by Carmen, Roya
He smiles. “Of course I don’t hate you. And if you’ll have me, I’m all yours, baby.”
I hop to my feet, and prop myself right down on his lap. “Of course I’ll have you.”
His large hands cup my face, and his mouth presses against mine. The taste of tears lingers on our lips.
We’re kissing in the middle of our favorite restaurant, and I don’t care what anyone thinks. As far as I’m concerned, Jacob and I are the only ones on this planet right now.
There’s just him and I. Forever.
And baby.
Epilogue
“Oh my God, he’s so adorable,” Kayla squeals as she plays with Sebastian’s tiny feet.
He is so cute; a sweet little mouth, caramel skin and gorgeous brown curls. He’s only two months old and so small. I can’t believe I’ll be having one of my own in about a month — I’m practically bursting with excitement. Maeve looks pretty good, tired but happy. Her hair is worn natural and curly and her nails are bare. She’s wearing a long tunic over leggings and comfy riding boots. This is a far stretch from the Maeve we all used to know; sleek hair, nails done, heels and cute tailored outfits — this new version suits her.
“Don’t hog him too long,” Gabbie chimes in. “I want a turn.” Little Charlotte, who is sitting up in her stroller, is absolutely transfixed by the little creature in Kayla’s arms.
“I want a turn too,” I say. “If I can work out a way to hold him over my huge stomach.”
“I can’t wait to see what yours will look like,” Maeve says, all smiles. “I bet it’s a boy. I have a feeling.”
“I don’t care, as long as he or she is healthy.” It’s true, after trying so hard, we, who have lived with infertility, are not too picky.
Little Sebastian does the rounds. After being held captive in Gabbie’s hold for what seems like an eternity, he is finally passed on to me. He feels strange in my arms, and I marvel at his tiny hands. He’s so amazing. My eyes are welling at the sight of him, and I tell myself it must be the hormones. “Look at all of us,” I say. “Moms.”
The three of them smile up at me. “Well, not me,” Kayla says. “Not yet, anyway. But I’m open to the idea. This is all very contagious.”
I laugh. “Well, at least you’ve set the wedding date now… that’s a first step.”
“Oscar is going to make a great dad,” Gabbie chimes in.
We all know he will. And Kayla will be a fantastic mom too. “I can’t wait for the summer. Hopefully, I’ll fit into my bridesmaid dress.”
Kayla laughs. “Well, they’re empire style so we’ve got room to work with. Will you be bringing the little one along?”
“For sure…” I tell her. “If that’s okay?”
She laughs. “Definitely. I can already picture Jacob in his suit and his Baby Bjorn.”
I look down at Sebastian again. “I can’t let him go. He’s too cute.”
“Give him back,” Maeve jokes. “You’ve got your own coming.”
I smile. I certainly do.
* * *
Jacob has a surprise for me. It’s kind of cruel — he’s been talking about it for a few days, and when I begged him to just tell me, he refused. Really, one should probably not get an eight-month pregnant woman too excited. Although, that said, we’re still having sex. More than ever. Pregnancy makes me kind of horny, and Jacob is more than happy to address all my needs.
He’s been so amazing these past five months, completely on the ball. He’s read What to Expect When You’re Expecting cover to cover. He feeds me, rubs my feet, and goes out and buys me ice cream at all hours of the day — he says it’s the least he can do since I’m doing all the ‘baby work’. He’s even made a list of everything we’ll need, and we’ve gone out and stocked the baby room.
We painted it together last month, shades of butter yellow and green, a nature theme; birds and a decal tree on the wall. It’s very pretty and soothing. We don’t know the sex of the baby — we both want it to be a surprise.
I’m stretched out on a special massage table designed for pregnant women. The massage therapist’s touch is just perfect. I silently thank Jacob for setting up this appointment. At first I thought this was the big surprise, but apparently it’s not.
I still wonder what it could be. I close my eyes and tell myself to just enjoy this hour, just for me. I know when the baby comes, life will get crazy. And these past months have been crazy enough.
As I step out of the spa, I’m scrolling through my Facebook feed, and I smile at the sight of Alex with his girlfriend, Sandra. They’re back together, and engaged now. I have no clue what happened because despite the fact that we’re Facebook friends, we don’t chat or message each other. I’m so happy for him.
I’m all smiles when I get home — our home. Jacob moved back into our condo a few weeks after I told him I was pregnant. We took it easy at first, slowly getting reacquainted, putting everything behind us and starting afresh.
Jacob greets me with a huge grin. I kiss him on the cheek.
“How was the massage?”
I slip off my ballet flats. “Amazing. Thank you so much. I needed that.”
His face lights up when he asks, “So, are you ready for your surprise?”
My eyes grow wide. “Yes!!!”
He offers me his hand. “Come with me, beautiful.”
