Isaac Chicago at Christmas was beautiful, snow covering the sidewalks in a thin white blanket and turning the city into a picturesque lands cape that almost made me miss living here. On the other hand, I did sometimes miss the place but not as much as I’d thought I might. In fact, I was already looking forward to being back in the warmth and sunshine of my new home and we’d only been here a few days. Ryan walked beside me through the streets of my old stomping grounds in downtown Chicago. “So, how’s the project going?” “We finally broke ground,” I said, breath misting in front of my face. “It’s still a little surreal to think that our design is actually going to be standing there one day, but it’s going well.” “How does Jasmine feel about your return to economic productivity?” he asked. “It must be pretty hard on her, considering that you spent the last few months before that in Thailand.” “Don’t forget Vietnam, Bali, and Singapore.” I pumped my eyebrows at him. “Haven’t you heard? I’m a jetsetter now.” He groaned. “I don’t know who’s more smug right now, you or Colin.” “Definitely Colin,” I said without hesitating. “Between the fact that he helped smooth things over with Basel and that their baby is due any day now, he’s insufferable.” “So are you,” Ryan shot back, grinning. “Seriously, though. How is married life treating you?” “It’s been awesome. Why, are you considering it?” He scoffed. “Never. I’m perfectly happy staying up to my old tricks, thank you very much.” “And by that, you mean cre eping through Chicago, New York, Jersey, and Miami, dating people you see no future with and then moving on?” “It’s called having a social life.” “Ke ep telling yourself that,” I said, quite liking this newfound wiser, more knowing way of talking to my little brother. “I thought the same thing until I met Jasmine. Now, I don’t actually know what I’m going to do without her when she stays behind after the baby is born.” “It’ll only be for a few weeks,” he said. “A couple months at most. You’ll be fine.” “I definitely will not,” I said, not even a little bit ashamed of admitting how much I was going to miss her. “Unfortunately, I can’t stay away from the development for that long right now, but if I could’ve, I would’ve. We just can’t afford for anything to go wrong in these early stages. Especially with the foundations.”
“Yeah, I hear you, but see, this is why I have no intention of ever getting in volved with someone I’d actually like to introduce to Mom. I like my ind ependence too much.” “So did I,” I said. “Until I realized it was overrated.” He laughed. “Not to me, man. Not to me.” I glanced at him, wondering if he would ever change his mind about this, but the thing was, I hadn’t seen it coming until it’d smacked me in the face. I understood exactly where he was, happy to be sowing his wild oats across three different states and never sle eping in the same bed twice. The difference between that time of his life and that time of mine was that he was making real money now too. A lot of it. The Thayers were beginning to look like ourselves again, with Colin and Jane working hard with both the Westwoods and the Saads. There was a lot of new business, new contracts, and new prospects. Ryan finally had a bit of financial freedom and he was celebrating. On that note, I stopped outside of a jewelry store. “Hang on. I need to pop in here.” He frowned. “What for? You already gave Jasmine a ring.” “I know, but she’s been collecting charms on all our travels and she thinks I haven’t noticed, but obviously, I have. There is something specific she needs, though.” “You really are insufferable, but fine. Let’s just get it done.” He followed me into the store, and a few minutes later, we walked back out with a little box tucked into my pocket containing a bracelet she could attach all those little charms to. “God, it feels good to be able to do stuff like this.” Ryan shot me a look. “What, being able to buy obscenely expensive jewelry without batting an eye? I think you’re being rich wrong.” I scoffed. “No, I’m not. What good is not having to worry about money for the first time in a decade if I’m not using it to spoil the woman I love?” “What good is it? Uh, it’s plenty good. It pays for a lot of things, including, but not limited to, first class plane tickets, bottle service, and bespoke suits.” I waved him off. “I’m not interested in the last two and who needs first class plane tickets? Basel is plenty generous with the Global Star jet.” “I take it back,” he said. “Yeah, what’s that?” “You are absolutely the more insufferable brother between you and Colin right now.” He shook his head at me. “I’m sorry I don’t have a private jet at my disposal, okay?” I laughed and bumped my shoulder into his. “I was teasing you. I mean, it’s true, but I wasn’t actually trying to rub it in your face.” “Again, you’re doing it wrong.” Still chuckling, we crossed the street toward Colin and Deja’s house where Jasmine and I were staying for the holidays. I glanced at my watch and wondered if my wife was home yet. She and Deja had gone shopping for the baby, a little girl absolutely
