Loyal Lawyer: A Standalone Novel
Page 24
It’s a beautiful night. A warm fall evening in the heart of Philadelphia. It reminds me of the evening of my wedding to Sebastian, which was two years ago this month. We held it at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the one with the iconic Rocky steps. It was a huge affair. With my family’s and Sebastian’s impressive roster of friends, colleagues, and associates, we needed a venue that could hold over three hundred people. We danced to a twelve-piece jazz orchestra, devoured a five-star meal, and feasted on chocolate until the sun set over the river and a fireworks show lit up the night sky—a surprise for me from my new husband.
Oliver was just a year old but made the handsomest ring bearer ever. Sebastian walked down the aisle with him, as Oli had just learned to walk. Matthew held him for the duration of the ceremony as Sebastian and I said our vows.
It is still the best night of my life, and I’ve had some pretty spectacular ones since then, all surrounded by the people I love, most of them here with us tonight.
“Daddy and I have to take off. Please tell Sebastian and Oli that they were spectacular!” My mom gives me a hug and kiss, and then they say good-bye to my siblings and their families, who are also ready to leave.
“We’ll see you at the house for Fiona’s birthday?” Heather asks as she gives me a hug.
“Yes, we’ll be there. It’s Lauryn’s weekend, but she said it’s no problem.” I wink over at Lauryn, who is bidding her adieu to my brothers.
Over the years, we’ve done well at co-parenting Oliver. Of course, that has come with a ton of hiccups. Holidays are usually the most stressful as we balance how much time Oli spends with both parents, both of whom want him on Christmas morning.
Vaccines, doctors, schools, and day care have made for quite the ride in navigating the world of parenting, but in the end, we seem to make it work.
I suppose it’s good for laying the groundwork for what we’re about to go through, as Sebastian and I are expecting another baby of our own.
Heather rubs my bump the way I have each of hers. “You really don’t want to know the sex of the baby?”
I shake my head with a smile. “There are so few surprises in life. This is one I can make special.”
Charity, who has overheard our conversation, chimes in, “Seriously? You met your boyfriend by accidental dial, and then you found out he was having a kid with someone else. Oh, and then there was the bomb of a possible baby-daddy mix-up. I think you’re good on surprises for the rest of your life.”
Heather and I laugh as Shawn groans. While he’s grown up a tremendous amount in the past few years, his behavior from back then still makes him uncomfortable. Charity wraps her arms around her now boyfriend and kisses him on the cheek.
I rub my belly and sigh. “Those were surprises, but this will be the best yet.”
Sebastian and Oliver come out to join us and our family and friends, still standing here, clapping for them. Oliver runs to his mom, who is a fit of giggles and happy tears for her boy. Sebastian shakes his dad’s hand and accepts his mother’s praises, who gushes about him all the time.
When he’s done greeting everyone else, he comes to my side and wraps me in his arms. Strong hands are quick to get on my stomach as he greets our baby as well. Since finding out we were expecting, he has held and touched my stomach often—something he missed out on with Oliver. Even in his sleep, his hand finds the place where the baby is resting, ready for the moment he’ll feel that first swoosh against his hand.
“Mrs. Blake, are you gonna tell me what you thought of my performance?” His mouth moves to my lips and envelops me in a quick yet passionate kiss.
“I thought you were the most magnificent man without a brain. I never thought straw could be so sexy.”
“Oh, really?” His brow quirks with a devilish gleam in his eye.
I swat him in the chest and then kneel down to Oliver to give him a hug. “You were wonderful! And you remembered all of the lyrics. I’m so proud of you, Oli!”
“I sang super loud, so you would hear me. Could you hear me sing?” he asks with an excited expression.
“I did. You were better than your dad!”
This makes Oliver laugh.
When I rise, I teeter a little, and Sebastian is at my side to make sure I don’t fall. The action makes me laugh because I might be pregnant, but I’m only halfway along and not very large. I can’t wait to see how he reacts when I’m the size of a house.
His hand rests on my stomach with his other on my back. “Let’s get you in the car and safely to dinner.”
I roll my eyes.
