Page 1 of Yours

PROLOGUE

DRAFT

AUTUMN

Glancing at the clock,I knew I wouldn’t make it to the bar in time for kick-off, but if I hurried, I could join my husband before the second quarter started.

Earlier in the day, I’d complained to my sister, Tessa, about how much I missed going out with Shawn like we used to before we had kids. He and I had been married for seven years, but ever since I’d given birth to our second child eight months ago, our relationship had taken a backseat to the other things in life that kept us busy. I loved being a mom and everything the role entailed, but sometimes I craved alone time with my husband, and since Tessa was a fantastic sister, she’d offered to watch Josh and Ivy so I could surprise Shawn.

“Autumn,” Tessa called from the doorway of my bedroom. “Aren’t you ready yet?”

“Almost.” I looked in the mirror, turning from side to side while debating whether I needed to change out of my Raiders V-neck and skinny jeans, and into something a little less form-fitting. I still hadn’t lost all the baby weight and felt a bit self-conscious.

She stepped up behind me. “You look great.

I turned to face her. “Are you sure?”

“Of course, I’m sure. Now get out of here before you miss the game.”

After slipping on my shoes, I followed my sister out of my room. “Thanks again for coming over.”

“You don’t need to thank me. You deserve a night out,” she replied as she cradled Ivy in her arms.

“Joshy, I’m leaving,” I called to my four-year-old from the base of the stairs.

Seconds later, I heard tiny feet racing through the hallway. Josh hurried down the stairs, followed closely by Tessa’s daughter, Chrissy.

“I need my hug first,” he said in his adorable little voice.

I knelt and wrapped my arms around him. “You be good for Aunt Tessa, okay?”

“I will, Mommy.”

“I want a hug, too.” Chrissy bounced around behind Josh.

Smiling at my niece, I hugged her tight. I loved that Tessa and I had children similar in age and lived close enough to each other so they could spend time together.

I stood and kissed Ivy’s cheek while running my hand over her soft blonde hair before giving my sister a quick side hug. “I’ll see you later tonight.”

“Don’t hurry back,” she called after me as I walked through the door and left.

* * *

Walking into Lucky Bets,I scanned the bar for my husband. I didn’t see him right away, but our friends, Todd and Garrett, were sitting at our usual table. Shawn and I had met the two of them when we moved to Las Vegas seven years ago. All four of us were huge football fans, and before we had Josh, we spent many weekends watching games together.

“Hey, guys,” I said as I approached the table.

Todd choked on his sip of beer but recovered quickly. “Autumn, what are you doing here?”

“My sister offered to watch the kids, and I thought I’d surprise Shawn.” I looked around the bar again. “Where is he?”

Todd glanced at Garrett, who was busy typing on his phone, before answering, “Uh … he’s in the bathroom.”

“Oh, okay.” Knowing the place only had one server, I decided to head to the bar instead of waiting to place my order. “I’m going to order a drink. Do you guys want anything?”

“Nah, I’m good,” Garrett responded, putting his phone back on the table.

“Me, too,” Todd added.