I’m pregnant. Like, really pregnant. I pace my living room as the weight of this new reality presses against me…in my stomach…as nausea. Between my freak out, fighting with Eli, and denial, I haven’t had a chance to process. One would think that after a few days of receiving the news and feeling physical symptoms, I’d have accepted it.
It wasn’t until this morning that it became real. The possibility of having a miscarriage rocked me. That’s when I realized I cared. I cared more than I wanted to admit to myself or anyone else. Thinking that the cramping was the beginning of a miscarriage, my world crashed around me.
By the time I made it to my gynecologist’s office, I was a sobbing mess. When the nurse saw me so panicked, she rushed me into an examination room without question. Thankfully, my doctor had just finished up with a patient.
The relief I felt when she told me that what I was feeling was normal, and she did the sonogram to confirm everything was okay made my entire body relax. In that moment, it became clear that I wanted this baby, loved it already. How could I not? So, it’s not part of my plan. I guess we get derailed sometimes so our life can become better. I hope so, at least.
“Are you coming?” Eli calls out from the bathroom.
“Yeah, yeah.” I smile to myself. I missed him. I love that man, even if he got me pregnant, and I hope we can navigate this new chapter together. It won’t be easy, but he has the patience of a saint when dealing with me.
When I walk into the bathroom, I cross my arms. “That’s my bathtub.” I look at Eli soaking in the tub without me.
“You were taking too long,” he shrugs.
I make slow work of stripping to tease him, reeling from the way his eyes move up and down my body. He gives me that crooked smile, and I step into the tub, careful not to trip over his legs. Eli’s hands instantly go to my hips to help me get settled in. I lean my back against his chest and sigh.
Closing my eyes, I allow myself to smile despite my nerves. When Eli begins to rub my shoulders, I relax, allowing his touch to soothe me.
“How are you feeling?”
“The truth?”
“Of course.” His hands stop moving. I reach behind me to prompt him to continue his massaging, and a light chuckle escapes him as he waits for my answer.
“This morning sickness is more of an all-day sickness, and I’m not about it,” I deadpan.
“I’ll make sure we have lots of tea, and you’ll start taking those vitamins right away,” he moves his hands down my arms.
I lean my head back on his shoulder, looking up at him. “I’m scared of the unknown,” I confess.
“I know you are.” He drops a kiss on my forehead. “Let’s make a plan.”
“Really?” I scrunch my eyebrows.
“Yeah.”
“Can I make a list?” My eyes light up.
Eli’s chest vibrates with laughter against me. “Whatever makes you happy.”
“Right now?” I sit up.
“No. Right now, we relax and talk.”
“Fine,” I pout.
“I want you to move in with me.”
My eyes shoot open as I hear the question in his voice. “What?”
“I want to live with you,” he says slowly, enunciating every word.
“But I love this house, and I just moved in.” I clamp my mouth shut as soon as the words are out.
“Then, I’ll live here,” Eli decides.
“You have Dash, That isn’t fair.” I shake my head and turn around to face him. This is a conversation we should be having as we look at each other.
“There’s space in the barn here. It’ll be done soon.”
I shake my head. “No, this isn’t a house for a baby. It’s just big enough for us two.”
Eli wraps his arms around me. “I’ll tell you what. We take the bathtub with us, and we’ll install a regular tub here.”
I peer up at him, my eyes watering. “You love having a shower, though.”
“I love you more.” He kisses the tip of my nose. “Besides, I have two bathrooms.”
“You’d do that for me?” My eyebrows scrunch in disbelief as I stare at this amazing man.
“Of course. Hell, if you want, we’ll renovate my house to make it look like this.”
I giggle and shake my head. “Nooo,” I draw out.
Looking up at Eli through my lashes, I smile. “I love you, you know.”
“I know.” He nods, a megawatt smile pulling his lips upward.
“Are you ready for me full-time?” I lift my brows.
Chuckling, Eli nods. “Been ready for a long time. Longer than you know.” He cradles my cheek.
