Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 115435 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 577(@200wpm)___ 462(@250wpm)___ 385(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115435 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 577(@200wpm)___ 462(@250wpm)___ 385(@300wpm)
I love the way he touches me.
As if I’m a treasure. Something precious he can’t live without.
“I love you so much it almost scares me,” I admit softly, and he wraps his arms tightly around me.
“There’s no need to be scared. I’m right here. And I’m never going anywhere without you.”
He murmurs more words of love, of reassurance, until I fall blissfully asleep.
I highly recommend nap dates. Especially when they’re accompanied by hot, intense sex.
And a gorgeous-as-hell Irishman.
“This was fun,” I say into the mic as we near our home in Bitterroot Valley. “Thanks for today.”
“You’re more than welcome, bumble,” Connor says in my ear, and he squeezes my shoulder.
The sun isn’t quite ready to go down yet, and when we near the house, I see a bunch of cars parked out front.
“Who’s here?”
Miller sets us down on the helipad, that I never noticed until today, and when we get closer to the house, I recognize the vehicles and wrap my arms around Connor’s neck, launching myself at him, so he hugs me and twirls me in a circle.
“My family’s here!”
“Among others,” he agrees. “You needed them today. I just needed a little more time with you.”
“I love you so much. God. Thank you.”
He kisses me hard, and then I run into the house and find everyone—everyone—I love in the kitchen.
As usual.
“Happy birthday!”
I can’t help it. I break down into tears. My brothers surround me, all four of them at once, giving me a group hug like they did when we were kids.
“Hey, no tears on your birthday,” Brooks croons to me.
“You’ll ruin your makeup,” Blake agrees.
“We’re so proud of you, baby girl,” Beckett says, which only makes me cry more.
“Love you to the moon and back,” Bridger adds.
“Hey, you guys have to share her.” Skyla laughs, and when my guys pull away, I survey the room.
My parents are here, along with Connor and Skyla’s parents, who are sitting together, smiling over at us.
Holden and Millie wave from the island where they’re chatting with Mik and Benji. Bridger and Dani are snuggled up with Birdie, who’s beaming at me.
Alex is sitting with them, and then Connor’s arms are around me, hugging me from behind.
“Your parents are here,” I murmur.
“They wouldn’t miss this,” he replies.
“Aunt Bee,” Birdie says, rushing over to me as if she just can’t stand it anymore, and I squat so I can hug her close. She presses her cheek against my own, and I breathe in her little girl scent. “Happy birthday.”
“Thank you, my sweet baby.” I kiss her cheek, then resume pressing it against mine. “I love you so much, baby girl. You know that, right?”
“Yes.” She giggles and pulls back so she can see me. “Did you get a good present for your birthday?”
“The best,” I assure her, tapping her nose with my finger. “But you know what?”
“What?”
“Seeing you here tonight is my favorite present. I missed you, peanut.”
“I am a good present,” she agrees, making us laugh.
“I want to see the library,” Dani announces.
“Same,” Skyla and Alex say at the same time, and Millie nods.
“Library tour.” Mom claps her hands as she and Maeve join us girls.
“What, the boys don’t want to see it?” I prop my hands on my hips, scowling at them all.
“We already saw it, squirt.” Blake winks at me. “We helped.”
Okay, that makes me melt. “You helped? You all helped?”
“I did not.” Mik shakes his head. “Because Benji and I just arrived. So we need to see it with you.”
“Oh God, you’re going to make her leak again.” Alex looks panicked and takes my hand. “Come on, let’s go ogle your princess library.”
“I want to be a princess,” Birdie announces, skipping beside us.
“You already are, peanut.” I smile down at her. “And don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.”
Of course, we all spend a crazy amount of time admiring my new space until finally, Brooks calls down the hallway.
“Okay, enough of that! Some of us want cake.”
“Jackie made it,” Skyla adds. “She wanted to come, but she went to the Iconic Women’s Collective party tonight.”
“Oh my God.” I turn to Millie, eyes wide. “You should be there!”
“I’ll stop in later,” she assures me. “I’m right where I want to be.”
I pull her into a tight hug. “I love you, Mills.”
“Back at you, birthday girl,” she says with a smile. “Now, let’s eat cake and get a sugar high.”
The massive cake is decorated with bumble bees, which makes me smile.
“Cute,” I say to Connor, who winks.
The birthday song always makes me feel uncomfortable, but after I blow out all of the candles—without starting a major fire—our moms cut the cake and serve it.
“I have one last gift,” Connor says, and I set my plate aside.
I can’t help my deep sigh. “Listen up, billionaire, you’ve done too much already.”
“I love that she calls him that,” Alex says to someone, making me smirk.