Built for Love - Ella Goode Page 0,28
want to be in town, we can have a place here, but I like being out in the country.”
Pepper twists in my grip so she can face me. Her pretty mouth is frowning. “How long ago did you rent the apartment?”
“I don’t know. A couple of months.”
“So before you knew I was pregnant?”
“Yeah. Why?”
Her lower lip starts to quiver.
“Oh no, babe. What’s wrong?”
“So you’ve wanted me to live with you all along?”
“Of course!” I thumb away a tear that’s about to drop. “Don’t cry. The country sucks. We are moving to town. Let me call Beck and find out the best location for us to build.” I reach into my pocket and fumble with my phone.
Pepper laughs. “No. That’s not it. I thought you didn’t want me. I mean, I knew you wanted to sleep with me, but I thought that’s all it was.”
“All it was?” I blink at her in complete shock. “Pepper, if I could lock you up and throw away the key, I would. Fuck, I nearly killed that guy for even speaking to you. I love you, babe. Don’t you know that?” I cup her face and press a kiss against her lips. “I’m glad you’re pregnant because now you can’t leave me.”
“You can’t leave me either,” she whispers.
“Those are the second best words to come out of your mouth.”
“What are the first best ones?”
I kiss her again. “You haven’t said them yet.”
“You haven’t either,” she teases.
“Babe, I love you.” She’s laughing as I sweep her up into my arms and carry her out of the apartment. It’s the prettiest sound on this earth.
Epilogue
Pepper
Months later
“I don’t think I’ve seen a more beautiful bride.” I meet Marist’s eyes in the mirror.
“Liar. I was at your wedding.” My smile grows bigger thinking about that day. We got married in our backyard. We both wanted something low key. I love that our home is going to hold so many special moments like that one. I can see our kids getting married out there too.
“This wedding has been years in the freaking making.” I shake my head. Thank goodness Beck finally pulled his head out of his ass and went for it. Once he did, there was no holding back. He bulldozed his way right into Marist’s life. He had a ring on her finger and a baby in her belly at rocket speed. I was happy that I didn't have to be pregnant alone.
“It has. As crazy as it drove me, I’m not sure I would change it. It’s our story.” Marist’s eyes fill with tears. She is finally getting the happily ever after she deserves with Beck.
“Don’t cry.” I turn her. “We just did your makeup.” She is done up and ready to go. Unlike Abel’s and my small wedding, Marist and Beck’s is a classic wedding with over a hundred guests. All of whom are waiting for us.
“I’m not going to.” She blinks away the tears as quickly as possible. “I can’t wait until I have a bump.” She places her hand on my small baby bump.
“I swear it popped up overnight.” If Abel is near he is always rubbing my stomach. That man can never keep his hands to himself. Not that I am complaining. My husband is attentive. He has been since the moment he met me and basically tricked me into moving into his home. Some people might disagree, but I think it’s romantic that he went through such great lengths to have me.
I have no doubt he’s going to be a wonderful father. I still don’t know how I got so lucky for him to find me and steal my laundry basket. He pushed himself right into my life. He knew from the very start we were meant to be together. It was silly that I ever doubted what he wanted from our relationship. I’m going to blame it on the pregnancy hormones messing with my head.
We both look toward the door when there is a knock. “You ladies ready?” Abel asks. I glance back to Marist. She picks up her bouquet that is filled with classic white roses. She looks stunning, and I know Beck is going to lose his mind when he sees her in that dress. I’ll be surprised if they make it through the entire reception without disappearing to be alone somewhere together. Knowing Beck, he’ll try to skip the reception altogether.
“I’ve been ready far too long.”
I laugh as we walk out together. The wedding goes off without a