“Aw, did you have a crush on me?” I tease with a wink.
Eli glares with a look that says, really, pretending he’s all cool.
“I had one on you, too,” I whisper against his lips. “It was easier to hate you, so I wouldn’t get caught up in a guy I thought was like the rest of them. But you know what? You’re not. You’re different. You’re funny and smart and talented. And you’re all mine.” I press my lips against his, moving my tongue into his mouth in search of his. Eli’s hands grip the top of my thighs as he kisses me back fervently.
I sigh into the kiss, scratching the nape of his neck with my nails. Plan or no plan, Eli is the best choice I’ve ever made.
“I guess it doesn’t matter if I get you pregnant anymore, huh?” His eyebrow dance on his forehead.
I stare at him, pinching my lips without responding.
“My boys are straight shooters,” he laughs.
“How long have you been waiting to use that?” I glare at him.
“Since I heard you were pregnant,” he winks.
I can’t help but laugh at his silly joke.
“What did the doctor say about the birth control?” he asks, suddenly curious.
“Apparently, I didn’t wait for seven days.” I give him an apologetic grimace.
“Well, I’ll be damned. I turn you on so much you forgot to count?” His eye twinkle with mischief.
“You need to get better with your jokes.”
“Wait ’til you hear my dad jokes. I think I’m quite funny,” he laughs at himself.
I shake my head and kiss him. “And freakin’ fertile, too.”
“Like I said, straight shooters. You know the first thing we should put on your list?” He changes the subject.
“Not testing the fertility of your boys for a long time after this baby.”
Eli’s laughter booms around the bathroom. “No, not that.”
“Are you going to make me guess?” I ask when he doesn’t add anything else.
“Get married,” he says nonchalantly.
“Let’s not get crazy now,” I lean back with wide eyes.
“Marry me.” Eli’s voice is husky.
“But we just agreed to move in together. Steps, Eli, steps.” I pat his chest.
“Move in with me as Mrs. Hastings. Averly Hastings, it has a nice ring to it.” Eli tests my name as if he’s talking to himself.
“You’re serious.”
“I know I have a sense of humor and all, but yeah, I’m serious right now.” Eli looks at me as if the room were stark white, and I was a rainbow of colors brightening up the space.
“Wow.” I stare at him.
“Averly Cooper, I have no doubt that I want to spend the rest of my life bringing out your wild side, helping you make plans just to break them, and keeping you feisty and frisky.”
I smile as tears trail down my cheeks. “What if I say no?”
“I’ll carry you to the courthouse myself.”
“The caveman look doesn’t really suit you.”
“I know. I won’t force you, but I do want to marry you. Today, tomorrow, in two years, if you feel the need to wait that long. I hope you don’t, but I’ll wait. And it’s not just because you’re pregnant. This isn’t about having a shotgun wedding. I couldn’t care less that we did things backward. We did them together, a
nd that’s all I care about.” He laces our hands together, bringing them to his lips.
“Marriage, huh?” I roll my eyes up as if I’m thinking this through. “Averly Hastings does have a nice ring to it.” Eli smiles. “And I guess, I do love you, too,” I tease. “How does tomorrow sound?” I lean forward and smile a breath away from his lips.
“Tomorrow? You don’t want to plan a wedding, make a list of everything you need?” His eyebrows shoot up.
“Nah, I’m starting to think planning some things is overrated.”
“God, I love you. Tomorrow. It’s a date.”
“A wedding date.” I waggle my eyebrows.
“Do you want our parents there? Finn? Joy won’t be able to make it tomorrow, but maybe we can have her celebrate with everyone at a later date.” He makes plans to have his sister present to celebrate, too. And that warms my heart.
“Eli,” I interrupt him. “Just kiss me.”
“Gladly.” His lips crash onto mine, his kiss dizzying me as our tongues tangle. I hold on to Eli with my entire heart, knowing that this is one decision I don’t have to second-guess.
