 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86158 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
“I’m glad you have better memories,” she said, smiling at me.
“You should come by our new place,” I said, switching the subject. “Tommy really came through. The house is huge and nice and there’s a big yard.”
“You care about the yard?” she asked dryly.
“Not even a little,” I replied, making her chuckle. “But Draco thinks it’s the best thing ever.”
“Let me guess, he’s going to get a barbeque?”
“A smoker.”
“Dudes are so predictable,” she said. “You guys should do a housewarming party!”
“We didn’t buy the place,” I replied. “We’re just renting it from our dumbass cousin.”
“Still,” she said, leaning back to put her feet up on the porch rail as it started to rain. “You just moved in and everyone loves a party.”
“Good point,” I conceded. “Plus, Tommy has told us like ten times not to have a party and that’s reason enough to have everyone over.”
“He’s such a hypocrite,” she said, shaking her head. “That manchild has thrown more parties than anyone else I know.”
“He does like to host, doesn’t he?”
“I think he just likes not having to drive home afterward,” she said with a snicker. “He and Heather can get toasted and then crash in their own bed.”
“Yeah, he likes that Heather can get toasted,” I said, joining in on the laughter. “Poor thing has been the designated driver since they got married.”
“To be fair, she was pregnant for most of their married life.”
“Yeesh,” I muttered.
“You think you’ll have kids?” my sister asked curiously.
“I don’t even have a partner,” I complained, throwing a chip at her. “I am not having kids any time in the near future.”
“You’d be a good mom,” she said with a shrug, eating the chip I’d thrown. “I want some more nieces and nephews to snuggle. All the kids are getting too big.”
“I have a feeling you’ll have great-nieces and nephews before I have any kids,” I said, stuffing the last of my sandwich in my mouth.
Cecilia dropped her feet from the railing and sat forward. “Do you know something I don’t?”
I stared at her blankly for a few moments before it clicked. “No,” I blurted, my eyes widening. “Kara isn’t pregnant. She and Draco want to finish school and get married first.”
Cecilia sighed and sat back. “She’s such a square.”
I snorted. “Smart, square, same thing.”
“Seriously,” she said, zipping up her sweatshirt as the wind began to blow. “I want a baby to snuggle.”
“Then have one of your own,” I replied in exasperation.
“That is not happening,” she replied firmly. “This baby factory is closed for business. The kids are old enough to do their own shit now, go to their friends’ houses and stay the night at their aunts and uncles. I’m not starting all over.”
“No, you just want me to do the baby stage!” I shook my head and pointed at her. “Selfish.”
“Yep,” she said easily. “Hurry up and find someone great, alright? Geesh.”
“Actually,” I said, drawing the word out.
“What?” she said in surprise. “Tell me everything. Wait! Let’s go inside, it’s cold as hell out here.” She got to her feet. “Then you can tell me everything.”
I followed her inside and we got cozy on the couch. My sister’s house looked like a magazine with everything in its place at all times, but she always had comfortable pillows and throw blankets easily accessible.
“You met someone?” Cecilia asked, curling up under a fuzzy blanket with the face of some crime show TV star all over it. “Boy or girl?”
“Boy, actually.”
“Surprising,” she said with raised eyebrows. “I always thought you leaned a little further the other way.”
“It depends on the person,” I replied. “I’ve just been more lucky with women in the past.”
“For obvious reasons,” Cecilia said with a laugh. “Men are a pain in the ass. So, who’s the guy?”
“Draco’s friend Bishop,” I said, falling dramatically against the back of the couch.
“Oh, yum,” Ceecee said, nodding. “Dreamy.”
“Right?” I said, snapping back up. “He’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen.”
“Same,” she agreed. “The eyes.”
“And the fucking cheekbones,” I added.
“And that smile?” she fanned herself. “Goodness.”
“You know what his full name is?” I asked, leaning forward. “Beauregard Augustus Bishop.”
“And he goes by Bishop?” she asked in confusion.
“That’s what I said!”
“That’s a seriously cool name.”
“He’s—” I shook my head and smiled. “He’s great.”
“I’ve been around him a few times at parties and stuff and I’ve always really liked him. Mark does too.”
“He’s genuinely likable,” I said, raising my hands palms up. “He’s just such a nice guy. Gets along with everyone.”
“I’ve noticed.”
“But it’s not the right time—”
“Wait,” she said. “Go back. We’re talking about why you like him.”
I laughed. “I like him because if I’m in the room, it’s like I’m the only thing he sees. I like him because he treats Reb like spun glass but he’s never once talked to her like she’s a child. I like him because he touches me and I lose my goddamn mind. I like that he came looking for Draco the moment he got out because he wanted to make sure that his friend was okay. I like the way he fits with us.”