Page 120 of Tamed By You

Three months later.

“If this is what turning thirty feels like, then I will happily turn thirty every day,” I announce as I settle into the velvet chair in the relaxation room.

“Right, I’m gonna need one of those pregnancy massages tomorrow because, holy hell do I feel as light as a feather, and that’s not an easy thing when I am carting this bump about.” Ria chuckles as she rubs her very pregnant belly. She’s not too far away from giving birth to her baby girl and I can’t wait to be an auntie again.

Gabby walks over with a tray of glasses, dressed in a white fluffy robe like both of us, and her hair in a slick bun. “I got us some cucumber waters. Are Kate and Harley out?”

“Not yet. I reckon Kate fell asleep again during her massage.” Ria huffs as she tries to pull herself up to a seating position.

“Gabby, babes, cucumber water, no margaritas? It’s my birthday.” I ask her.

“Ali, it’s a spa, they only serve healthy food and drinks. It helps flush out all the toxins in your body,” she answers handing me a glass tumbler with a cucumber floating in it. I wrinkle my nose and look up at her.

“There is a lime in a margarita. That’s healthy.”

“Not really the same thing,” she says, rolling her eyes. I sip the water and wince.

Shit, that tastes bad.

Harry arranged for me and the girls, including Kate and Harley, to go to New York’s top spa. One-of-a-kind treatments and a rooftop pool. I haven’t felt this relaxed in a long time. It’s been three months since the court case and my life finally feels back to normal. I’m back at work, and I even got a promotion to junior stylist.

Harry and I haven’t spent a night apart. He either stays at mine or I stay at his when Gabby is working. I don’t like the thought of her being alone or truthfully, living away from her. We’ve lived together for the last eight years and the idea of not living with her makes my heart ache. I know one day it needs to happen, but Harry understands and has been more than patient with me as I heal.

Kate and Harley walk through the large archway and head towards us, dressed in the same robes and a rosy glow to their cheeks.

“Is this heaven, because I think it is?” Kate says flopping down on the couch.

“Did you fall asleep again?” Ria smirks.

“What makes you ask that?” Kate questions.

Harley laughs, rubbing her finger along Kate's forehead. “Ermm, the indent on your forehead from the couch.”

Kate lifts her hand to her forehead, her eyes widening when she feels the mark. “Oh great, that better go before tonight.” We all laugh, mine light and carefree. God, it feels good to laugh, to be happy, to just be with my friends. Tonight, will be my first night out in months. The girls and Harry have been planning something and honestly, as long as I spend it with those I love, I don’t care what we do. I take another sip of my gross water and smile, watching my friends laugh and chatter. I think my thirties will be my best decade to date.

“Oh, my god, that dress was made for you,” Gabby squeals as I twirl in our front room.

“Thank you, perks of working for a fashion magazine.” One of the designers at work designed a one-of-a-kind pink sequin, strapless dress with silver Swarovski crystal heels. I feel like a million dollars. I went to a salon for a blowout and even had my make up done.

You only turn thirty once right, and after this year’s events I wanted to go all out and celebrate because if this year has taught me anything, it’s that life is short, and for living. I spent so many years in the dark, I finally want to embrace the light.

“You two look stunning, Ri. You and that baby girl doing okay?” She rubs a hand over her bump. She’s in a black fitted dress and she may be the most beautiful pregnant woman I’ve ever seen.

“We are good. I think she will be cooking for a little while longer.”

“I rub her belly and feel a little kick. “Oh, my god,” I chuckle. “She kicked.”

“Let me feel, let me feel,” Gabby yells, tottering over on her sky-scraper heels, her red dress clinging to her curves like a second skin. She looks fire and will no doubt be turning heads tonight.

She places her hands on the other side of Ria’s bump and we all gasp when we feel the baby move again. I clear my throat, a lone tear falling down my cheek. “I need to say this quickly before I ruin my make up, but…” I take a deep breath. “I love you both so much, and like everything else in my life, I wouldn’t have got through it without you both…”

“Ali…” Gabby sniffs.

“Nope, I’m gone. Damn hormones,” Ria chokes, fanning her face.

“We love you so much, and we are so proud of you,” Gabby sniffles.

“What she said,” Ria sobs. I open my arms, pulling them both in for a hug.

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