He’s the man I want to spend my life with. He’s the man I want to raise our child with. I don’t care where. It could be a treehouse for all that matters, so long as he’s the one holding me.
“You ready to see how frisky I can be?” My eyebrows bounce on my forehead.
“Oh, darlin’, I was born for your frisk.”
“I don’t think that’s the right way to say it.”
“Shhh…” he murmurs against my lips, carrying me as he stands from the tub and takes us to my room.
Averly
Three weeks later
As soon as Eli and I finished eloping, word had already spread to our families about what we’d done. Small-town living is charming…sometimes.
Our families were equal parts excited and confused. Mainly my parents. It’s not like me to do something like this without careful consideration. Here’s the thing… Love? It changes us. It makes us crazy and wild and happy.
I look at Eli, sitting next to me and smile. So damn happy. When he catches me looking, he winks and squeezes my knee under the table. Our parents were set on throwing us a celebration, and we agreed. It’s only fair after they didn’t get to witness our wedding.
“How are you feeling, Mrs. Hastings?” Eli leans in and kisses right below my ear.
“Wonderful,” I sigh as I look around at our family and close friends. A small, intimate celebration. It’s perfect.
“You look beautiful,” he tells me.
“Thank you.” My cheeks flush. “Have I told you how handsome you look?”
“A few times,” his smile grows.
I love rugged Eli, but seeing him dressed in a suit is in a league of its own. He fills it out perfectly, but I know underneath it all is the man I fell in love with—hardworking, kind, dedicated, and patient, so patient.
“Are you having fun?”
“Yeah,” I nod. “Everything looks so beautiful, too.” I look around the rustic barn my family chose for the dinner. String lights, candles, and eucalyptus and hydrangea centerpieces.
“Our moms planned a great party,” he comments.
“They sure did.” I was nervous at first when they told me they wanted to surprise me, but it’s perfect. It’s exactly as I would’ve done.
“Care to dance?” Eli stands, holding his hand out.
“It’d be my pleasure,” I smile.
Draping my arms around his shoulders, Eli and I sway to the music as our friends and family smile and take photos. After the song ends, other couples join us in dancing. When I see Poppy, she smiles and snaps a picture. I shake my head and give her a soft nod. She’s been my best friend since I can remember, and I’m lucky to have her in my life.
“Are you ready for our honeymoon?” Eli pulls my attention back to him.
“Yes,” I open my eyes.
“It’ll be the last vacation we’ll be able to take before you open the bed and breakfast next month.”
“I can’t wait. For both things.” Working with Ainsley has paid off, and I already have two rooms booked for opening weekend. I got so excited when I got the call for my first reservation, I almost peed myself. Of course, that could be a side effect of this pregnancy.
“Amazing things await us,” Eli murmurs against my lips.
“They sure do, Mr. Hastings.” I lean in the last millimeter, so I can kiss my husband as we dance around. Who needs a perfect plan when you’ve got a love like ours to go wild with?
…
Thank you for reading Make You Mine! I hope you enjoyed Averly and Eli’s story. We’ll be heading back to Everton this summer!
…
I am so excited for you to read Finn’s story. Find out if this smooth-talking cowboy will have to travel across cities to meet his match or if she’s always been there in the background. Continue reading for a sneak peek of You Make It Easy.
You can also read a sneak peek of Pretend You’re Mine, Harris and Poppy’s story in the following pages.
…
If you enjoyed Make You Mine, you can return to Everton in the following books!
Write You a Love Song: Knox and Ainsley, a country music romance
Roping Your Heart: Axel and Lia, a friends-to-lovers, roommates romance
Pretend You’re Mine: Harris and Poppy, a fake relationship romance
“Can I take you out?” His eyes pierce into mine.
“Is that smart?”
“Not what I was expecting,” Finn chuckles and releases a deep breath. “I don’t see why not. We’re two adults, deciding if we want to spend an evening with each other’s company.”
“Averly?” I scrunch my nose.
“Abbie, my sister doesn’t get involved in my love life.”
