Page 54 of Brands

Oh my god, I havesomuch to tellher!

Blue loops his palm under my elbow when we hit the snowy lane.

His touch is a comforting reminder that I’m not in this alone.

He leans closer until his mustache tickles my ear. “Did you want to go say ‘hi’ to Char while we’re here?”

This man.

“I’d love that. Find me when you’re ready?” I can’t resist pressing a fast kiss to his lips before trotting away from him.

It’s such a rush showing him affection in public. Like I’m breaking some crazy rule and getting away with it.

“There’s no way I’m leaving without you.” His hand pats my ass before I’m out of reach.

I practically float the hundred yards to Char’s door, and rap on it so fast my knuckles hurt.

“Come on, come on.” It isn’t the cold getting to me, it’s the bursting at the seams with all of this new stuff that I haven’t been able to tell her.

I think it’s been like, six hours at least since I texted her last.

Practically a lifetime.

There’s small scraping sounds which I’d wager are Paisley trying to open the door.

“Paisley, get your mommy.” Okay, I’m getting a little chilly.

The tiny noises stop, but I can hear her little voice calling out for Char as she runs away.

“Mommy, it’s Libby!” Her squeal carries as only a three year old’s shrill scream can.

“Almost there!” This time it’s Char calling out.

Poor girl is getting so big she can hardly walk.

Is that what I’d look like if I got pregnant?

Shit. Am I already?

“Your eyes are bugging out. What happened?” Char tilts her head and steps out of the way for me to rush inside.

“So much! I can’t even, um, like, where do I even start? We slipped without a condom the second time, but I’m buying the dairy. So we’re gonna be bringing some of the cows over here for a little while until—” My breath runs out.

I draw in a big inhale, but Char throws her hands up to stop me.

“Elizabeth Marie Taylor! Stop and explain all those bits and pieces!” Char grabs my arms and shakes me.

Her huge baby belly rubs my flat one as she holds me.

“Girl, speak at me like I’m five, because I have a whole lotta thoughts right now…” She blinks those big blue eyes at me with her brows crawling towards her messy dark bun.

“I’m three,” Paisley proudly holds up two fingers next to me, making us both turn to look at her.

When our gazes meet again, Char and I break down in laughter.

“So, you and Blue?” Char lets me go and slowly lowers herself, and her hefty abdomen, to the couch cushion.

Her finger points at her protruding stomach. “Seriously? Didn’t catch the lesson?” She smiles, shaking her head.

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