I nod, finding myself unable to do anything but smile like a silly schoolgirl.
Before leaving, he strides over to the cooler where Harlow and Penny stand motionless, their mouths slightly agape, reflecting their shock.
A frown creases my brows as he gently pulls a single white magnolia from the bucket Penny holds.
“Can I take this?” he asks her, his voice warm and disarming.
She nods, her eyes wide.
I watch in bewilderment, wondering what he’s doing until he walks over and places the delicate flower in front of me along with a twenty-dollar bill.
“For your hair tonight,” he says.
My heart completely melts, the simple gesture filling me with warmth before he leans down closer.
“Don’t worry about dressing up,” he adds, his voice dropping to a seductive murmur. “It’ll be just the two of us, and clothing won’t be necessary for long.”
All the warmth that melted my heart seconds ago pools low in my belly, igniting a blaze of heat.
“Okay,” I croak, my voice portraying every bit of the effect he has on me.
With a smirk playing on his lips, he pushes away from the counter and heads for the door.
“Bye, ladies.” He bids Harlow and Penny a casual wave then exits the store, leaving me with the promise of a night I can hardly wait for.
My two friends turn to me, their expressions resembling a pair of deer caught in headlights.
I consider playing the whole thing off but decide it’s time they know. Next to Gunnar, they are my best friends. “I have something to tell you guys.”
“No shit,” Harlow fires back.
I laugh at her outburst, but there is no denying the nerves shadowing the sound. I’ve yet to tell anyone else this and I pray they aren’t upset I’ve kept this baby plan of mine from them for so long.
Without further hesitation, I lay it all out, starting from the very beginning. I share my decision about having a baby and the countless options I researched over the past year. How I eventually approached Gunnar, asking him to be a donor, which led to an argument at his shop, before finally revealing our agreement to conceive the baby the old-fashioned way and seeing where our friendship ends up in the process.
By the time I finish, both their jaws are practically on the floor.
“Ho—ly shit,” Harlow finally manages, breaking the newfound silence.
Penny, on the other hand, gives me a vibrant smile. “A baby, really?”
I nod, her genuine reaction fueling my own.
“Oh, Ellie, this is wonderful.” Placing down the bucket of flowers, she walks over and pulls me into a hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
Warmth invades my chest as I hug her back.
“Yeah, yeah, really wonderful,” Harlow agrees but waves aside that topic for the moment. “Tell us about the sex. How hot is it?”
“Harlow,” Penny chides with a laugh.
“What?” she counters, feigning innocence. “We just discovered that our twenty-four-year-old friend is no longer a virgin because she lost it to her hot best friend. I think we’re entitled to some details here, don’t you?”
Penny, still laughing, raises her hands in mock surrender and then turns to me, awaiting my response.
“It’s …” I pause, searching for words powerful enough to describe it. “Beautiful. Profound. Life-changing.”
Even those pale in comparison to what I truly feel when I’m with him, especially that first night.
“His touch is as patient and gentle as it is pleasurable,” I continue softly, losing myself in the vivid memories. “He whispers the sweetest things in my ear as he completes my body and soul … and a few dirty things.” A laugh escapes me as a blush warms my cheeks.
Penny and Harlow share my smile.
“It feels right, natural even, which I didn’t expect. I always thought there would be some awkwardness since we’ve been friends for so long, but there isn’t. Not at all.” I shake my head, knowing I’m probably not making much sense. “I can’t explain it but that night in his arms, and everytime since, I feel whole in a way I never have before. As if my entire life has led me to this moment with him.”
They both peer back at me, their faces a potent blend of emotion and envy.
Harlow raises a hand to her chest, instinctively seeking her heart. “That’s the most beautiful thing I have ever heard, and I’m a wedding planner.”
We share a collective laugh over that remark before she crosses the distance and pulls me into a hug just like Penny did.
“I’m so happy for you, Elle,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. A rarity for Harlow.
“Thanks.” Pulling back, I meet both their gazes. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you guys about the whole baby plan sooner, but I needed to make this decision on my own, ya know?”
Penny nods, her eyes filled with gentle understanding. “That makes sense. It’s a big decision.”
“It is,” Harlow agrees. “And no one could make it except you. But for what it’s worth, I think you’re making the right choice, especially by having Gunnar be the father.”
