The Boss Upstairs - Roya Carmen Page 0,100

then you came, and work’s been a lot more fun.”

I laugh. “Glad I could help. Thank God he’s getting his Twinkie stinky again.”

“Tell me about it.” She laughs. “You keep wiggling his toothpick, girl.”

Weston and I both shake our heads. Rosetta gets on both of our nerves sometimes, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Epilogue

Six months later.

It’s my turn to host again, and I’ve made strawberry smoothies and scones. I thought I’d shake things up today. We always have coffee and tea, muffins and cookies. Ethan is sure loving it.

I’ve had a lot more time on my hands these past few weeks. I loved my job, but I don’t miss it. Taking care of Ethan and working a full-time job was exhausting and stressful. He hasn’t exactly told me, but I know Ethan is happy to have me home again.

The campaign was a hit. Apparently, the response has been great, according to Weston and Rosetta anyway. I’ve washed my hands of it, but I still poke my nose in once in a while.

“Let me know if you need any help with anything, love,” Mischa says. “With the organizing and stuff.”

“Thanks Mischa, but I think I’ll be fine.”

Abigail’s gaze darts about my living area and all the stacked boxes. “You have a lot of stuff.”

“I know, I’ve been packing all week.”

“So any wedding plans?” Claudia asks, curious.

I smile. “We’re not in a hurry, so not too many plans yet, but Weston wants us to get married at Shedd. Everyone is so excited. It’s all my mom can talk about.”

Claudia’s eyes grow wide. “I can’t wait,” she cheers. “It will be fantastic, dancing next to sharks, eating our entrées next to clown fish.”

“I’ve been there before for a wedding reception,” Mischa chimes in. “It was fabulous.”

“So how does Patricia get on with Weston?” Mischa asks. “It must be strange for her to see you with a new man.”

“Famously,” I tell her. “She’s just happy for me and Ethan. At first, I think she was a bit wary but when she witnessed how Weston is with Ethan, she was completely sold.”

“I can’t wait to be a bridesmaid again,” Claudia cuts in, abruptly changing the subject. I love how excited she is.

“So many weddings,” Mischa points out. “It’s fantastic.”

I smile. Abe and Abby’s wedding is in July, and ours is still to be determined. There’s just too much going on in my life right now. I’m still dealing with the consequences of Samuel’s actions. I will be a testifying witness this week. He’s not been indicted yet, but he faces charges of assault and break and enter. He will probably be looking at anywhere from six months to two years in jail, probation and community service. Thankfully, Sacha is fine in the care of her mother. Turns out, he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He certainly had me fooled.

I try not to focus on it too much, and the upcoming nuptials are a perfect distraction. The bridesmaid dresses for Abby’s wedding are a rose gold. The ones for mine will be a deep navy. We’re going with a sea theme, silver and dark blue.

Claudia sets down her scone. “I need to stop eating. I need to fit in those bridesmaid dresses.”

I laugh. “Yes, I shouldn’t be tempting us like this. Abby and I need to also fit in our wedding dresses.”

Abigail perks up. “Speaking of wedding dresses… I might need to have mine taken out.”

“Really?” I say. “Too many muffins?” I know how she loves her sweets.

She smiles wide. “No…”

Our jaws drop to the floor. We know what this means.

“You’re pregnant?” Claudia trills.

Abby nods enthusiastically, and I’ve never seen her so happy. “Yes.”

I bounce off the sofa and give her a hug. The girls quickly follow. We are almost as happy as she is. We know how much she’s wanted this.

“How far along?” Mischa asks.

“Twelve weeks.”

Mischa splays a hand over her heart. “Fantastic. You’re in the safe zone now.”

“I can’t wait to see your little one,” Claudia says. “He or she is going to be the most beautiful baby in the world.”

Abby laughs.

“And what about you, Gretchen?” Mischa says. “Any plans for more?”

I blow out a breath. “Well, we need to get this wedding under our belts first. But yes, Weston and I want more kids.”

Abigail bounds off the sectional and gives me a squeeze. “I’m so excited.”

I laugh. “I’m not even pregnant yet, Abby.”

“I don’t care, I just picture our babies playing together. Yours will have dark hair and mine will