Novels by Eileen Pryce

RUBYTime to listen?Was Helen kidding me?What should I listen to? For the same impossible excuses?Unbelievable!I was still deep in my thoughts when suddenly something hit my feet. But before I could tilt my head down, my son’s voice rang in the air.“Mommy, kick the ball.”I look down, only to find the ball he mentioned. Austin was playing soccer with Wyatt and Kevin.Yes. We were spending time together in the backyard after having a pleasant lunch.I was contemplating whether to pick up the ball, then give it to my son, or follow his words. However, after I looked up and saw Wyatt there, I decided to kick it in my son’s direction. Soon, they resumed the game, and so did I. I continued thinking about...... What was that?“They look so much in fun.”But, of course, I couldn’t do that because I was not alone. I had Helen and Laura with me.“Yeah. They must be having fun.” I responded, eyes still focused on the yard. And I couldn’t stop a smile from tugging on my lips when I saw joy

WYATT"I miss you, Ruby."I didn't know what got into my head when I hugged her. It was as if my body had its own brain, so it moved without my direction. Or, my longing was so deep that it triggered my body not to miss the opportunity. I was so close to Ruby, and all my senses were filled with her. Then, the desire came, and I couldn't stop myself anymore.Yeah, although she pushed me away right away.But at least I could hug her even for a second, right?"You look happy."Helen's words brought my mind back to the present. We were in the kitchen, preparing the food that Kevin, Laura, and I had intentionally bought on the way here. Our purpose was not to burden Ruby because I knew our presence was already one.Well, it might only be me. I could see how Ruby welcomed Laura and Kevin. Something I was jealous of.But I couldn't protest, could I? She accepted me here, something I was grateful for.One step at a time."Is that obvious?" I replied with a question instead while putting the l

RUBYI always love his parents.They welcomed me the first time I met them, saying I was the daughter they had been longing for. And they treated me so well that even when I jokingly made complaints about their son, they scolded Wyatt instead. They also encouraged me to pursue my dream so that if I wasn't Wyatt's wife, they would be the ones supporting me. They were so loving, causing my heart pain every time I thought about them and our time together.That was why I had never looked back because I knew it would hurt them more if they saw me. And I couldn't do that. So I decided to stop being their daughter the moment divorce came out of my lips.I could no longer be their proud daughter-in-law.I could no longer disappoint them.But now?What would they say if they found out I was hiding their grandson?Oh, God!I inhaled deeply, only to exhale heavily. Only if Wyatt didn't find us, I wouldn't have this burden.But then, could I hide this forever?Another sigh escaped my mouth, reali

WYATTI threw my body to the sofa quite hard as a long, heavy sigh escaped my lips. It was past seven in the evening, and I just returned from a late meeting. After this, I had to read the material for the next morning's meeting.Yeah, as the executive, I could do that during the meeting. But I wanted to cut the crap and get the point quick. I had a lot to do so that I could drive to Ruby and spend the weekend with my son.It was indeed exhausting. But did I have a choice?I took out my phone and immediately called Ruby. But, of course, she wouldn't pick up. She might block my number for real as she never replied to messages, either. Poor me.However, I didn't give up. I forced myself to get up and walk to the phone on my desk. I had never tried calling Ruby on the company number, so I hoped she would pick up."Hello. Who's this?" I was surprised when another voice greeted me.But then, a smile appeared on my lips. It must be Austin. "Is it Austin?" I tal

WYATT The past two days were wonderful. The daycare center, Ruby's bakery, and their house... Despite Ruby's constant rejection, I cherished the moments I spent with the two most important people in my life. Yes. Ruby had always become the first, and now I had Austin. It was like my life couldn't be more perfect. Except for the fact they weren't officially mine, and I just got the moment now. Thinking of it now made me regret the decision to let Ruby go. I should have tried harder to hold her. But it was my only choice back then when I saw her pain. I loved her so much that I couldn't bear to see her hurt, even if it was never true. "Wyatt. What are you doing here?" Helen looked surprised after finding me outside her apartment building. As much as I loved being around Ruby and Austin, I had to return to New York after spending a nice dinner at their house. I had to return to my life as Logan. And the first thing I did was v