“But she’s my best friend.”
“So she’ll be happy for us,” he shrugs with certainty. “I’m asking you, do you want to go out with me? Forget everyone else, Abbie. What do you want to do?”
I close my eyes briefly before gazing into his brown eyes. I nod. “I would like to.”
“Great.” Finn’s smile lightens his entire face like the noon sun.
“And Finn.”
“Yeah?” He cocks his head as he waits for me to speak.
“Text me like a normal person.”
His smile grows, and he takes a step closer. “Are you free tomorrow evening?” His hand comes up to brush a lock of hair over my shoulder.
“I am.” The corners of my lips tilt in a small smile as my nerdy inner-self throws a dance party, moving with uncoordinated moves.
“Great.” Finn beams and leans forward. I hold my breath and sigh when his lips touch my forehead. “You’ll see I’m the right guy for you, Abigail.”
“My name’s not Abigail, Finn. You should know this.” I cross my arms and lift an eyebrow.
“I do know, but I remember how cute you were when you’d get all riled up when someone called you Abigail.”
He takes a step backward before I can swat him. “See you tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at seven,” he says as he walks back, still facing me. “Shit,” he cries when he misses the edge of the sidewalk and trips on his way down to the ground.
I hold in my laugh as I walk toward him. “Are you okay?” I reach my hand out to him. My shoulders shake as I snicker.
“I meant to do that,” Finn says, holding my hand.
“Uh, huh, sure.” I nod.
“Yup, so I can do this.” Once he’s standing tall, he pulls me in by the hand I offered until I’m flush against his chest.
I stare up at him, feeling his hard ridges against me. Finn cradles my cheek and a slanted smile adorns his lips. “Just call me Smooth Operator,” he whispers. Right when I think he’s going to kiss me, he takes a step up.
“Nice try to cover it up,” I say when I finally come out of my Finn spell.
“Tomorrow, seven PM.” His hand squeezes my finge
rs before releasing me. This time, he waits for me to get into my car and waves as I drive away.
Oh, Mylanta. I have a date with Finn Cooper tomorrow.
Preorder You Make it Easy
“Sorry, Patrick, but I can’t. Um…” I look around the grocery store. “I’m already… I’m,” I stutter while I search for anything that I can hold on to that will give me some credibility. “I’m already taken,” I shrug and give an unapologetic smile.
His eyes narrow the faintest bit as if he’s reading me like a book written in old English, trying to decipher the actual meaning behind my words. “Your dad told me you weren’t seein’ anyone at the moment.” The valley between his brows deepens as his eyes scrutinize me, not buying my excuse.
“He doesn’t know yet.” I shrug as if I were telling him about the weather.
“Oh?” he prompts, straightening his slim tie.
“Yeah, it’s still new, and I like to give my relationships a bit to develop before bringing in the parents.”
“Is that so?” He tilts his head, showing more of his disbelief.
“Yup.” I offer a small smile, my eyes landing on the perfect touch to finish off my plan. “He’s right over there.” I point to the man looking at the beef jerky with the careful attention a surgeon would give the patient he’s cutting open.
“Him?” Patrick hooks a finger over his shoulder, looking between the man and me, his head tilted and his lips screwed.
“Yeah.” I cross my arms defensively. Does he think I couldn’t catch a man like that?
“Introduce me to him,” he challenges.
“Okay.” I keep my poker face and bite the inside of my lower lip. I walk to the man slowly, like a turtle would beat me at this pace, Patrick behind me with an amused, know-it-all grin. I’d love to slap that smirk off his obnoxious face.
“Hey.” I move next to the man and smile up at him. “Are you ready?”
He looks at me with confused eyes, and then his eyes move up and around in case I was talking to someone else. Shifting so Patrick can’t see my face, I plead with my eyes, hoping he’s smart enough to read minds, mine specifically. He looks over my head and catches Patrick’s curious gaze then back at me, a big, pearly white smile landing on his face as his arm hooks around my shoulder.
Make You Mine Page 20
