by Nicole Lynne
"Look, Miss Hope,” she runs up to Hope clutching a stuffed animal that she shoves in Hope’s face, “I got a Unicorn," Lydia says, her eyes wide with excitement.
Hope gasps and grins. "Oh my goodness, what's he called?"
"It's a girl!" Lydia says, frowning at her.
"My bad.” Hope laughs. “What's she called?"
"Princess Sparkle," she says before running back to her pile of presents.
Hope leans into my side. "I don't think there's any chance of that one being a Tom boy," she says. I look at her and my chest swells. Hope is crass and loud and has an unnatural obsession with bingo, but I love the way she is with Lydia. I love everything about her crazy arse.
"I love you," I say, pressing my lips to her forehead.
"Aw, Finnley." She grins. "Don't make me blush. I'm ginger, it's not hot."
I shake my head. "Of all the scandalous things you come out with..."
"Colby Keller?” she whispers and I shake my head. She grabs my chin, pulling my lips to hers. "I love you too," she says against my mouth. Her hands cup my face and she deepens the kiss, holding me to her.
"Babe, you really need to brush your teeth," I tease.
She swats at me. "Just for that, I'm not dressing or washing all day."
"Pyjamas all day?" Lydia asks, excited.
"Yep, shortie. You and me are having a pyjama Christmas."
"Poppy is coming over later," I remind her.
She snorts. "And? Her kid peed on me. She does not get to judge." Jesus Christ, I don't stand a hope in hell with these two, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
The End
(Bingo!)
Acknowledgments
There are always so many people to thank when it comes to publishing a book. So, here it goes.
Thank you to Max Ellis for doing the cover.
Indie Editor Jones, thank you for your amazing editing.
Kerry Fletcher of Nutty Squirrel PR…best PA ever, and you deserve a medal for putting up with our little squirrel selves.
We have to give a massive shout out to our boo, confidant, beta, bestie…Jen Lum. You are the shit!
Christina McCormick Franco, your input meant so much with this book. Your real life experience of living with PTSD made you the perfect person to read this for us. Thank you so much.
There are so many blogs who post and review for us, and we are so grateful that you take the time to help us promote our work.
There are far too many blogs to mention, but know that without you, this industry would not be what it is.
And to our readers; You are amazing. We love you. Thank you for being you and reading our words.
About the Author
Nicole Lynne is the author name of LP Lovell and Stevie J. Cole.
LP Lovell is an indie author from England. She suffers from a total lack of brain to mouth filter and is the friend you have to explain before you introduce her to anyone, and apologise for afterwards.
She's a self confessed shameless pervert, who may be suffering from slight peen envy.
Stevie J. Cole likes to write realistic stories with raw, gritty characters you should hate but can't help but to love. She's obsessed with rock music, loves sloths, and has an unnatural obsession with British accents.
Also by Nicole Lynne
Pre War is the tale of Poppy, Brandon, Connor and Hope. Follow their humorous tale of childhood in Pre-war.
War Poppy is Poppy and Brandon’s heartbreaking love story.
