Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
“Point is,” he says softly. “You don’t have to worry about your grandfather or the company. I’ve got more than enough money and the rest we’ll figure out as it comes.”
A nurse steps into the courtyard and gestures for me to come inside.
I give Crew a grin. “It looks like it’s time my grandfather met my fiancé.”
He returns my smile and kisses my forehead. “I can’t wait to build a life with you.”
13
MAGGIE
“I feel so bloated,” I groan as I catch a glimpse of myself in the bathroom mirror in Crew’s cabin. The white wrap-around dress is simple and elegant.
It’s been nine months since Crew and I got engaged. The only thing that stopped him from dragging me down to the courthouse was the fact that I wanted my grandfather to walk me down the aisle and give me away to my future husband.
“You’re not bloated,” Iris chides, pausing to adjust the bow on my dress. The baby bump is making it impossible to get the silly thing centered. “You’re eight months pregnant.”
I giggle. I still can’t believe how quickly everything in my life has changed. The family business is once again thriving, and I’ve changed my role in the company so I can work remotely from anywhere.
Now I split my time between my grandfather’s house and Crew’s cabin. He’s been updating and modernizing it. He’s added an extra bedroom and bathroom as well as heated floors throughout.
As soon as the baby comes and we’re settled, he’s going to add additional bedrooms so we can have more babies. Apparently, his plan is to keep me good and pregnant. I have no objections.
There’s a knock on the door then my groom is peeking his head inside. He grins as soon as he sees me. He already knows what the dress looks like. Neither of us were superstitious about this wedding. We both know it’s the start of our new adventure.
Crew lets out a slow whistle. “Damn, you get prettier every time I see you.” He glances at Iris. “I want a moment alone with my woman.”
Iris frowns at my groom. “If you mess up her hair or makeup, they’ll never find your body.”
He grins and gives her a mock salute as she leaves the bathroom.
“What are you doing here?” I ask when he shuts the bathroom door. “I won’t lie. You could definitely talk me into a quickie right now, though you will have to do most of the work.”
Heat sparks in Crew’s gaze but he shakes his head. “Those damn hormones of yours are going to kill one of us.”
“What a way to go.” I waggle my eyebrows at him as I lean on the bathroom counter or rather, I try. It’s not as easy to maneuver these days.
He sees my struggle and wraps his big hands around my hips gently. “Up you go, mama.”
“You look very nice in a suit.” I reach to straighten his red tie which happens to match the red bow on the front of my dress. He’s wearing a black suit that makes his dark hair and brown eyes even more striking than usual.
“Enjoy it. It’s probably the one and only time you’ll see it,” he growls.
I fake a pout. “But I like the idea of taking you out of it.”
“Don’t you worry. I have plans for you after the wedding,” he promises. He leans forward and presses a soft kiss against my lips. “I got you a present.”
I frown, wondering what it could be. Crew already spoils me. He’s always giving me gifts, cooking for me, and taking care of me in a hundred little ways. Before I even realize I have a need, he’s providing for it. “I didn’t get you anything.”
He presses a hand to my stomach, his brown eyes filled with love and devotion. “You’re giving me the family I’ve always wanted.”
Then he pulls a jewelry box from his suitcoat and passes it to me.
I open it, treasuring the gold heart with an engraved rose and the words I love you on it. “This is beautiful.” I run my fingers along the necklace the delicate charm.
“It’s a locket,” he says.
I open it and gasp when I see the picture of my dad on one side and my mom on the other. It’s such a perfect gift for our wedding.
“I know you were sad that they couldn’t be here today,” Crew explains. “And I wanted you to know they are here. Always with us.”
I try to blink back tears, but they fall anyway. “Damn you. Making a pregnant woman cry before her wedding.”
He swipes the tears away from my face with his thumbs. “I promise you, Maggie, with all of my heart, I’ll love you forever. As long as you’re with me, you’ll only cry happy tears. You are my queen.”
“Your pixie queen,” I correct. I still love that nickname. He calls me it all the time but especially when he’s happy.