We climb up the stairs, as fast as my huge stomach will let us. He leads me to the baby room, and as soon as I step in, I see it. The beautiful armoire I’d coveted eight months ago — Alex’s masterpiece; the dark walnut piece with the stain-glass and antique knobs.
I’m speechless for a beat. “Wow! It looks so amazing in here.”
The piece fits perfectly in the space. The stain-glass ties in with the color scheme of the room, and the dark walnut adds a beautiful contrast to the light room with its white furniture and pastel accents. I’m awed beyond words.
Jacob wraps his arm around my shoulders. “I thought it would add a nice touch.”
“It does.” I turn to him, a hand pressed on my stomach. “And it’s so special to have it here because that week… that week was when we made this little miracle.”
He leans down and presses his mouth against mine. We get lost in a kiss, and when he reluctantly pulls away, I’m not too happy.
“Sorry, I completely forgot to mention,” he starts, breathless. “We finally have a meeting at the agency. This process will take a while because we won’t be able to adopt for a long time, but it’s officially starting this week.”
I splay a hand on my heart. I’m thrilled beyond words. “Finally. Operation Brother or Sister is a go!”
Jacob and I are both so thrilled to have this miracle in our lives, but we realize that it’s just that — a miracle. The odds of it happening again are slim, and so, we’ve decided to go for it — we want our baby to have a brother or sister. Adoption was a no-brainer.
Jacob grabs my rear and pulls me to him. “But that’s the last thing I want to talk about right now.”
I laugh. “Yeah, might as well make the most of our time now, because when this little one comes…”
He pulls me to our bedroom, eager. “Exactly.”
We both fall on the bed, tangled up in each other, and when his mouth finds mine, I close my eyes and silently thank the universe.
No rants today.
The End.
A note from the author:
Hi! Thanks so much for reading my novel. Hope you enjoyed Corrie and Jacob’s story. If you enjoyed the book, please consider telling your friends about it, or writing a review and checking out my other books.
Next up is THE GIRL HE LOVES, the first book in my ORCHARD HEIGHTS series. A standalone psychological romance with a dash of suspense. It releases November 2019, so keep an eye out for it. To stay in the know about all my new releases, sales and freebies, please subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on social media. (Links below).
And for those who haven’t read the first boo
k in the ONE WEEK series. It’s a forbidden arrangement story, and is entitled ONE WEEK. It takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is Gabbie’s story, and is also a standalone read.
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About the Author
Roya Carmen is a book junkie, self-professed chocoholic and hopeless romantic. A graduate of Ryerson University, she worked in Graphic Communications before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She has always loved writing, finding her passion for romance in 2008. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, playing billiards, and painting. And of course, there is nothing she enjoys more than sitting down at her laptop and making up stories – and if those stories should include beautiful men, a little romance, and a few steamy scenes, all the better!
Roya lives north of Toronto with her husband and three children.
Also by Roya Carmen
The Ground Rules Trilogy - Bestselling erotic romance trilogy.
The Riverstone Series – A series of steamy standalone reads. All books available on KU.
One Week Series - A series of steamy standalone reads. All books available on KU.
Back to You - A sweet summer romance. Available on KU.
Read below for more detailed info.
The Riverstone Series
A beautiful inherited estate.
Three unforgettable love stories.
All books available on KU.
Loving Amber
(A standalone novel. Book 1 of The Riverstone Series.)
Torn by tragedy. Reunited by love.
A steamy forbidden romance. Two years following her husband’s tragic death, a widow struggles with feelings for the man she holds responsible.
“Loving Amber is a second chance at love story with a twist of the forbidden. This book had so many feels. My heart broke over and over again.” - Sultry Sirens Book Blog
Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is the first book of the Riverstone Estate Series and can be enjoyed as a STANDALONE read.
Loving Ruby
(A standalone novel. Book 2 of The Riverstone Series.)
A sinful boss secretary romance.
I’ve heard all the rumours: He killed his wife. He’s on house arrest. He’s a vampire. Yet still, when I get a job offer from the reclusive Mr. Hyde, I jump at the chance. Yes, I know I’m crazy.
I’m cautious at first, but then I discover a beautiful, quirky man. I also see a tortured soul who lives in darkness. I know I should run, yet I can’t tear myself away. I want to discover all his secrets. I desperately want to help him. And when he draws me deeper into his strange little world, I want to stay.
Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is the second book of the Riverstone Estate Series and can be enjoyed as a STANDALONE read.
Loving Jade
(A standalone novel. Book 3 of The Riverstone Series.)
A story about courage and new beginnings.
In an attempt to escape her abusive husband, a woman seeks refuge at a horse estate and falls in love with her equine therapist.
Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is the last book of the Riverstone Estate Series and can be enjoyed as a STANDALONE read.
The Ground Rules Trilogy
Two beautiful couples. Five simple rules. One hot mess.
Gabe and Mirella Keates are happily married – high school sweethearts, in fact. But by chance, one fateful night, they meet the rich and enigmatic Weston Hanson and his beautiful wife Bridget.
