Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 245(@200wpm)___ 196(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 245(@200wpm)___ 196(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
“There you are. I hope you’re hungry,” Tysen’s mom greets from the front porch steps. I watch as she walks down the steps, Tysen’s dad following behind her, shaking his head.
“Hi, Ma, told you food wasn’t necessary.” He drops my hand, yet I don’t lose his warmth. He slides it across my lower back, bracketing me in a way that calms my ever-present nerves.
“And has your mom ever been one to not have food ready at any given time?” his dad asks. My eyes bounce from his mom back to his dad, who is much like Tysen, propelling his wife forward. Tysen gets his looks naturally. While he favors his mom’s skin tone, he also has her warm eyes and easy smile. I can also see where he gets his dad’s similarities, especially in personality. The take charge kind of man who will protect his woman no matter the cost, and I notice the dimples he's showcasing are exactly like Tysen’s as well.
“Hush, you. I warned him yesterday in our message to come hungry.” Mrs. Vaughn moves away from her husband, stopping to place a kiss on Tysen’s cheek, and I notice he has to bend down to reach her. She does the same on his opposite cheek while squeezing his arms.
“Hey, Ma, I want you to meet Maci. Maci, this is my mom, Loretta Vaughn.” I hold my hand out to shake hers.
“Hello, Mrs. Vaughn,” I say.
“I’m Loretta or Retta. Mrs. Vaughn is my mother-in-law, God bless her soul. It’s so good to meet you, Maci.” She does the exact same to me that she did to Tysen, kissing my cheek and all. I make a mental note that Loretta is a lot like my mom; she’s affectionate.
“I’m Carter. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Tysen’s dad comes right behind her, giving me a quick hug before pulling back. I watch as Carter goes to his son, cups his neck, and they give one another a nod while having a silent conversation.
Once they’re done, Tysen’s hand is back in mine, and my other hand holds on to his inner bicep as we follow them into their home. They lead us through the house, meandering through a hallway before coming into the kitchen. Still, we don’t stop until Carter is opening the sliding glass door and holding it open for us to proceed him.
My eyes nearly bulge out of their sockets at the smorgasbord of food she has spread out on the table—fresh fruit and a vegetable platter, sandwiches on a tiered tray with different options, a pitcher of lemonade and sweet tea are off to the side, as well as chips. Then there’s the most decadent cake I think I’ve ever seen in my life, covered in thick schmears of what looks like buttercream frosting, and I’m ready to dive face first into the sweet treat.
“Mom,” Tysen says with an underlying tone. My hand swats at his hard stomach.
“Tysen, be quiet. I’m hungry,” I say in a teasing tone.
“Listen to your lady, Tysen,” his mom says, taking her seat.
“Son, you know she’s not going to let you leave hungry.” Carter pushes in Loretta’s chair before he takes a seat beside her. I do the same, and clearly, Tysen got his manners from his dad because he does the exact same thing, helping me scooch closer to the table.
“Ma, Dad, we’d like to tell you something.” Tysen is standing behind me, his hands cupping my shoulders.
“I already know. She’s glowing.” Loretta points at me with one hand and picks up a plate with the other. Then she does similar to Tysen and says, “Plus, you’re looking at the world like it’s already yours.” My mouth opens and closes. Okay, clearly, I was the one in denial this whole time because everyone knew except me. To be fair, I did have a normal period right after our night at the hotel, but I guess that can be normal in some pregnancies.
“Loretta,” Carter clears his throat.
“You’re right, I’m pregnant,” I say in a hushed tone.
“Then this is cause for a celebration.” Carter jumps out of his seat. Loretta does similar, and hugs are given all the way around. I hear Loretta ask when he’ll pop the question, and he tells her she’ll know after he asks me first.
God, how I love this man. We all settle back in our seats, Loretta stacks our plates sky high, and I notice that Tysen isn’t getting his usual red meat in the form of a steak but instead with roast beef. I go for similar since it looks like Loretta had it simmering in an au jus and it’s thoroughly cooked. This morning, I made a point to sit down with my phone and read the dos and don’ts of pregnancy. The list is ridiculously long and one I’ll definitely adhere to.