everyone in both families was already spoiling rotten. Ryan and I parted ways when he realized it was about time he got back to the office, and since I was heading back to the house anyway, he just wrinkled his nose at me. “I’d rather not witness your reunion with your wife. It’s been hours since you last saw her. Who knows how much bleach I would have to pour into my innocent eyes to burn away what I would see?” I laughed. “Yeah, it’s probably for the best, but for the record, I know you’re also just trying to avoid Colin.” “Do you blame me?” he asked, not even trying to deny it. “He’s been so type-A about this whole pregnancy thing that even his wife sent him to Egypt for a month to get him off her back.” I grimaced. “Yeah, I know. I was there. It was not pretty.” “He started timing her naps, dude. Not pretty is an understatement.” “Well, as annoying as it is that even his spreadsheets have spreadsheets, I can’t say I blame him. I’m starting to acc ept that I’m going to be crazy protective over Jasmine too.” “You already are.” “That’s my point,” I said. “Can you imagine how much worse it’s going to get once she’s pregnant? And it’s completely out of my control. I can’t help it.” Ryan started backing down the street, barely restrained laughter in his eyes as he shook his head. “See? That’s another reason I’m staying single. I don’t have that problem.” With that, he spun around and hurried along the snowy sidewalk, hailing the first cab he could find and disappearing into it. I chuckled and k ept walking, still smiling by the time I let myself into my brother’s house. “Jasmine?” I called as I shut the door behind me, surprised by how quiet it was in here. I’d expected the girls to be cooing over their purchases while Colin barked instructions into a phone, but instead, there wasn’t a sound coming from anywhere. “Are you back yet?” “I’m in here,” she called from the living room. I followed the sound of her voice, finding her curled up on the couch and staring at the Christmas tree. She’d changed into comfortable sweats and a hoodie, her hair thrown up into a messy bun on top of her head and fuzzy slippers on her feet. “God, you look hot like that,” I said before I could stop the words from coming out. “Where are they? Do we have some tim—” “They’re at a doctor’s appointment,” she r eplied, slowly lifting her head and sitting up, but she didn’t flash me one of her mischievous grins or run over. Odd. I frowned. “Is everything okay?” “Yeah, it’s just a checkup. The baby could arrive any day now. Even today.” Lowering myself down on the couch with her, I snaked my arms around her waist and lifted her into my lap. “Shit, can you imagine how relieved Colin will be when she finally arrives?”
She chuckled, cuddling into me but definitely seeming off. “Yeah, but I think Deja will be even more relieved. He’s been a terror.” “Hey, are you okay?” “I’m fine.” “She says in her lying voice.” Her lips pursed. “I do not have a lying voice.” “Yes, you do, and that was it.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out the little box, presenting it to her on my palm. “I got you something. Maybe this will help you remember what you’re lying about.” She rolled her eyes but took the box and opened it. Her jaw dropped as she stared at the gold bracelet inside. “How did you know?” “About your hoarding tendencies or the drawer full of charms in our bedroom?” “Both.” I smiled and lowered my forehead to hers. “I pay attention, baby. Especially to you. I just thought that maybe you’d like to start wearing your mementos.” She sucked in a breath that sounded strangely like the beginning of a sob, cradling the box to her chest. She slid her free arm around my neck. “I love you. I love you so much. Thank you.” “You’re very welcome.” I pressed a kiss to her hair. “I love you too, baby.” For a second, we just sat there like that, with her cuddled up on my lap and definitely emotional about something, but I didn’t push her more than I already had. When she finally looked up again, however, I wondered if maybe I should’ve pushed her after all. Her eyes were filled with tears, her voice thick and cracking when she spoke again. “Isaac, I’m pregnant.” I stared at her, just blinking and completely forgetting how the rest of my body worked. She gave me a few seconds, then smiled nervously. “Say something.” “I—” I tried, but I couldn’t get out any more than that because every one of my systems, including my brain, seemed to have shut down. “What?” “I’m pregnant,” she whispered. “We’re going to have a baby.” We’re pregnant. My wife is pregnant. She’s going to have my baby. Laughter tore of me as I jumped up, still holding her in my arms. “Are you serious? You’re pregnant?” She shrieked and grabbed my shoulders, suddenly laughing through the tears streaming down her cheeks. “Of course, I’m serious. I wouldn’t joke about something like this.” “Yeah, that makes sense.” Adjusting my grip on her, I spun her around. “Is it a Thailand baby? Or a Spain baby? Or a South America baby? Do we know yet?” She buried her face against my shoulder, still laughing even as she started sobbing. “We don’t know yet.” I held her tighter, my heart racing and suddenly feeling like it had already tripled in size. “That’s okay. I don’t really care. It’s our baby. That’s all that matters.”