“Can I go with Daddy?” Oliver asks his mom, who, of course, gives her permission.
I take Oliver’s hand, and I head out with my two men.
“Tonight was fun,” I say to Sebastian as I take off my shoes once we’re back home.
After the show, we went for dinner, where we took up the back room because there were so many of us. We laughed and ate and had a merry time while Oliver sang songs for us.
Oli went back to Lauryn’s house since it’s a weekday. He stays with Sebastian every other weekend as well as two nights a week for dinner. He calls it their bro nights, and I find it absolutely adorable.
While Sebastian wants Oliver over all the time, he works too much and knows it’s best for him to be with his mother. He makes the most of his time with his son by going to ball games, the zoo, museums, and he is at every school event he’s invited to; although he doesn’t see Oliver every day, he’s a very hands-on dad.
Still, on the nights Oliver’s not here, it’s almost too quiet. I miss having him around. Maybe when his little brother or sister is here, Oliver will spend more time with just me and the baby even if Sebastian is working late. I want the siblings to bond and be just as close as I am with mine.
“Charity and Shawn seem to be holding strong,” Sebastian states as he unbuttons his shirt.
I stop to admire his silky, smooth skin as he exposes his chest. Maybe it’s the pregnancy hormones, but Sebastian still gets me in a frenzy when I look at him.
“It’s been a year since they decided to give it a go. I think they’re in it for the long haul now. It’s officially the longest either of them has been in a relationship.”
I slide off my dress and hang it in the closet. When I walk out, wearing just my bra and underwear, Sebastian is staring at me like he’s hungry for anything but food.
“Damn, you’re sexy, Mrs. Blake.”
My hands roam over my stomach, which has grown significantly in the past four months.
Shirtless, in just a pair of dress pants, he takes a step forward and removes my hands from my waist. “Don’t cover up the miracle that is my child.”
He raises my fingers to his lips and gives each a sultry kiss. I feel those kisses down to my toes.
“You’re extra affectionate tonight,” I muse as his hands roam over my breasts, which have also increased in weight.
“I’m just loving on every inch of my woman. Starting with here.” His mouth lowers to my neck and places French kisses along the soft skin at the side. “Here.” He moves to my clavicle and then down to the swell of my breasts, which are being freed from my bra by his skilled hands. His tongue swipes over my nipple, which has me moaning and groaning with an arched back, begging for more. “And most importantly, here.”
Sebastian drops to his knees, lowers my panties down my legs, and places soft kisses on my inner thigh, lightly backing me up into the dresser and giving me leverage to lift my leg so he can further his promise of devotion on my very core.
This is my husband. A man who gives everything he has to show his admiration. He does so with his physical support, emotions, and now, his extreme heart, all being shown with every flick of his tongue, caress of his hands, and words that are like a sultry lullaby.
“My beautiful Amy. You have no idea how hot I burn for you. It’s always like this with us. Every time. What a lucky bastard I am to have you as my wife.”
I come on h
is tongue, calling out his name.
In no time, I’m undressing him as we dance over to the bed and fall into each other in heated passion.
Our story started as unconventional as ever. A scorned woman and the loyal lawyer. Together, we weathered storms we hadn’t been equipped to navigate, but we did it nonetheless.
And now, as our bodies roar in a sea of bliss, we unite as one.
And that’s how we will be.
Forever.
Before You Go…
Do you want more of the Falling for the Stars series from Jeannine and Lauren? Check out the other books that are out now!
Naughty Neighbor: Falling for a Libra
Charming Co-Worker: Falling for a Sagittarius
Rebel Roommate: Falling for an Aquarius
Arrogant Officer: Falling for an Aries
Bastard Bartender: Falling for a Gemini
About the Authors
Jeannine Colette
Jeannine Colette combines humor and angst in her sexy, stand-alone romance novels. Her stories feature dynamic heroines, and swoon-worthy heroes, who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way.
A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer at CBS News and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.
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Lauren Runow
Lauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels, some more dirty than others. When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!
Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She is a proud Rotarian, helps run a local non-profit kids science museum, and was awarded Woman of the Year from Congressman Garamendi. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.
You can also stay in touch through the social media links below.
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