Total pages in book: 41
Estimated words: 38483 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 154(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38483 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 154(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Looking down at my precious baby girl, it hits me how much I miss my family and just how much they’re going to miss out on. They won’t hear Jenna’s first words or see her first steps. They won’t be around to watch her unwrap presents for the holidays. My brother Aedan, who taught me how to ride a bike, won’t get the chance to do the same with her, and all because he and the rest of my family refused to listen to me when I told them I wanted to keep her. I know Aedan worked hard to build his empire, but I’m hurt his business was more important than my happiness and my beautiful girl.
“Hey,” Justin whispers, wiping the tears I didn’t even notice from my cheeks with his thumbs. “What’s wrong, baby?”
“Just thinking about my family.” I breathe deep, trying to get ahold of my runaway emotions. “I wish things were different so they could be in her life.” I stroke a finger down her soft cheek, still amazed I created her.
“I bet if they met her, they’d see how special she is and understand why you fought to keep her.”
I wish the situation was that simple, but between Aedan’s position in the Las Vegas criminal world and his connection to Jenna’s sperm donor, it’s much more complicated.
“Maybe,” I agree, not wanting to get into the reasons that will never happen.
“No more tears, okay? No matter what, I’ll be by your side,” he assures, and I try to smile, but instead more tears fall, and his expression fills with worry. “You sure you’re up for visitors?”
I swipe away the last few tears on my cheeks and nod. “Yeah, go ahead and let them know they can come in. I hate that they’ve been waiting.”
“Fuck all of them,” he rasps, cupping the back of Jenna’s tiny head and my cheek in each of his large hands. “You two are what’s important.” The gesture and his words are so sweet I almost start to cry again. Instead, I pull in a few deep breaths.
“I think I’m okay now.”
“You sure?” No, I want to say, but I don’t. Instead, I give him a nod. He studies me for a moment then sends a text to his friend. A few minutes later, my hospital room is full of visitors. Kenton and Autumn bring in a huge teddy bear and a bouquet of pink mylar balloons. Johnny has a bag full of takeout from my favorite deli. Shelly, Maria, Lana, and Stella have a new outfit for Jenna with a matching cap and booties and a few other odds and ends I know I will need.
“You guys didn’t need to bring anything.” I hand the outfit to Justin as he gives me the sandwich he unwrapped. I’m hesitant to eat it in front of everyone, because it feels rude, but it’s hard since I’m starving.
“Eat up, girl. I know you’ve got to be hungry,” Johnny says softly, touching my hair, and I smile up at him before taking a bite of roast beef and melted cheese on soft, doughy bread.
“I know every time I gave birth I felt like I just finished a triathlon,” Stella says, and Maria nods in agreement.
“When have you ever ran in your life?” Shelly asks, rolling her eyes.
“I chase after my kids every day. They don’t have an off switch; they just keep going and going and going.” Stella shrugs.
“The upside is they keep you in shape.” Lana smiles.
“I guess that’s something to look forward to when Jenna gets big enough to run wild around our apartment,” Shelly says, not appearing like she’s looking forward to that at all, which makes me wonder how long she’s going to be okay with us living with her. Worry fills my stomach. I’m not sure how I’m going to afford a place of my own, but I might have to figure it out sooner rather than later.
Justin’s eyes lock on mine, and he must misinterpret my expression, because he turns to Autumn who’s holding Jenna. “Sorry, Sweetcheeks. Visiting time is over.”
“Aww, but I’m not ready to give up baby cuddles yet,” she complains as she transfers Jenna over to him.
“Then you need to get your own,” he mutters, kissing the top of my girl’s head and making Autumn laugh. But I notice Kenton looking at her with an intensity in his eyes that tells me it won’t be long before they have a little one of their own if he has his way.
“He definitely has my approval. You landed yourself a good one, girl,” Stella whispers in my ear, giving me a hug, which is followed by quick hugs from the rest of the girls and Johnny. Each of them give Justin much the same approval before they leave. Their admiration doesn’t really surprise me, since Justin is the best man I’ve ever known. I just hope I can be what he needs and that my daughter and I won’t be too much for him to handle.