Gently lowering both of us back down onto the couch, I k ept holding her, unable to believe that this was really happening. We hadn’t been trying to prevent it since the wedding, but it still seemed impossible that right now, there were three people in this room. Honestly, I’d never thought it would happen this fast, and while I had no idea what we were supposed to do from here, I already knew that our future was going to be even more amazing now than we ever could’ve dreamed. Jasmine and I were starting the greatest adventure of all together. Parenthood. At least, that was what I’d heard. Our baby was coming, and strangely, I wasn’t afraid at all.
Epilogue Jasmine Seven months after we’d welcomed my niece into the world, I finally understood why Deja had k ept saying that she felt like a ship that week we’d stayed with them. I waddled out of the studio feeling exactly like the SS Jasmine, the Cairo heat blasting my skin like I’d walked into a furnace and my center of gravity no longer a center anymore so much as a suggestion. “I’m done with this,” I declared to Rashid, not even caring how dramatic I sounded. “If I expand more than I already have, I’ll pop. When is she coming again?” He chuckled, helping me into the backseat because I couldn’t even do that by myself anymore. “You’ve only got about another week left, Miss Saad. Patience.” I groaned and leaned back against the seat, beyond grateful that he’d left the air-conditioning running in the car while he’d waited for me. “Patience is not a virtue I was blessed with.” “I know,” he said, smiling fondly. “Perhaps you should consider taking it a little easier from here on out, hmm?” I scoffed. “Pregnancy is not a disability. I’m fine.” He chuckled. “Very well. Home?” “Yes, please.” My eyes drifted shut and my hand slid to my swollen belly of its own accord. Despite how bloated I felt or how much this last month had felt like it’d been four years long, I smiled when our daughter nudged my palm. Logically, I knew she was probably just stretching. Space was definitely a limited commodity in there right now, but I was obsessed with feeling her kick, so in love with every movement that I honestly just couldn’t wait to hold her. I would have spent the rest of my life feeling like a whale for this little girl, and I hadn’t even met her yet. Rashid possibly just had a point about taking it a bit easier for however much time I had left before she arrived. On the other hand, I also only had that amount of time left for the photo shoots that included my baby bump, and Deja and I needed those pictures for our new line of baby and postpartum products. Because naturally, we’d had a single conversation about it a few months ago and now, with our father’s blessing, we’d actually created a whole new line under the White Water Lily umbrella. At least no one could accuse us of being lazy. I smiled again as I stroked my belly, desperately looking forward to seeing my little niece again. After Violet’s surprise-but-not-surprise arrival on Christmas Day, Deja had been wanting to bring her back to Egypt, but they’d been waiting until she was a little older before they traveled with her. Now, they were finally coming. In just a few days, I’d get to see my niece, my sister, and possibly even my own baby. Life was pretty darn good as far as I was concerned.
