Page 38 of Don't Fall For Your Grumpy Neighbor

I squeeze her knee. “I’m not ever going anywhere.”

And looking into Felicity’s soft brown eyes, I know I’m not lying. I’ll never leave her or my child. Ever.

She’s stuck with me.

Chapter 19

Felicity

I climb into bed and settle against the headboard, resting my back on a pillow. Today was not at all what I expected. Just as the thought enters my head, my phone rings, and I smile, seeing it’s Emmie.

“Hey,” I answer, my voice light with relief.

“Give me all the details. How was it with the infamous Atwood family?” she demands eagerly.

I giggle, adjusting my position to get more comfortable. “It was nothing like I expected. All the talk about what an amazing family they are, it’s all true.” My heart beats a little faster at the memory of them, the warmth of the day still fresh in my mind.

“I’m not really surprised, but I need more details than that,” she says, laughing.

I take a sip of water and grin, recalling the day’s events. “Well, his parents couldn’t have been more excited. His mom kept crying, tears of joy streaming down her face, and his dad never stopped smiling, his eyes twinkling with happiness. Anya was the one who really spilled the beans because she hugged me immediately, almost lifting me off the ground, telling me how excited she was to be an aunt. I was hugged and kissed more today than I think I’ve ever been in my entire life. All of his brothers were welcoming and incredibly excited. Paxton’s fiancée, Hartford, and Anya’s boyfriend, Griffin, both told me to be ready for endless Sunday dinners and watching the Atwood brothers tease one another.”

“It sounds like it was a great day,” she says, her voice full of joy for me.

I chew my bottom lip, feeling the emotion welling up inside me as I prepare to share the part that truly touched my heart. “They all told me I’m part of the Atwood family now,” I whisper, my voice cracking slightly with the weight of their acceptance and love.

Emmie is silent for a moment, then she speaks, her tone soft and sincere. “That’s incredible. You deserve every bit of happiness, and it sounds like you’ve found the perfect family to be a part of.”

I nod, even though she can’t see me, feeling a tear slip down my cheek. Today was not at all what I expected—it was so much more.

I never considered that my baby wasn’t just getting an amazing father, but an entire huge, loving, well-known family. I have no idea if Shepherd will stick around, but after today, I know my baby will have a big family that loves him or her regardless of that.

My mother was a single parent my entire life. I never met my father because he took off before I was even born. My mother did everything on her own. She sacrificed so I wouldn’t need to. I resented my father for that. I hated him without ever meeting him and that’s all I ever let my mom see. But there was always a part of me that was sad, wondering why he never wanted to meet me. Why he didn’t care that I existed, that’s what I fear most about Shepherd. I never want my child to feel that sadness and rejection.

“You’re lucky, Felicity. Do you have any idea what a woman would do to be a part of that family? They are like Magnolia Ridge royalty,” she says and I hear the sincerity in her voice.

“I know that. I was just never one of those women,” I explain.

“And I know that, but you and that little one you’re carrying are part of the Atwood’s now. It’s amazing.”

I close my eyes and nod. “It is amazing. I’m so thankful my baby will always have them, even if I don’t.”

“They don’t strike me as a family that will toss aside the mother of their grandchild. Even if you are just his fuck buddy,” she says with a laugh.

“I never should have told you,” I say, sighing.

“But you did,” she sing-songs.

It’s great having a best friend to confide in, but now that she knows Shepherd and I have this sex agreement she’s never going to let me live it down.

“I’m exhausted. I need to get some sleep before work tomorrow,” I say, stifling a yawn and stretching out under the covers.

“Nice way to avoid talking about your arrangement, but fine, go. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Emmie teases, though there's an edge of curiosity in her voice.

“Promise, we’ll talk more tomorrow,” I assure her, my voice fading as fatigue overtakes me.

We say our goodbyes and hang up. I place my phone on the nightstand, its screen glowing softly in the dim light. My heavy eyes close almost immediately, and I feel myself being pulled under by the comforting embrace of sleep. The day's events play back in my mind like a comforting lullaby, the warmth and acceptance of the Atwood family surrounding me in a cocoon of contentment. The anticipation of sharing more details with Emmie tomorrow lingers as my last conscious thought, and soon, I drift into a deep, restful sleep.

I startle awake, groggily checking the clock, and see I’ve been asleep for only a few hours. It’s not even three am. Unfortunately, this baby likes to lay on my bladder, and I need to pee again. I should be happy I got a few hours; it’s better than last night.

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