Love Me, Lauren
Page 25
“And you want me to ask you?”
Lauren stood up and went to the door of the bedroom before she looked back at him. Dark eyes fixed on her with an intensity that electrified her from her toes up to her neck. She wanted him to ask, but if he did, it would be on him.
She blew him a kiss, leaving the room with a Cheshire Cat grin.
thirty-eight
Ready for Forever
A familiar tune made Lauren’s ears perk up. It was the same song she’d heard back in July on her drive to Faithful Falls. “Sober.” She smiled, wiping applesauce off Izzy’s face. The love she had pumping in her heart for Rick, Izzy, and the life growing in her belly was unexpected, beautiful, and precious. In less than three months, Lauren had obtained everything she hadn’t known she wanted, and she would cherish these three people always.
“Do you want more, pretty girl?”
“No tanks,” Izzy replied, lips puckered as Lauren wiped them gently. Her slate-blue eyes sparkled up at Lauren, relaxed and happy.
“You’re a natural,” Julia complimented. “Motherhood becomes you. Those are words I never thought I’d say.” She giggled.
“It’s the craziest thing. Speaking of motherhood, how are you?”
Julia sighed, shrugging. “I guess okay. In two weeks, I’ll be Mrs. Luke Hamill, and that’s all that really matters to me. A baby would have been the cherry on top.”
“You’ll have a baby, I promise you.”
“Mama has a baby in here.” Izzy pointed to Lauren’s belly. “Imma big sister.” She nodded proudly.
Tears filled Lauren’s eyes as she stared at Julia, stunned.
Mama?
“That’s right! You’re going to be a big sister! Are you excited?” Julia asked sweetly. Izzy nodded. As always, Julia knew how to rescue Lauren. When the baby arrived, she’d need her more than ever to help her ease into motherhood. “Do you want a baby brother or a baby sister?”
“Brother!” Izzy squealed.
“Aww, a baby brother would be so much fun! You can play cars and sword fight.” Izzy pushed her bottom lip out, shaking her head. “No?”
“No! Tea party!”
“Yes, baby girl. Tea parties are the best!” Lauren smiled, squeezing Izzy’s hand. “And Dada will play too.” Izzy clapped her hands.
“Can I get you ladies anything else?” Bruce asked, collecting their empty plates. As he removed Lauren’s plate, he froze, his gaze set on the blonde that strutted in like she owned the place. Lauren hiked a brow, flicking her eyes to Julia.
They both grinned at Bruce.
“When are you going to ask Tiffani out?” Lauren said, a mischievous glint in her eye. Julia laughed, nodding her approval.
“What?” His befuddled expression made Lauren and Julia giggle. “I’m not sure I understand.”
“Now, Bruce, you can’t fool us.” The girls shook their heads, Izzy copying them with crossed arms. Lauren kissed her head proudly. That’s my girl. “Admit it. You like her and you want to kiss her!” Lauren made a kissy face at him.
Bruce chortled, cheeks turning pink. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were drunk as a skunk.” He continued to collect the plates.
“But you do know better. In my condition”—she rubbed her belly—“you know I’m as sober as Izzy.” She winked at him. “Admit you fancy Tiffani?”
Bruce glanced over at Tiffani at the bar. The look in his eyes told all; it was the same admiring gaze she had seen Luke give Julia and Rick give her.
“Anything else?” he asked again.
“Dang, you’re not going to give us anything, are you?” Julia teased. “Does Luke know anything?” Bruce arched his brow, unamused. “No? Well, I expect to see you two dancing at the wedding.”
“I didn’t think you were having a dance?” Bruce asked, glancing at Tiffani.
“Oh, that’s right. We weren’t, but I can change that!” Julia wiggled her brows.
“That’s quite all right. I don’t dance.” Bruce stood stoically.
“You don’t dance?” Lauren’s jaw dropped. “Julia, you need to have music so we can get Mr. I Don’t Dance dancing.”
“You ladies are relentless,” he grumbled. “Dessert?”
The girls shook their heads.
Bruce nodded and left with a stack of plates. He put them on a cart and went over to Tiffani.
“Do you see what I’m seeing?” she said to Julia. Bruce served Tiffani a beer and a charming grin. “Do you think she likes him?”
They eyed Bruce and Tiffani, who were now talking closely.
“I predict a summer wedding for them,” a scratchy voice said behind Lauren. She craned her neck to see Louise smirking. “Bruce and Tiffani, I didn’t see that one coming! But the two of you have it right! Mark my words, they’ll be tying the knot next summer.”
She danced a little jig, walking away.
Lauren and Julia broke out into giggles. Apparently, the grapevine had spoken.
The End
About The Author
Elle writes romance that has realistic topics embedded within. She will tell stories about couples that overcome the obstacles life throws at them, whether in childhood or later in life. Her stories show what healthy, meaningful and passionate relationships look like. You will read about people that can change from bad to good., that mistakes can be forgiven, and true intimacy is born out of a relationship built on respect and adoration. When all that is present, the hot sex is the icing on the cake!
Elle Linder is a country girl at heart. Her peace is in the mountains of North Idaho and on the California coast. She currently lives with her husband and five of her seven children in NW Minnesota. She is a lover of love. Let her tell you a story that will grip your soul, make you breathless and reside in your heart, always...
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