Page 41 of The Bet

“Seriously, you two, stop it.” Chloe wiggles out of my arms. “Either kiss and make up or stop talking to each other.”

“I’m not kissing him.”

“You’d love to.”

“Shut it.” Jenna punches him in the arm.

“Hold the phone, people.” I glare at them. “This is my wedding day, and you aren’t fucking it up over your fake hate for each other. Besides, I’m going to be a daddy. A real daddy.”

“Oh. My. Gawd.” Jenna jumps up and down, and then runs over to Chloe and hugs her. “This is the best day ever.”

“Thank you.” Chloe squeezes her.

Jenna jumps back and moves to me, giving me an enormous hug. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” I shift my attention from Jenna to Tony. “Now, remember that shit through the wedding reception, and then, you two can scratch each other’s eyes out.”

Chloe looks at them expectantly. “Or…”

“Or, nothing.” Jenna flips her hair over her shoulder and stomps away.

“She wants me,” Tony says with a cocky grin.

Chloe grabs his tie and pulls his face down to hers. “Then, don’t fuck it up this time.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Tony swallows and shifts backward.

I shake my head. My sweet girl has a nasty streak.

Bonus Epilogue

A Few Years Later

Chloe

As I flip the sign from open to closed, I sigh and roll my shoulders. “I thought today was never going to end.”

“It’s Valentine’s Day at a bakery. What did you expect?” Ashley waves her hands in an outward circle encompassing the shop.

The walls and countertops are covered with red and white heart decorations. Yeah, I love Valentine’s Day, sue me. How could a baker not adore everything sweet, slathered with frosting, and filled with love? Obviously, I don’t know that answer.

“You’d think I’d remember how much work it is, but every year, I forget.” I sashay to the left to avoid the squeaky plank. “Do you and Dillon have big plans?”

She flushes and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “We’re going out to the farm to take a horse ride. His mom is watching Malia.”

“Horse ride? It’s thirty degrees.”

Her eyes twinkle with delight. “The loft is warm and very romantic.”

“Ahhh.” A quick shudder rakes across my upper back. I would love to get away, but I’ve got to be back at the bakery by four o’clock in the morning. “Well, have fun.”

“You, too.” She grabs her purse, tosses it over her shoulder, and tilts her head to the side. “What about your plans?”

My shoulders sag as thoughts of Rich flash through my brain. “Rich is working tonight, so we don’t have anything planned.”

“I’m sorry.” Ashley places her hand on my forearm.

“It’s fine. I’ll be okay. I’ve got Maverick and Cadence at home, and they’ll keep me entertained. Cadence is just learning to blow bubbles and trying to figure out how to stick out her tongue.” Our kids are the most amazing things that’s ever happened to me. I’m blessed to be their momma.

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