Page 75 of Taming the CEO

I nodded as I finished eating the cookie. After Mom passed away, I'd inherited her part of the business. I’d always told Dad it was his, but he insisted that it belonged to both of us. He also told me today that I’d get half of that money.

"I plan to stash most of it in a savings account." An idea was percolating in my head. "And I could travel for a bit. Who knows what kind of ideas that might spark?"

"Yeah, do that. And send me pictures so I can live vicariously through you." She rubbed her belly and grinned.

I nearly dropped my plate. "You’re pregnant?"

“Way to catch on, girl."

"You've let me talk about Maddox and—"

"His magic dick?"

"Oh my God, will you stop saying that?"

She laughed. "No. You blush so hard. It’s hilarious."

"How far along are you?"

"Sixteen weeks."

I jerked my head back. "What?" But then I pressed my lips together. It was on the tip of my tongue to ask her why she didn't tell me—I was her best friend, after all—but I knew many people liked to wait until they were further along. "How didn’t I notice?" I asked.

"I’m not showing. But the doctor says he’s growing nicely.”

"So it’s a boy?"

"Yes."

"Oh, Miriam, you’re going to have a little boy.” She’d been trying to get pregnant for a while.

She smiled through tears. "Yep. And I can’t wait to show him pictures of Aunt Cami’s adventures.”

“I’m so happy for you.”

Miriam was like a sister to me, and I truly was happy for my best friend, though I felt a bit wistful at the news. As I opened my mouth to ask if she’d had any morning sickness, my phone beeped with a message from Maddox.

Maddox: I made reservations for seven o'clock at The Express.

He'd sent me the address too.

Cami: Thanks. I won't be late.

Maddox: Do you have any special requests?

I grinned, typing back quickly.

Cami: Just for the food to be delicious.

Maddox: That was at the forefront of my mind when booking a location.

"Wow!" Miriam exclaimed.

I looked up. I'd practically forgotten she was here. "What?" I asked.

"I don't think I've ever seen you smile like that."

My brow furrowed. "What do you mean? I'm a very smiley person."

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