Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
“Aww, Peewee, you getting nostalgic?”
His eyes heat, shooting daggers at me. “I will miss you least, Simms.”
I stumble back, covering my heart and gasping dramatically. “You slay me.”
The heat turns to humor and he shakes his head. The man isn’t fooling anyone. Everyone is ready for the next steps.
Nothing stays a secret for long in our crew. We know Boyd met with James this morning.
Any backlash or Human Resource nightmare won’t land on his plate because he’s officially retiring from the force and joining Hayes Security.
“Come on and admit that we made your job entertaining,” I goad. “We made you look good.”
“Entertaining is one word for it. Running off to play Rambo, three of you getting shot, the kidnappings, the cartels, all of it was so much fun.”
“We brought the spice to your senior years.”
He rolls his eyes. “I have a feeling I’m not done with you four. Now get out of here and try to stay out of trouble until you get reassigned.”
A thrill of adrenaline shoots through my system. We’ve worked toward SWAT since the day we started, knowing it was our endgame. But hearing it and knowing it’s coming soon is fucking awesome.
We file out, going to the desks we claim as ours. I stop in my tracks at the pillowed insert in my chair.
“What the hell is this?”
“Figured you may need a little cushion for your back and hips after that fainting incident,” Boyd calls out, setting off Ace, Ford, and Major into roaring laughter.
Fuckers ratted me out.
I can’t help but chuckle along with them.
A text chimes in, making me smile wider.
Princess
I’ve been summoned to Clyde’s. Any idea why?
Nope
Princess
You lie!
6-week deadline approaching. I’ll pick you up at 2.
The bubbles wave on the screen and I imagine her typing frantically. They stop and another heart comes through.
She’s finally getting it. My impatience to marry her doesn’t mean she won’t get the wedding of her dreams. Ember was ready when I called. Evidently, the moment she saw the ring around Willow’s neck, she and Cruz sprang into action. They have several custom selections waiting for Willow.
Along with Stacy, Rosie, and Bex ready to help choose the perfect Ember Hayes original.
Whatever she wants is hers.
38
WILLOW
The last item is checked off and I breathe a sigh of relief.
Talon was right, these women know how to make things happen. I had no idea where to start, convinced we’d have a small intimate wedding.
I was wrong.
In one week, we’ve planned a full, grand-scale wedding with everything I could ever want. Mom secured the ballroom and catering at the country club, Grandma designed and sent the invitations, Harley took care of the music, Jewls offered the wine from the Powers’ vineyard, and Ember, Shayla, and Cruz had the dresses ready for alterations and used their contacts for a florist who was ready.
The day Talon told his parents about the pregnancy, April was waiting with bated breath for my call. She gushed over the baby for a full five minutes before launching into the rehearsal dinner.
My worry over her disappointment was needless, just as Talon said.
Smug jerk.
I take one last peek at my notes, and a chill slithers along my flesh.
The room is silent.
When I peer around, my stomach twists.
Harley, Rowan, Shayla, Jewls, and Ember stare at me keenly.
Mom fiddles with her pen, Grandma is perched with a sly grin, and Bex has a sudden interest in the hem of her skirt.
“Normally, Raven or Charlie would be the deciding vote, but we have enough experience between us.” Jewls waves a hand my way.
Please, no… I can’t take them all on. I’m sure to buckle under pressure.
“I’ll get us some snacks, or drinks, or clean the kitchen.” Mom scurries away with Bex on her heels.
Really smooth, traitors.
I glance at Maverick sleeping in his carrier and stop myself from lifting him.
Don’t cuddle the baby, Willow! That’s a dead giveaway!
“What kind of experience?” My damn cracking voice betrays me.
Harley quirks an eyebrow. “Really? That’s how you want to play this?”
“Play what?”
“Willow, we haven’t known each other long, but you’re one of us. You’re safe,” Rowan says kindly.
Jewls’ head snaps to her. “She’s safe? Really, Hollywood?”
“What? I want her to feel comfortable.”
“For God’s sake, this isn’t an intervention. She’s having a baby, not a breakdown.”
And there it is… reflexively, my hand goes to my stomach and a loud squeak escapes.
Grandma snorts and I shoot her a dirty look before clearing my throat and sitting taller. “Why would you think that?”
“We have a little experience in this area.” Ember’s gaze goes to my hand.
“You are skin and bones,” Jewls points out.
“I was stressed these last few weeks,” I defend a little too forcefully
“Yes, but your boobs are huge,” she counters. “And your skin is glowing. Your hair is different, too.”
“Perfect pregnancy hair, I miss it,” Harley agrees.
“I don’t have any familiarity in the particulars, but I’m an excellent observer. You turned green when I offered you barbeque chips, you teared up during your dress fitting, and you keep sneaking glances at Mav with such emotion it even touches my dark heart.” Shayla crosses her arms, waiting for my excuses.