Authors: Renee Flagler
Ryan pouted.
“We don't have to go far. We can do a weekend at the Gurneys in the Hamptons,” Pearson said and then patted Ryan's back.
“Oh that sounds great!” Vonnie said. “I could use a quick spa vacation.”
“Even we could manage that,” Ryan said rubbing her stomach.
Mike walked over to where the ladies were standing and put his arm around Vonnie. “Call me if you need to,” he said to Pearson.
“Yes! I know what you are dealing with,” Vonnie said, referring the death of her own mother. “I'll be checking on you.”
“Thanks,” Pearson said, genuinely happy to have these ladies in her life. They had expanded her definition of family in the most unlikely way.
Mike patted Vonnie on the bottom. “Come on, lady. Let's hit the road. We don't live around the corner anymore.” Vonnie rolled her eyes, shook her head, and gave her final goodbye kisses and hugs to the other ladies.
Ryan left next. It was weird to see her without Anderson and Nadalia without Sage. Both men had made an appearance, but left shortly after the services. Oddly enough, Ryan seemed content without Anderson. From the way she now looked and laughed, life was better for her without him.
Pearson stood in the door watching her friends leave. Feeling Niles wrap his arms around her from behind, she nestled her back into his chest.
“You okay?”
Pearson turned around to face him. “I'm fine.”
“So let's go home and try to make some babies.”
Pearson raised one brow. “Let's.”
Not expecting her to agree, Niles eyes stretched wide. “Are you kidding me?”
Pearson grinned instead of answering. Several months ago, she would have clammed up at the idea of bringing a child into her shambolic world. She was different now and couldn't think of anything she'd rather do than start a family with Niles.
Pearson pushed the front door closed, slipped her hands under her dress and wiggled out of her lace panties, letting them drop to the floor. Niles scrunched his eyebrows and narrowed his eyes at the panties dangling around her ankles.
“Do I look like I'm kidding?” Pearson giggled.
Niles laughedâa loud and hearty one, filling the house to the rafters with the sound of his joy and then pulled Pearson into his arms and kissed her.