Page 143 of Wicked Love

Tru makes a face. “Guilty. We figured there was always time for a good party together,” she says, laughing.

“Your wedding was still gorgeous, Elle. And I’m sure yours was too, Tru,” Sadie says, teasing Tru with a pointed look. “I can’t believe I’m the only one who went the whole nine yards.”

“It was classy and elegant,” Tru says.

“The most beautiful wedding,” Elle agrees.

“Whatever you want, Poppy. Whether it’s elaborate mermaid tails or color-coordinated outfits or barefoot in sundresses, that’s what we’ll do,” Sadie says.

I motion for Tru to hand me the laptop and I pull up a picture. “It’s funny you say mermaid because that’s in the description of this dress…although I don’t know why.” They ooh and ahh over the plunging boho lace dress I show them. “Ican just slide that strap down when Jonas wants to nurse?—”

“And still look like a freaking goddess,” Elle finishes. “That is stunning, Poppy.”

Everyone else agrees.

“And Bowie will be sliding that strap down the first chance he gets,” Calista says under her breath.

We all laugh.

“I wasthrilledto be in the clear for sex again,” Tru whispers. “We didn’t make it to the six-week mark.” She makes a face.

“Do most people?” Sadie asks. “It’s hard to imagine going that long without.”

“It’s hard for me to imagine wanting to have sex after a baby’s come out of there,” Calista says, shuddering. She’s late from being at her family’s event and takes her shoes off, getting comfortable.

“I’m with you,” Marley says.

My face heats as I think about last night with Bowie. He told me not to when I surprised him in the shower and took his hot, hard length into my mouth. He didn’t want me to feel like I had to do anything while I’m still recovering. I ignored him, and later, when he was chanting my name in reverent gasps, I was glad I had.

The worship in his eyes, watching him fall apart because of me…it’s such a powerful feeling.

“You filthy little minx,” Marley says, nudging me. “You’ve already had sex, haven’t you?”

“What? No, it’s not been four weeks yet,” I say adamantly, like she’s crazy. “But there’s no way I can wait until six,” I add, blushing a deeper red.

We all laugh.

Martha comes over and sidles up next to me and Jonas,plopping down with a thunk. The girls lose it, laughing harder, and it’s only then that I look down to see that the little hair Martha has is splayed out in every direction with a severe case of static cling.

“Oh my goodness, Martha,” I crack up. “Wow. You make every day feel like a good hair day for me…not for you unfortunately, but I love you anyway.”

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

ZING

BOWIE

A few months later, February

“This is definitely the loudest plane I’ve ever been on,” Poppy says, laughing.

I nod, smiling as I look around the packed cabin full of family and friends. Even Bogey, Rhodes andElle’s bulldog, is snoring quietly next to them. A few others will be arriving later than us, but we managed to fill this plane.

We didn’t make it to the Super Bowl—we lost in the playoffs. But compared to last year’s rocky season, we finished strong, and there’s a sense of pride and gratitude in the air. Instead of dwelling on what might’ve been, we’re all just excited and ready for this vacation. The mood is infectious.

Poppy is beside me, Jonas cradled in her arms. He’s gotten so big in the past three months. It’s going way too fast. Becca is on the other side of Poppy, next to the window, and exclaiming about everything she sees below. I rest my hand on Poppy’s knee and she gives me a sweet smile that zings directly to my chest. I’ve got it so fucking bad for this woman.

Rhodes strolls down the aisle and pauses by my seat.

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