The only issue I had right now was that our daughter still didn’t have a name. As it turned out, actually naming a human being was surprisingly stressful. She would have to live with whatever we decided for the rest of her life. It seemed excessive. I sighed and pulled out my phone, wishing Isaac was waiting at home instead of being stuck in Sharm for work. He answered on the first ring. “Hello?” “Are you ever coming home?” There was a brief pause. “I’m sorry, who is this?” “Isaac.” I groaned. “Not now.” “Ma’am, I’m afraid you’ve reached a terribly busy, terribly important engineer.” I rolled my eyes. “Oh, okay. Well, I suppose that means I’ll just have to leave you for David, since you’re so important now and all.” He exploded into laughter. “Seriously, that’s the threat you’re going with?” I smiled. “It worked, didn’t it?” “Are you really missing me that much? It’s only been four days.” “I’m pregnant,” I grumbled. “I’m allowed to be needy. Deal with it. I don’t make the rules.” When he laughed again, I closed my eyes and let myself bask in the warmth of him, even over the phone. “I’m on my way home now. I’ll be back in Cairo tonight.” I sighed. “That’s still hours away.” “I’ll get there as fast as I can,” he promised. “Do not let this baby come without me, okay?” “I’ll do my best.” “Jasmine.” He groaned. “I’m not kidding about this. How are you feeling?” “Uncomfortable,” I said quietly. “Tired. Impatient.” “In other words, the same as you have been the last month?” “Yeah, don’t worry. Just get home. You’re cutting it very close with this trip.” I could practically hear the grimace in his voice. “I know, but I’ve never had a baby before. I’m still learning. Besides, the doctor said probably next week, right?” “Right, but she also said anytime from now until next week.” I rested my head back. “It’s been four days too long, so you better really be on your way.” “I swear, we just got to the airstrip. I love you. I’ll see you soon, and remember—” “Don’t have the baby?” I finished for him. He chuckled. “That’s my girl.” We hung up just as Rashid pulled up to our house, a mansion right next door to my parents’ place in the same gated estate where I’d grown up. Apparently, my father had mentioned this place to Isaac the night he’d given us his blessing, and then, when Isaac and I hadn’t called the very next day to put in an offer, Dad had decided not to take any chances that it would sell to someone else and bought it for us as a wedding gift. There had been some back and forth with him about whether we were going to acc ept it, but in the end, it was just too perfect to let it slip through our fingers. I slid my phone into my handbag and carefully climbed out of the car with Rashid’s help, waddling to the door and
tugging it open. Inside, the house was quiet and I let out a breath I felt like I’d been holding all day. The photo shoots for Deja’s and my new line were fun, and I was genuinely proud of what we’d created, but they’d really been taking it out of me these last couple weeks. As I dropped my bag on the kitchen counter, I noticed the mail and started sorting through the envelopes. There were some bills, a couple letters for Isaac from various contracting companies he and Jos eph were working with, and finally, the invitation I’d been waiting for. Zara and Jos eph’s names were linked in embossed lettering on the heavy cream envelope and I squealed. “Finally!” I tore it open and reached for my phone to let Isaac know that it had come. Our friends were getting married and I was so happy for them I could explode. My stomach tightened and I felt a very distinct, internal pop before warm liquid started running down the insides of my thighs. For a second, I just froze, but then very slowly, I glanced down to see tiny rivulets of water sliding down my legs. “Oh. Oh no.” It took a second for the realization to sink in that my water had just broken. Evidently, our daughter had decided that waiting for her father was beneath her. My hands shook slightly as I picked up my phone and called him, beyond relieved when he answered just as fast as he had before. “Okay, okay. I’ll admit it. I miss you too, love. So fucking much, but I’m on my—” “Isaac?” I said breathlessly. “You need to get home. Now. Baby is on her way. It seems she’s like me. She doesn’t like to wait.” *** Want a Bonus Scene for Hired Husband? Who is up next?? Download this Bonus Scene today!! Get your copy HERE!! *** Want more of Ali Parker? Check out Book 1 in The Inheritance Series! Go read book 8 in the Inheritance series, One Year Husband! I don’t believe in fairytales. I believe in contracts. Clean exits. Ironclad terms. So when my father lays down the ultimatum—get married, have a child, and prove I’m worthy of the Westwood empire—I do what I do best. I go get what I want. She’s gorgeous. Curvy. Smart-mouthed. And absolutely furious that I now own 51% of her struggling business. Lucky for her, there’s room to negotiate. She wants to
save her company—and have a baby. I want my inheritance—and zero romantic entanglements. One year. One baby. No feelings. Just signatures. Simple enough... until she starts showing up in my head, in my bed, and in my carefully controlled life like she belongs there. Now I’m pretending to be a devoted husband in public, sle eping a little too close in private, and breaking every rule I set in the fine print. I built my legacy on logic. Falling for my fake wife? That’s a complication I didn’t plan for. Get your book HERE!