Mirella is instantly drawn to the sexy, mysterious, peculiar man and soon becomes obsessed with him. And when the dynamic couple makes them an unthinkable proposal, Mirella and Gabe accept, driven by lust and desire, despite knowing the risks.
The ground rules are clear, but as Mirella discovers the kind and gentle man hidden under Weston’s cold, rigid exterior, she soon falls hard for him. And as Weston’s walls begin to crumble, he starts to break his own rules as well.
As Mirella falls deeper, she is torn between her feelings for Weston and her love for her husband. And as the volatile and passionate Gabe becomes increasingly jealous, Mirella realizes her entire world is tearing at the seams.
Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is a trilogy but the first book can be enjoyed as a standalone read. The Ground Rules (Book 1), The Ground Rules Rewritten (Book 2), The Ground Rules Undone (Book 3)
Read the excerpt of Chapter One following this section.
The One Week Series
A series of standalone reads.
All books available on KU.
One Week
Gabbie and Eli’s story.
A troubled marriage. A one week hall pass.
A married woman falls for a beautiful stranger she meets online, and is given permission by her husband to spend a week with him.
One Week Hating You
Maeve an Blake’s story.
A second chance love hate romance.
One Week in Paris
Kayla and Oscar’s story.
A friends-with-benefits love triangle.
The Ground Rules - Excerpt - Chapter One
Preface
FEW WORDS were spoken. Yet I knew. I can’t really explain it…physical attraction is a powerful thing, an all-consuming thing. I didn’t want it, and I certainly wasn’t looking for it, but there it was, nevertheless.
I should have run in the opposite direction. But I didn’t. No…I yielded to it.
It’s amazing how life can change so easily—veer off the path. A single moment, a decision you make, however insignificant, can change the course of your destiny.
For me, it all started with a pink dress.
Chapter One
GOODNESS…MY TOES are a disgrace. I haven’t looked at my feet in a while, and as I stare down at the faded, chipped blue polish on way-too-long toenails, I realize I might be letting myself go.
I really need a pedicure.
I can’t remember the last time I gave myself a pedi. Chloe’s toes are perfect little shiny red buds—I just did her nails yesterday.
When did my daughter’s toenails become more important than mine? Probably about eight years ago or so. I first painted her toenails when she was just a baby—just wanted to see what it would look like.
I suppose that’s what happens when you become a mom. One day you have a life. You look hot. Other men (men who are not your husband) want to do wicked things to you.
And then…you’re painting your baby’s tiny toenails.
I sigh as Chloe wraps one of my colorful scarves around her neck, her dark brown curls caught under the silk. We’re playing dress-up.
She twirls in front of the wall mirror. “Do I look grown-up, Mommy?” Her gorgeous eyes gaze at me intently. “Well, do I?”
“Yes, sweetie. You look very sophisticated.” Classier than me, I muse—ghastly toes, shabby sweats, and all. Every time I look at her, I see her father. She looks so much like him—the crazy dark curls, the gorgeous, sleepy hazel eyes and the slightly off-kilter, devilish smile.
She’s precious, standing in my over-sized black pumps and red cocktail dress, a hodge-podge of necklaces draped around her neck.
Her little sister stands on a vanity chair, arms stretched as she reaches for one of my dresses. “How ’bout this one?”
I give Claire the pick of the crop. I never wear them anymore. And I do have a lot of dresses—when a pretty one catches my eye, impulse overtakes me. I never ask myself, “When am I ever going to wear this?” If I did, I probably wouldn’t have this overstuffed closet.
I’ve taken over the closet, in fact—Gabe’s clothing is stuffed in an armoire, but I don’t think he minds. He’s a simple guy—he wears mostly jeans, T-shirts, and plaid button shirts. He doesn’t need a closet.
Wel
l, that’s what I tell myself anyway…
I study the dress Claire has picked out—it’s one of my favorites, probably the favorite. It’s a fifties-era dress I spent a small fortune on at one of those posh vintage stores—pink chiffon over taffeta, a corset-like bodice with lacy straps, and a flowing skirt that falls just above the knee.
The pink dress brushes the carpet, hanging off Claire’s tiny six-year-old frame. She looks so sweet in it. I can’t help but stare. I’ve only worn it twice—once at the theatre, the other time at a wedding. Gabe’s oldest brother tied the knot on a beautiful July day, which somehow managed to turn into a torrential downpour. We all got drenched. Gabe and I sprinted to our hotel room, undressed in a fury, and made love. Gabe’s wet shirt was plastered on his body, the tribal tattoo covering half his torso peeking through the soaked fabric. It’s one of my favorite (very hot) memories.
I looked really nice in that dress.
“You look like a princess,” Chloe tells her little sister. Claire, seemingly pleased with this observation, flashes her adorable toothless smile.
The dress seems so small. Would I still fit into it? No way. I’m almost thirty-five years old, and I’ve had two kids. But… I just need to know.