Page 91 of My Girlfriend is Not the Father

Congratulations!

A grin tugged at Jade’s lips. Besides the fact that she’d been wearing her dress from the banquet, she had not thought about the award ceremony until Lucy brought it up. But she was proud. Her girlfriend had given birth, her friends had a daughter, and she had freaking won Best Salon.

Now, there was only one more thing to do.

***

Jade paid the Uber Eats driver and headed back up the elevator. In the hall, she bumped into Drew and Mason, who were just leaving Lucy’s room. The men wrapped their arms around Jade in the best group hug of her life.

‘Take good care of her,’ Drew said, a smile crossing his tired face.

The events from the last thirty-six hours were finally starting to settle, and to her surprise, Jade found herself choking up. She’d been so focused on what life would look like post childbirth, and how Lucy would feel, that she’d never allowed herself to imagine how she’d feel after the transformation. But one thing was certain – Lucy’s happiness was still top priority. ‘I will.’

‘But also’ – Drew held up a finger – ‘let her take care of you. This entire process was hard on you, too, and we haven’t forgotten that.’

‘Just don’t let her cook for you.’ Mason grinned. ‘Unless it’s grilled cheese. Remember that time she tried to make asparagus hotdish?’

Drew groaned. ‘How could I forget?’

Jade gave each man one more quick hug, and then stepped into the room.

‘How am I still so hungry?’ Lucy asked as reached for her water cup. ‘I thought I was eating for two, but this might be the new norm.’

God, I love this woman. Messy, dishevelled, un-showered, her make-up from last night smeared across her face, and she was still the most beautiful woman Jade had ever seen.

‘Luckily, I come bearing gifts.’ Jade revealed the bag she’d been hiding behind her back and dangled it in the air. ‘Close your eyes.’

‘Whatever it is, I already love you.’ Lucy grinned and put her palms to her eyes.

Jade lined up the containers on the TV tray and slid the tray over Lucy’s lap. Her heart was skipping way too quickly for the small gesture. ‘Ready? Open!’

Lucy’s eyes scanned the spread – a mound of prosciutto, salami, soppressata, and chorizo. ‘Salted meats? You got me salted meats!’ She dug into the salami and moaned as she chewed. Amusement tickled Jade that something as simple as an animal protein could elicit that response. ‘Ah, I really, really, really love you.’

Two years ago, Jade could never have dreamed she’d ever feel as fulfilled as she was right now. She grinned at Lucy, devouring her salty meats with such pure joy, and let herself bask in gratitude. She had opened herself to up to love, and the results had exceeded her wildest dreams.

Lucy layered a prosciutto around a small slice of mozzarella and wiggled her brows. ‘Want to try some?’

‘Nope. Not even a little.’

She grinned at Jade in between bites and swallowed. ‘Next week, vegan restaurant. Maybe we can even start Meatless Mondays. It might kill me, but for you, I’ll give it a shot.’

Knowing Lucy the way Jade did, this offer ranked only one step below her offer to carry for her friends. Jade planted a kiss on Lucy’s lips, the closest she’d been to cured meat in twenty years, but it was totally worth it. Everything about Lucy was worth it.

‘Can’t wait.’

Epilogue

Lucy

Twelve months later

The blinding sun busted through the bedroom shades without any consideration for those who might still be sleeping. A soft hand swept Lucy’s long hair from the back of her neck and lips pressed against her nape. ‘Luce?’

‘No.’ Lucy pulled the pillow over her head.

‘Lucy.’ Jade’s lips moved to the top of her spine. One kiss, two kisses, three kisses … She trailed her mouth down Lucy’s back.

A soft, traitorous moan released from Lucy. ‘Still no.’