Knocked up, by her best friend's dad.(28)

Leaning down, I kissed my wife and then brushed my lips over my daughter’s cheeks. “I love you, too.” I did more every day.





HANNAH


Twenty Years and One Month Later



I WATCHED JAMIE AS HE stood on the stage where the band has been playing, taps his wine glass over the mic, and then asks, “Quiet please. If I could have your attention.” The room goes silent. “Dad. Hannah. Come up here.”

Gazing around the room, I got caught by a pair of darkening brown eyes. I let my gaze take in my handsome husband as he puts down our eighth, and final child, Kegan, who’s four. Adam and I were fertile. I’d made him get the snip though. No more. Eight was plenty.

I made my way to the stage, my triplets who were nineteen, stopping to hug and kiss me. My sixteen-year-old son, Isaak and fifteen-year-old daughter, Sarah cheered me on as my son’s eleven-year-old, Drake and eight-year-old, Luke whacked my back in what I assumed was encouragement.

Adam and I reached the stage at the same time and he threaded his fingers through mine. When we arrived next to Jamie, Adam gathered me so I stood with my back against his chest and hugged me to him. I loved this man so much. My love over the years only grew and I always thought he was the sexiest man in the room.

“Firstly.” Jamie said, “I want to say thank you to Hannah.”

Surprised by Jamie’s words it took me a moment to respond. “What? Why?”

The smile Jamie sent me was one of love and thankfulness. “Because you have made my dad happy. You’ve given him eight beautiful children and given me awesome brothers and sisters.” The kids all cheered and hooted their brother. “I always thought dad was happy with just me and him, and I know he was, but the happiness he has with you radiates from him. The way you look at him even after being married to him for twenty years is—”

“Totally gross.” Drake shouted.

“Embarrassing.” Sarah added.

“Therapy inducing.” Isaak yelled.

Adam chuckled behind me and leaned down. “Should I turn you around and really give them something they’ll need therapy for?”

I laughed and shivered as he nibbled on my ear and then kissed his way up and down my neck.

“Dadddd,” Isaak yelled.

“Ewh.” Luke cried out.

"Daaaddd, people are like, watching. Stop,” moaned Sarah.

Jamie laughed. “Or, I should say the way my dad still looks at you and the way the two of you act is like two—”

“Randy teenagers.” Adam’s mother interrupted Jamie with her own gibe.

Jamie shook his head. “Nanna, you’re being as bad as my siblings. I better get this in before I get any more interruptions.” Jamie smiled our way. “Happy twentieth anniversary. I look forward to watching you two celebrate another twenty years together. Everyone raise your glass in wishing my dad and Hannah happy anniversary."

Adam and I were handed by a waiter a glass of apple cider, and I watched as everyone raised their glasses and cheered, “Happy anniversary, Adam and Hannah.”

I leaned back against my husband. The man I loved more than anything in the world and stared out at my family; my heart soaring with overflowing love. I was so lucky and blessed.

I turned my head so I could look at Adam. “Thank you for all you’ve given me. I love our family. I love you.”

“I love you, too, more than I could ever find words to say. Thank you.” I spun in his embrace and he leaned down and kissed me. We got lost in the kiss and ignored the cheering of friends and the groans and moans of our children. I loved Adam. I loved my life.





Getting a book out takes a lot of work, so I always need to thank people for their help in getting it ready and out there for all of you.

A massive thank you and I love you to my amazing family, for being second while I focus on books and complete them. I’m so blessed to have you in my life and love you more than words can say.

Secondly, Jessica Henshall from Sinfully Sweet Designs, thanks so much for the amazing cover.

A huge shout out to Cassia Brightmore, my amazing editor from, Beyond the Click: Photography & Publishing Services. You’ve made this book shine. I can’t thank you enough.

Sonya, thank you for not only formatting the book, but for listening to me bounce ideas off you and then drone on about my books. I love you, and I appreciate everything you do for me.

I also want to thank all my readers for their support.

Lastly, thanks to everyone who helps promote my work, I really appreciate it.