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“You guys want her to be teased all her life, or let me guess… you’re going to tell me there are girls named Braxton, huh?”
“Bingo!” Freddy exclaims as he hands my dad a beer.
Mom is in her glory as she is mesmerized by Baby Braxton’s eyes. They are precisely what Flora predicted, a beautiful, glossy combination of mine and Freddy’s eyes, some rare teal color. Mom rocks with her gently in our patio swing. It’s mid-spring, and Chicago has granted us exceptionally warm weather. Still, we know it’s all temporary because there’s snow expected next week. I’m delighted it feels incredible outside, as my family is here from Hillpike.
“My niece is actually pretty fucking cute for a newborn,” Savannah bellows out as she’s building Legos with Dustin.
“You can’t even watch your mouth in front of those tender ears!?” Dad snaps at Savannah as he rocks in our outdoor rocking chair.
Savannah covers her mouth after she says, “Sorry, Braxton. Sorry, Dustin.”
“I love the name Braxton for a girl. It’s unbearably unique. You can’t forget how much I loved the name Billie for a girl, remember, Braxton?” Mom turns to Dad.
“I know. This world is different more and more every day. I guess that’s really okay. As long as people are happy and loved, I haven’t much to complain about.” Dad raises his beer and clinks it with Freddy’s.
Freddy pulls me close. I rest my head on his firm shoulder as we take up space together on our patio loveseat.
This is our third time seeing my family since I ditched Hillpike. It’s been a journey getting to this point, but I tell you, it definitely feels good. We moved into this home last November. It’s wild that it’s in Lincoln Park, one of the areas I assumed wasn’t for a girl from Hillpike, Illinois.
I tell you, life has a way of shifting things. For example, Courtney got nowhere with her crazy plotting. She actually has cold feet about marrying Stewart. I could say it’s all karma or wish her nothing but bad luck, but we all want to see her at her best, especially for Dustin’s sake. And Dustin is one amazing kid. He’s not only funny as hell but eager to help. I think it’s brilliant that he proposed going to therapy and, in his words, “just for the sake of being healthy.”
Dad has a particularly tender spot for Freddy and my situation. He loves to see families together, figuring things out, and doing whatever they feel is best for their children. I’m sure he senses the deep love Freddy, and I have for each other, but it’s not required he fully grasp it. Even if my dad only thinks Freddy and me should be together for the betterment of Baby Braxton, I will cherish it. I still have faith in him, and growth is such a continuous thing, my god. Like today has proven that being tenacious and authentic can create a more fulfilling life than I ever imagined. I can’t wait to see what kind of fire our little Braxton will give us, and I sure hope the world is ready for her.
The End.
Did you like this book? Then you’ll LOVEHer Firefighter Next Door!
My new neighbor is a mystery wrapped in a uniform.
He’s ahotfirefighter and a devoted single dad of two.
With scorching abs on hissexyavatar, he must have women chasing him left and right.
We matched on the app–god, I hope he’s not just a player like the last guy.
When we met, our eyes locked and sparks flew–as if we were the only ones in the room.
But then, I find out he just moved in next door to me with his mom and kids.
He makes my heart race...but maybe I should keep him at arm’s length.
I can’t resist strip-teasing this hottie through my window though. I want him...badly. But it’s all too complicated.
He went fromhotneighbor tohotprotector when he saved me from a home invader–like the badass in a movie.
Our age gap might be a huge problem, but the only gap I’m thinking about is the one between his lips and mine.
Playing with his kids makes me feel like I’m part of their family, but I’m worried it’s all in my head.
I can’t bear the thought of losing his love, but he has a right to know–I’m secretly carrying his child.
Start readingHer Firefighter Next DoorNOW!
Sneak Peek - Chapter One
Start readingHer Firefighter Next DoorNOW!
Patty sits pouty-faced across from me. Her blonde curls are turning limp, and she’s halfway through her martini. I’m so grateful for her. She’s always up for being my plus-one at weddings, and the techie work she’s done on my dating app is undeniably priceless. But she has to be as tired as I am. The bar is starting to clear out as I notice the accent lighting getting a pinch brighter.
