Page 51 of Knocked Up By the Grump

Ben puts his cards down and then stretches his arms above his head. After a yawn, he happily announces, “I think it’s duetime for another yacht party. I’m thinking of throwing one this Saturday. Are you two in?”

I freeze as a knot of anxiety tightens in my chest.

Oh, for fuck's sake.

I already told Emily that I would no longer use the lights. I made a commitment to protect the turtles. But, if Ben wants to throw a party, he'll need to use the lights.

I clear my throat, trying to find the right words to express my concerns without dampening Ben's excitement.

“Hey, Ben, about that..” I begin cautiously, “I've been thinking about the lights at the marina.”

Ben looks at me quizzically, his excitement momentarily dampened. “What about them?”

I sigh, realizing I need to be honest with my friend. “I've decided not to use the marina lights as often. I want to do my part to protect the turtles that nest there. We'll have to figure out another way to light up the party.”

Ben's face falls, and he appears a bit disappointed. It's understandable, considering he loves hosting these parties, and the dazzling lights have always been a big part of the allure. I can see the wheels turning in his head as he contemplates this change. But he also knows the marina's under my control.

“You sure about that?” Ben asks, frowning.

I think about Emily, about all the promises that our relationship has in store.

“Yes,” I tell him in a firm tone, “I’m sure.”

As the poker game winds down, there's a palpable sense of satisfaction in the air. The dim glow of the overhead deck lights illuminate the final moments of the evening.

We exchange knowing glances as we collect the poker chips and playing cards, a ritual that has become second nature to us. The clinking of chips and the soft shuffle of cards being stacked echo in the night air.

Chris is the first to speak up as we start to disperse.

“See ya, guys!” he calls out with a playful wave, his voice tinged with anticipation for the next gathering.

Ben, who had moments ago been the life of the party with his jokes and laughter, adopts a more subdued tone as he bids us farewell.

“Night,” he says, his expression thoughtful.

I add my own farewell to the mix and make my way below deck to my cabin. The soft creaking of the yacht as it gently rocks against the water provides a soothing backdrop. My footsteps echo in the narrow hallway as I navigate to my room.

Inside, I close the door behind me and take a moment to reflect on the evening.

But one thing stands out above all else… Emily. Her presence in my life has ignited a fire within me, a passion and desire that I never even thought I had. There's something magnetic about her, something that draws me in. When I'm with her, she takes down all the walls I've built around myself for all these years.

Infatuation, that's what it is. I find myself thinking about her, the stolen kisses, and the whispered confessions.

As I close my eyes, I can't help but picture her face, her smile, and the way she looked at me under the moonlight. It's a feeling I haven't experienced in a long time, and it both excites and terrifies me. It terrifies me because I love her, and I don't ever want to lose her. What lies ahead is uncertain, but one thing isclear: I'm captivated by Emily, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes us.

Chapter twenty-nine

Emily

Iwake up in the soft morning light, the gentle rays filtering through my curtains. At first, everything seems peaceful and serene. But then, a queasy sensation washes over me, and I know what's coming next.

Morning sickness.

With a groan, I sit up and reach for the glass of water on my nightstand, hoping it will soothe my stomach. I take a few sips, but it doesn't provide much relief. The nausea intensifies, and I hurriedly make my way to the bathroom.

Of course I've heard about the symptoms in movies and books. But, feeling it now, for the first time…

It’s terrible.

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