Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
With Lexi on leave until the internal review is complete, she’s had more free time than she’d like, so it took less than a week to pack up the contents of their condo. Today is move-in day.
“We’ll sort through it, and whatever we don’t need we can donate.” Or we can put it in storage depending on what Fee’s post high school plan is. “We’re almost done unloading the truck, and the girls are picking up the food. We don’t have to unpack everything today.”
“I know. As long as the girls’ rooms are set up, I’ll feel reasonably settled, and hopefully so will they.”
“It’s okay if it takes some time for them to acclimate.”
“The housewarming committee has arrived!”
Rix, Essie, Hemi, Tally, and Dred appear, laden with not only takeout bags from Callie and Fee’s favorite restaurant, but also wrapped gift boxes.
“What’s all this?” Lexi’s brows furrow.
“Housewarming gifts for the girls,” Dred explains. “We know this has been a lot for all of you and we wanted to get them something special for their new home.”
“You’re doing so much already. You didn’t need to buy presents.” Lexi bites her lips together. It’s what she does when she’s fighting to keep her emotions in check.
“We brought food and went shopping. The guys are doing the hard work.” Hemi gives me a side hug. “Besides, they’ll use it as a workout replacement.”
“And honestly, I’ll find any reason I can to order a cake from Just Desserts,” Rix adds.
“I’ve considered pretending to be engaged for an excuse to test their cakes,” Essie admits.
“I’m zero percent surprised to hear this,” Rix deadpans.
“I happen to love their cakes—and also unpacking,” Dred says.
“Can you point me in Fee’s direction?” Tally asks. “I want to see her room.”
“Third door on the right, just after Barbie’s dream bedroom.” Peggy motions toward the hall.
Shilpa appears in the doorway and walks directly to Lexi and me, offering us both an uncertain smile, which is unusual for her. “I know I’ve been quiet in the Babe chat, but I have a line to toe.”
Lexi’s expression softens. “I understand that your allegiance is to the team.”
“It is.” Shilpa takes Lexi’s hands. “But outside of the office, you have my and Ash’s full support, okay?”
Lexi exhales what seems to be a steadying breath and smiles. “I appreciate that, and that you’re in a difficult position.”
“Even though this review is a pain in all our asses, mostly yours, I’m still glad you took the steps you did to safeguard yourselves. I also love the two of you together, and off the record, so does the rest of the team.”
“Thank you. That means a lot.”
Her expression shifts to chagrin. “I’m sorry for how salty I was with both of you when I initially found out.”
“We understand it threw you for a loop,” Lexi replies.
“It did,” she agrees. “But I’d also just found out I was pregnant, and I was trying not to barf every five minutes.”
“Oh my gosh! Congratulations! That’s fantastic news. How far along are you?” Lexi hugs her. “I’m so sorry we caused you added stress!”
“I’m used to stress. You should have seen me last year with Dallas and Hemi.” She chuckles and rolls her eyes. “We passed the eleven-week mark and heard the heartbeat yesterday, so we’re in the clear to share the news with our friends,” Shilpa explains.
“What news?” Hollis appears, carrying another box marked kitchen.
“Is it finally sharing time?” Hemi’s eyes light up as she hugs Shilpa from the side.
“It is.” Shilpa is all smiles.
“Let me get everyone together.” Hemi calls the group into the room.
The rest of the guys put their boxes down, and the girls come out of their rooms to join us.
Ash is beaming as he puts his arm around Shilpa and announces, “We’re having a baby!”
The room turns into a flurry of excitement and congratulations, and not for the first time, I consider what it would be like to start again, with a partner this time—how different it would be, how much I’d love to have the chance to do this with Lexi.
Post baby announcement, we set up all the food on the kitchen island, buffet style, and everyone grabs a plate. After they’re loaded up, we sit in the formal dining room. The table is huge, but it’s still a tight fit.
Callie is between Peggy and Dred, talking a mile a minute. Fee is sandwiched between Tally and Tristan.
“Fee seems okay,” Lexi observes.
“She does,” I agree. But she’s been moody and quiet the past couple of days. She could be putting on a brave face because of our company.
“This team is so special.” Lexi dabs at her mouth with her napkin.
“Yeah. It’s a great group. Everyone looks out for each other.” I kiss her temple.
“They really do. Not every team is like this.”
“There’s a reason I wanted to finish my career here.”