Smiling, I stand up and kiss Tara on the cheek, grabbing the cake from her hand and setting it down on the table. “Thanks, Tara. You made this for me?”
She nods. “Yes, and Tripp helped. You better like it.”
“I’ll love it.” I nod at Charles and then help him pull a table over, next to our booth.
Memphis cuts the cake and we all dive in, enjoying ourselves.
“Happy birthday, baby.” Tripp slides a birthday card in front of me, but keeps her hand on it. “Before you open this, I have some news for you.”
I slip my hand behind her neck and pull her to me. “The house. Did we get the fucking house?”
She nods her head and I pull her in, kissing her long and hard. “We get the key next week,” she exclaims. “Everything is about to change, Alex. Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
I smile and rest my forehead to hers. “With you . . . yes. I’ve been ready my whole life.”
“Good.” She smiles. “Open the card.”
Everyone around the table watches me as I reach for the card and rip the envelope open. I pull the card out and read the front. It’s got some kind of stick figure on it that looks like a kid’s drawing. “Happy birthday, daddy.”
My heart stops when I look beside me to see tears streaming down Tripp’s face. “What’s this?”
“Your first birthday card from your child.”
“Holy fuck!” I stand up, almost knocking the table over. “You’re pregnant? We’re having a baby?”
Tripp nods and throws both of her hands over her mouth.
“Holy shit!” I reach for Tripp’s hand and pull her up to her feet. “I love you. I love you so fucking much, baby. This is by far the best day of my life outside of the day you became my wife. You’re going to be the mother of my child. We’re doing this together.”
The girls all seem to break into tears of joy and Memphis and Charles both slap me on the back, congratulating me.
“I love you too. I’m so damn happy. I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone but you.” She throws her head back and laughs as I bend down and kiss her belly, and then grab her face to kiss her lips. “I’ve known for a week. Do you know how hard it’s been to wait until today to tell you?”
I shake my head and tangle my hands into the back of her hair. “I’m so ready to start a family with you. Our baby is going to have the best parents. You know that, right?”
Tripp nods her head and kisses me one last time, before the girls pull her away and start talking in their high pitched, girly voices.
“Congrats, man.” Memphis throws his arms around me. “I’m so proud of you, little brother. I love you, man. The two of you are going to make great parents.”
“Thanks, bro. I love you too.” I grip his shoulder when we pull apart. “You’re going to be a great uncle. I can only hope that my child will turn out to be anything like you.”
He smiles and wraps his arm around Lyric, and that’s when I take the opportunity to take my woman back.
“I love you more now than I ever have in my entire life, and I would give up everything I own to make sure that you and our child are happy and taken care of. You know that, right?”
Tripp pulls me as close as she can and buries her face into my neck. “I know you would and I would do the same. Always.” She kisses my neck. “I love you.”
I’ve loved this woman since I was eight and I will love her and our child until the day I die. That’s a promise that I can keep . . .
The End . . .
First and foremost, I’d like to say a big thank you to all my loyal readers that have given me support over the last couple years and have encouraged me to continue with my writing. Your words have all inspired me to do what I enjoy and love. Each and every one of you mean a lot to me and I wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for your support and kind words.
I’d also like to thank my friend, Author of the Fate Series and editor, Charisse Spiers. She has put a lot of time into helping me put this story together. I’m lucky to have her be a part of this journey with me. Please everyone look out for her books. She has shown me so much support through this whole process and it would be nice to be able to return the favor. Her stories are beautifully written and something that the world shouldn’t miss out on.
My amazingly, wonderful PA, Amy Preston Rogers. She helped me from the very beginning of Something For The Pain and fell in love with Alex before anyone else. Her support has meant so much to me.
Also, all of my beta readers and friends that have taken the time to read my book and give me pointers throughout this process. You guys have helped encourage me more than you know. Kellie Richardson of KinkyGirlsBookObsessions was also amazing and kept me excited to continue with Alex’s story. Thank you so much for that, Kellie! Bestsellers and Beststellars of Romance for hosting my cover reveal, blog tour and release day blitz. Hetty Whitmore Rasmussen has been a big part in making this happen. You all have. Thank you all so much.
I’d like to thank another friend of mine, Clarise Tan from CT Cover Creations for creating my cover. You’ve been wonderful to work with and have helped me in so many ways.
Thank you to my boyfriend, friends and family for understanding my busy schedule and being there to support me through the hardest part. I know it’s hard on everyone, and everyone’s support means the world to me.
Last but not least, I’d like to thank all of the wonderful book bloggers that have taken the time to support my book and help spread the word. You all do so much for us authors and it is greatly appreciated. I have met so many friends on the way and you guys are never forgotten. You guys rock. Thank you!
Victoria Ashley grew up in Rockford, IL and has had a passion for reading for as long as she can remember. After finding a reading app where it allowed readers to upload their own stories, she gave it a shot and writing became her passion.
She lives for a good romance book with tattooed bad boys that are just highly misunderstood and is not afraid to be caught crying during a good read. When she's not reading or writing about bad boys, you can find her watching her favorite shows.
She is the author of Wake Up Call, This Regret, Slade, Hemy, Cale, Get Off On The Pain, Thrust and is currently working on more works for 2015.
Contact Victoria
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
www.victoriaashleyauthor.com
Wake Up Call
Buy Wake Up Call on Amazon
This Regret
Buy This Regret on Amazon
Thrust
Buy Thrust on Amazon
WALK OF SHAME
Slade ( #1)
Buy Slade on Amazon
Hemy ( #2)
Buy Hemy on Amazon
Cale (#3)
Buy Cale on Amazon
PAIN
Get Off on the Pain (#1)
Buy Get Off on the Pain on Amazon
Something For The Pain (#2)