Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 105301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 527(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 527(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Wow, I really am a pessimist.
“I love what you’ve done with your hair.” Sasha tugs on my trimmed, brown locks. “It’s grown nicely since...”
“That it has.” Nathan threads his fingers through the back of my hair. It sends a pleasant feeling down my spine.
My hair was a mess, it took over a year to get it all level and for a long time I had a bob that just didn’t seem to grow. Now it skims my shoulders and rests in layers around my face. I might actually prefer it to how it was before, long and wild. I feel more grown up and womanly with it this style.
“I feel pretty,” I say around a broad grin, no doubt making myself look anything but pretty.
“Ey wah wah la la,” Emily sings as she waddles into the kitchen with a headless doll.
“That’s not creepy,” Sasha sniggers and holds out her arms to my chubby little princess. “Are you coming?” Emily’s face lights up and she quickly forgets the headless baby doll and rushes past Sasha and straight to her father.
“Good girl,” Nathan grins and nuzzles his daughter’s nose with his own.
Sasha looks on, offended. I just laugh, used to my daughter choosing her father over all else. Especially now that they get so much time together alone, their bond is stronger than ever. I love it and hate it all at once.
“Sell out,” Sasha grumbles and turns her attention to Dillan who is now in the kitchen with the head of the headless doll. “Come here little boy, come to Auntie Sasha.”
“Oh no,” Dillan gasps, his little lips form the shape of an O. He rushes to his dad and clings tightly to Nathan’s trouser leg.
Nathan snorts, I wince and Sasha glares at Nathan as though it’s all his fault. Which in all fairness, it is.
“Don’t worry, they treat me this way too,” I explain but her death glare doesn’t subside at all. Now it’s my turn to snort.
Nathan looks unaffected. He’s always been unaffected by anyone’s ire but mine. Possibly because mine is the only ire he cares about.
“So, where do you want to get married anyway?” Sasha asks, bringing the subject back to one I’d rather avoid.
“Kensington Palace orangery,” Nathan states and the look I give him should surely freeze him in place.
“Never heard of it,” Sasha admits, her head tilted in thought. “I was thinking of somewhere like the Washingborough Hall hotel for mine.” And that was her plan all along, to talk wedding details. I can’t help but smile secretly at her cleverness.
“I want a pastel colour theme, which means you’ll probably be wearing a mint green dress. I do love mint green.”
“It is a nice colour,” I agree and sip my drink.
“I already went to look at wedding dresses.”
“Sasha,” I laugh, rolling my eyes.
She giggles with me and leans closer. “I can’t help myself. I’m so excited. I’m considering booking the venue now to guarantee my place.”
“You’re insane.”
“I wish my fiancée shared your enthusiasm,” Nathan deadpans and I feel a small amount of guilt.
“She will, when she’s got time to become enthused about it.”
I mentally cheer my friend on; her defence of me is appreciated. At least somebody understands.
“Maybe my wedding will help elevate her levels of excitement.”
Nathan winks at me and then stands. “I’ll leave you ladies to do your catching up. I smell something foul brewing in our child’s nappy.”
“Have fun with that,” I tell him and smack his jean clad arse as he steps around my seat.
“Don’t touch me,” he snaps, though I know he’s only joking. His lips touch the top of my head and then he leaves the kitchen.
“The love that man has for you makes me fucking swoon,” Sasha sighs, her cheek resting on her hand.
“Tommy loves you just as much.”
“Tommy loves me. Nathan worships you. There’s a massive difference.”
She’s not wrong. Nathan certainly is one of a kind.
She continues, “It makes you wonder how two such noble, loving men came from such vile beings.”
“Amen, sister.” we share a look of disgust at the mere mention of Mr and Mrs Weston.
“Speaking of his parents, what’s going on with the trial? Is Nathan’s lawyer appealing to reopen the case?”
I shake my head. “There’s no point; nothing will happen.”
“So he’s basically gotten away with it?”
“Yep.”
“Fuck him, that absolute wanker.”
“Right?” I drain the rest of my drink. Sasha’s remains on the table untouched. Then it clicks. This sudden light pings inside of my head and everything becomes clear. “Oh my god.”
“What?” She looks at me inquisitively.
“You’re pregnant!”
Her mouth drops open. “No!”
“You so are! That’s why you’ve gone all psycho bride!”
“I’m not! Do you think I’d be going to Alton if I were?”
She makes a good point. “Oh… I got excited then.”
“Trust me, if I got pregnant you’d be the first to know.” She finally sips her drink and grimaces.