Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 86632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
I laughed. “I don’t know about that. Don’t work too hard; take some breaks and drink lots of water.”
Brystol faced me and grinned. “You’re bossy, do you know that?”
Brushing a piece of her blond hair behind her ear, I shook my head. “Not bossy at all. Just simply wanting the woman I love to take care of herself.”
Brystol’s eyes sparkled, and she leaned up and kissed me again.
“Gross, Mom! The toy lady kissed the police officer!”
Brystol laughed. “Be safe.”
I winked. “Always.”
As I started to make my way through the store, I felt someone grab my arm. Turning, I smiled when I saw it was Brystol.
“Forget something?”
She smiled. “Yeah. I forgot to tell you I love you.”
It was as if the entire store had disappeared, and it was only the two of us. I took her hand in mine and lifted it to my lips. After gently kissing it, I said, “I love you more.”
Her cheeks already had a soft pink glow to them, but when the color deepened, I felt myself fall even deeper for this woman.
“Impossible,” she whispered, before reaching up and brushing a light kiss across my lips. “See you later.”
I watched as she quickly returned to the counter and started chatting to her customer. How was I so fucking lucky?
Turning, I headed out the door with a smile that no one or nothing could erase.
Brystol
Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year, and no one does It better than Moose Village. The annual Christmas tree lighting is one of those events I always look forward to. This year, it was even more special because I got to share the experience with Gavin.
“Hungry?” he asked as he reached for my hand and helped me out of the car. He’d picked me up from the toy store, and we drove straight to my favorite little Italian restaurant, Bella’s. I was craving a meatball sub.
“I’m starving, as usual.”
He smiled and placed his hand on my lower back as we walked toward the front door. There was something so calming about that simple gesture. It made me feel loved and cared for. Gavin was the first guy I ever dated who did it, which made it even more special.
Once inside, we were shown to our seats, and Gavin helped me take off my coat. He laid it carefully over one of the extra chairs at our table and held my chair out for me. God, if he wasn’t the ultimate gentleman. For a half second, I wished we’d just returned to my place and grabbed a quick sandwich, because if we had, I’d be asking him to take me over my dining table about now.
Gavin sat down and lifted a brow. “Ms. Duggan, what are you thinking about right now?”
I felt my cheeks heat. “Why?”
He leaned in. “Because the look on your face says it’s something naughty.”
I giggled. “It is.”
“Do tell.”
“If I voice it, then I’ll really want to do it, and my stomach really, really wants a meatball sub.”
Gavin laughed, and I couldn’t help but smile. I loved the sound of his laugh.
“Fair enough.”
The waitress, a young girl named Marie—the daughter of the owner—walked up and smiled. “Hey, guys. I haven’t seen you in a while, Brystol.”
“I know, things have been so busy at the store lately.”
Marie grinned. “That’s a good thing!”
“It is.”
“How’ve you been, Officer Quinn?”
Gavin looked up from the menu. “Marie, please just call me Gavin.”
She blushed. “Okay, Officer Quinn.”
I almost laughed but managed to keep it in. Marie looked back at me, and I expected her to ask what I wanted to drink. Instead, she asked something that totally took me by surprise.
“How are you feeling?”
Confused, I asked, “What?”
“Evelyn and Denny were in here yesterday, and they told everyone the good news! That they’re expecting a baby, and you agreed to carry it for them.”
I blinked a few times before it registered.
“Oh, yes. I’m feeling great. Thank you for asking.”
Marie smiled. “I think what you’re doing for them is such a sweet thing, Brystol. Evelyn was over-the-moon happy, as was Denny. But Evelyn was really showing it!”
I smiled back at her, not sure what to say. I hadn’t prepared myself for all of the compliments people were giving me since Evelyn and Denny shared the news.
When I didn’t say anything else, Marie took our drink orders.
“I don’t know what to say when people compliment me like that.”
“Just do what you did, say thank you, smile politely, and move on.”
Nodding, I replied, “I guess I wasn’t expecting people to treat me like I’m some kind of hero.”
Gavin smiled. “You kind of are, Bry.”
I laughed. “Not really. I did what any best friend would do.”
He raised his brows. “I don’t think that’s a true statement.”
Shrugging, I said, “Oh well, I’m sure I’ll get used to it, and the news will be replaced by something else soon. At least, I hope it will.”