Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 141428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
They were about to head off to her welcome party which was being held in the garden of Clint and Charlie’s house. It was late afternoon and was growing colder out.
Daisy had stopped by yesterday to tell her everything that they’d arranged. There were unicorn rides, an outdoor fireplace where you could roast s’mores, Clint and Kent were going to barbeque, and there were some other games set up like corn hole toss.
It sounded amazing and way too good for her. She’d just expected a few drinks and maybe something to eat. Perhaps for the party to be an hour.
But this was going to be beyond her expectations.
“The party is outside and it’s cold. I don’t want you getting sick.”
“I’m not going to get sick,” she reassured him.
He was such a worrywart.
Taking her hand, he led her outside. Something tickled her nose as they grew closer to the party and she sneezed.
Hayes froze. “What was that?”
“Um, a sneeze?”
“You’re getting ill, we’re going home.” He suddenly picked her up, cradling her against his chest as he strode back to their cabin.
“Hayes! I’m not getting sick!”
“You sneezed.”
“Because something tickled my nose! Not because I’m sick.”
“How do you know?” he demanded.
“I don’t feel sick. I would have a sore throat or headache or something. I feel fine. I am fine. Now, put me down.”
He froze, then let out a deep breath. “Fine. But if you sneeze again or don’t feel well, tell me and we’re going home.”
Sheesh.
He took her hand again, keeping her close to him. As they grew closer to the party, she could hear children laughing and people talking. A baby cried.
What was she doing?
She didn’t know these people. What if they didn’t like her? What if they thought she wasn’t good enough for Hayes?
She stilled and Hayes stopped with her. He was holding her good hand. She loved holding his hand, although she thought that part of the reason he kept a tight hold on her was because he was worried she might fall over.
Probably a valid concern considering she’d already tripped once with him holding onto her.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t . . . I don’t know if I can do this.”
Which was crazy because she’d been the one to push for it. She’d wanted it. And Hayes had been cautious, not wanting her to be overwhelmed.
And now . . .
“Hey, look at me.” He turned to face her, cupping her chin and forcing her to look up at him. His face was surprisingly soft. “You have this, baby. Everyone will love you. I know they’re a lot, but they’re all good people.”
“And if they don’t love me?”
“I’ll make them.”
“Hayes! We talked about this! You can’t make people like me!”
He wrapped an arm around her and steered her to the party. “Sure I can.”
She couldn’t help but grin. He was such a lunatic.
But he was her lunatic.
And she wasn’t ever letting him go.
Devi’s head was spinning.
Her cheeks hurt from smiling so much and her mind was swimming with names and faces. The first people she’d met were Clint and Charlie. Clint was a formidable-looking guy, with a big bossy streak.
As soon as they’d walked up to where he was grilling, he’d handed her a plate with a burger patty, steak, and chicken skewers. When she’d tried to protest that she couldn’t eat that much, he’d just glowered at her.
That was a man who was used to being obeyed.
Then his wife, Charlie, had come over to meet her. Charlie was lovely. So was Ellie, who was so friendly and cheerful.
The more people she met, the more she realized that this really was a special place. But it was also a lot for someone who hadn’t grown up with a lot of friends and family. Although, she loved being around people, she wasn’t used to being the center of attention.
Hayes stayed with her the whole time, helping her create a s’more, which was absolutely delicious. She was just finishing it when his phone rang.
“Shit. I have to take this. Baby, stay here.”
“Sure. I’ll be fine.” She hoped. She was feeling a bit tired, though. And she still couldn’t shake the feeling that she wasn’t good enough for this place . . . for these people.
Hayes gave her a concerned look.
“I’m good. Just a bit tired. Another s’more will help.”
“We’ll get you one after this. Do not do it yourself. You are not allowed around fire on your own.”
So bossy.
She heard a squeal of excitement and looked over to find one of the women on the back of a unicorn. One of the ranch horses had been dressed up with a horn and colorful braids.
“Fly, unicorn! Fly!” the woman cried.
What was her name? Oh, Gigi. She was so cute. And her man had a sexy accent.
Although she didn’t think unicorns could actually fly.
But she wasn’t going to tell her that.