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Leigh
“Was that Hollie?” I screech at Braden as he walks back over to us.
Hollie is sweet and funny, and I always thought she and Braden were a perfect match. I was sad for him—for both of them—when she moved to Ohio. We lost touch since she wasn’t on social media much, but I had heard she’d moved back. I didn’t tell Braden because I didn’t know the situation. I didn’t want to get his hopes up. But now…
“Yep.” His eyes dance with mischief.
“When the hell did you reconnect with her?”
“A half hour ago in the cafeteria. Only I didn’t know it was her.”
My eyes go wide. Then a shit-eating grin makes its way onto my face.
“I knew it!” I yell, clapping my hands together. “I knew you two were meant to be. Seems like the universe did, too.”
“Okay. Easy with the universe stuff.”
“Don’t act like you aren’t thinking it.”
He rolls his eyes. “Of course, I am. But I want to help the universe along, so help me figure out a date for tonight.”
I laugh and whip out my phone.
I have plenty of connections in the area from running my business—a boutique wedding dress shop that focuses on helping women of all sizes and budgets find their perfect dress. I also feature a couple of local designers as well. One particularly happy customer of mine, who I’ve since become good friends with, happens to own one of the nicest restaurants in town. I call—or text, actually—in a favor andvoilà, Braden has the perfect spot for his date with Hollie.
I’m so glad this happened. He deserves this. After all he’s been through, he deserves every second of happiness.
I feel sappy and overflowing with love. I rub my hand over my stomach.I hope you have love like that one day, baby girl. I’m going to do my best to teach you.
Yeah, we’re having a girl.
I told Nick I didn’t want to know, but really, I wanted to surprise him.
Which is what I’ll be doing tomorrow morning. Slowly. I’m going to make lots of things involving pink and see if he gets the hint—and yes, I know pink can be for anyone, but when it comes to traditional gender reveals, pink is used for girls. I’m not going to complicate things, but our daughter can wear whatever colors she likes. Just like Hunter, who is obsessed with bright yellows and greens.
I turn back to Braden. “Okay, reservations are set. Make sure you nail the flowers and all that. Although, I’m a bit surprised you aren’t just taking her back to your place. Cook dinner and then—”
“Leigh.”
I laugh at the cranky look on his face. “It’s me, Braden. I know it’s on your mind.”
He relents. “Of course, it is. I’m so horny for her I can’t—”
“Dad!”
I stifle a laugh as Harper runs into the waiting room. Braden flares his eyes at me, then turns to face her.
“Everything good?” Leo asks, rising from his chair.
“Perfect.” Harper beams at us. “I’m not allowed to tell you the name yet, just that he’s here and healthy.”
My heart swells. I can’t wait to meet my little girl’s future best friend.
The little family we have here is the best thing that ever happened to me, and I will always be grateful for it.
