Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20548 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 103(@200wpm)___ 82(@250wpm)___ 68(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20548 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 103(@200wpm)___ 82(@250wpm)___ 68(@300wpm)
The gala I organized for Cade’s family firm was a huge success. Clients old and new flooded the ballroom, and the buzz around the firm has been incredible ever since. Cade’s dad and Max were so pleased, and while I know they wish Cade would come back full-time, we’ve found a compromise that works for all of us. He’s working remotely part-time, and I’m handling their social media, helping to keep the momentum going.
“Look at this one,” I say, clicking on a photo of Cade, looking sharp in his suit, standing next to Max and their dad. His family had come around, realizing that Cade’s happiness wasn’t tied to the firm but to the life we’ve built together out here.
“You’re so good at this,” Cade says, his lips brushing the top of my head. “You make it all look easy.”
I laugh softly, reaching for my phone. “Well, I’m about to make your family’s Instagram account look even better.” I pick one of the best shots from the event and type out the perfect caption: Bringing old friends back and welcoming new faces to the firm! Couldn’t be prouder of this family’s legacy. #FamilyBusiness #CityGalaSuccess
I hit ‘post’ and set my phone down with a satisfied smile. “Done,” I say, leaning back into Cade’s chest, feeling the warmth of him surround me.
He kisses my temple. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
I tilt my head to look up at him, a playful smile on my lips. “Well, lucky for you, you don’t have to find out.”
He chuckles softly, his hands gently squeezing my hips. “Speaking of which... should we finish planning our wedding?”
We’re tying the knot in just a few months in a beautiful mountain clearing not far from our cabin. It’s going to be simple, intimate, and perfect—just like us.
“No,” I say, teasingly drawing out the word. “I have something for you, though.”
Cade raises an eyebrow, a curious smile tugging at his lips. “Oh? What’s this ‘something’?”
I sit up a little, turning to face him, my heart racing with excitement and nerves. I’ve been holding onto this secret for a few days now, waiting for the right moment to tell him. And now, with the firelight flickering softly around us, it feels like the perfect time.
“Cade,” I say softly, reaching for his hand. “I’m pregnant.”
For a moment, there’s complete silence. His eyes widen, and then, slowly, a smile spreads across his face—one so full of love, joy, and pride that it takes my breath away. “Pregnant?” he repeats, as if he can hardly believe it.
CADE
I’m staring at her, trying to wrap my head around the fact that Lena, this woman who’s completely turned my world upside down, just told me she’s pregnant. I can barely breathe, the rush of emotions so intense I feel like my heart might burst. Love, pride, joy—it’s all there, swelling inside me, making me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt.
“Pregnant?” I repeat, my voice cracking with disbelief and excitement. I don’t even give her time to respond before I’m pulling her into my arms, hugging her so tight I don’t know how she can breathe. “Lena... we’re going to have a baby.”
She nods, her eyes glistening with tears, and I swear I’ve never felt so much love for anyone in my life.
I pull back just enough to cup her face, my thumb brushing away the tear that slips down her cheek. “You’re incredible,” I whisper, my voice hoarse with emotion. “I don’t deserve you. I don’t know how I got so damn lucky.”
She laughs softly, her hands resting against my chest. “I love you, Cade.”
“I love you too,” I say, meaning it with every fiber of my being. “More than anything. And you’re carrying our baby. I’m going to take care of you both.”
Before she can say anything, I scoop her up into my arms, her laughter filling the cabin as I carry her toward the bedroom. “You’ve been working too hard,” I say, kissing her forehead as I lay her down gently on the bed. “You need to rest. You’re carrying my baby now, and I’m going to take care of you.”
Lena rolls her eyes, a teasing smile on her lips. “I’m not tired, Cade.”
“Oh, no?” I ask, raising an eyebrow, already knowing what she’s about to say.
“No,” she whispers, pulling me closer by the front of my shirt. “I’m horny.”
That one word, and I’m done. All the restraint I’ve been trying to hold onto goes up in flames. She’s looking at me with those teasing eyes, biting her lip, and I can feel the heat between us already building, crackling like a fire that’s ready to consume us both.
I growl softly, my lips crashing against hers as I pull her body against mine. “You have no idea what you do to me,” I murmur against her lips, my hands moving down to her hips, gripping them tightly. “You drive me insane.”