“Because she's got something better now,” Wick said, his voice hard.“A real family.People who love her.”
Ethan flinched, his shoulders sagging.I almost felt sorry for him.Almost.
“Fine,” he muttered.“Where do I sign?”
Wick opened the folder, pointing out the marked lines.Ethan's hand shook as he scrawled his signature on each page.
When the last page was signed a weight lifted from my shoulders.It was done.Olivia was free.
Ethan’s eyes met mine as he handed the folder back to Wick.“Tell her...tell her I'm sorry.For everything.”
I nodded curtly.Then we turned without another word and walked out of the house, leaving Ethan standing alone in the doorway.
After we climbed back into my SUV, Wick let out a low whistle.“That went better than I expected.”
I nodded, starting the engine.“Let's get back.I've got a feeling Olivia's going to have some questions for us.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
OLIVIA
Christmas and NewYears came and went.Much like Thanksgiving, they were full of love and laughter.
Carter and I had settled into an easy rhythm, living and working together like we'd been doing it for years instead of months.But things were about to change, and not just because we were nearly halfway through the pregnancy.
“Of course, thank you so much.I'll talk to you soon.”
As soon as I hung up the phone, I squealed with excitement.Spinning around, I found Carter standing in the doorway, looking baffled.His steely gray eyes searched my face, trying to decipher the cause of my outburst.
“I got it!”I exclaimed, my heart skipping with excitement.
Carter's expression shifted from puzzled to curious.“The job?”
“The job!”I confirmed, nodding vigorously.
A grin slowly spread across his face, crinkling the corners of his eyes.“Holy shit, Sunny, that's amazing!Congratulations!”
I bounced on my toes, unable to contain my joy.“You're looking at the next Director of Community Outreach for Columbus Humane!”
Carter reached me in two long strides and wrapped me in a tight embrace.“I'm so proud of you,” he said.“I knew you could do it.”
I bit my lip as I gazed up at him.His strong arms were still wrapped around me, and his body was warm against mine.The excitement of my new job offer buzzed through me, making me bold and playful.
“How should we celebrate?”Carter asked, his voice husky.
My pulse picked up as I pressed closer to him, my fingers tracing the collar of his shirt.“Hmm, I have a few ideas.”
I gently pushed him backward into the living room.The warm glow of the fireplace cast dancing shadows across his handsome face as I guided him to the plush rug in front of the hearth.
“Lay down.”
Carter's eyes smoldered with anticipation as he complied, stretching out on the rug and placing his hands behind his head.The firelight accentuated the defined muscles of his arms and torso, making my mouth water.
I stood over him, drinking in the sight of his powerful body sprawled before me.My fingers trembled as I reached for the hem of my sweater, pulling it slowly over my head.Carter's gaze followed my every movement, his breath quickening as I revealed more skin.
Next, I shimmied out of my leggings, letting them pool at my feet before stepping out of them.Standing there in my bra and panties, I ran my hands over my swollen belly, marveling at how my body had changed.My breasts were fuller, more sensitive.I cupped them gently, enjoying the weight in my palms.
Carter licked his lips as he watched me explore my new curves.I unclasped my bra, letting it fall to the floor, and hooked my thumbs into the waistband of my panties.With a slow, teasing motion, I slid them down my legs then kicked them aside.