RUBYI couldn't believe this. Wyatt was coming here and, without shame, asking my employee for me. And what did he call me? His soulmate? Unbelievable!And it was more difficult to believe he was really waiting for me. He did not show his presence directly, but he came back from time to time and made sure everyone in the store knew he was watching me.Oh, God!"His car is still here," Judy reported when I walked out of the kitchen to deliver a fresh batch of cookies. "It's been three hours, and he's still here."I glanced outside—we have a big window and glass door that showed a view of the street—and confirmed her words. Wyatt's car was here, meaning he was still inside the cafe or nearby place in this downtown area."Maybe he has a meeting with someone." I tried not to sound concerned and proceeded to place cookies on the display."Didn't he say he's waiting for you?" Rita joined with another batch in her hands. There was more in the kitchen and macaron, too."Right. He kept asking

Anna peered through the common bathroom door on the first floor before stepping out casually as if nothing had happened. She walked past Dave, who was sitting on the couch in their living room and reading a report on his tablet, with Zach crawling on the floor."Zach, baby, come here." She called for Zach's attention, which was never hard to get. "Let's play outside."And his reaction was predictable. He was running toward his mother excitedly. His smile was so big that it was going to explode.Being a child seemed fun, didn't it?She followed him, running out of the house to their yard barefoot. She couldn't help her own smile from forming on her face at seeing him and another happiness she had just found out about today.She was pregnant with their second child.But be quiet. Anna wanted to make a surprise for her husband.Oh, she couldn't wait to see his reaction!"Zach, come here. Mommy wants to say something to you."Zach halted his running to look at his mother with an indescrib

Three years later.She watched everything. Their every move, laugh, giggle, scream, and more. She couldn't help but grace a wide smile over that. It was too good to be true. But it was what that was as it was the reality.Baby Zach was now three years old and in his active days. He had run on every corner of the house and was always excited to run outside.Although it tired their body from following him around, she didn't complain, especially Dave. He always had the energy to play with him and never ran out of ideas. He raised their child with all his heart.She shook her head to force herself back to her place. She couldn't only observe them all the time, as she needed to finish the cookie dough.Zach had the exact liking as hers for sweets. So she tried to be the best mom by baking them instead of buying them outside or ordering chefs to make them. It was cheaper and could adjust to her family preferences, which she wanted, not too much sugar.As Dave said, sugar was a killer.She

"Hi, baby boy. I'm happy you're awake, and I can hold you. Your mother must feel the same way. But she's resting now, so let's not disturb her and play with me instead." His voice was laced with happiness as his eyes flitted the same feeling. There was nothing happier than this moment when he finally held baby Zach. And the fact that he was born healthy was wonderful. It could be perfect if his wife's recovery went well.Baby Zach wriggled his tiny hands and managed to capture Dave's finger. He gripped it though his eyes were still closed. Baby Zach might sense familiar and safe, so baby Zach didn't cry, which made Dave's heart swell with pride and warmth. Only his touch could do that, and he couldn't be more proud of that."What do you think about this world? It's amazing, isn't it? You have me, your mother, and your entire family by your side. And in the future, you will find your own friends."Baby Zach was just quiet, and if his grip was not still on his finger, Dave might have th

A few months later.Anna was closing drawers after checking what was inside was still inside.It might be confusing. The point was Anna had just finished looking at their baby’s needs, such as clothes, diapers, socks, blanket, and more. She wanted to make sure everything was ready when the time came, which was soon. Her due date should be this week, and she couldn’t be more excited to finally welcome their baby.She moved to the only bed in the room. It was big and had four wooden walls on four sides to protect the baby from falling. And it was the one Dave said could accommodate her body while breastfeeding their baby. She even could sleep on it too.Her hand touched the doll on the nearby side and placed it neatly between another doll and the pillow. She had some, mainly cute animal characters, to accompany him while he was sleeping.Yes, him. Their baby was a boy.“Do you like it, honey? It’s nice, right? Your father prepared them for you.” She spoke as her hand caressed her so big

"I saw everything, Anna. I know what you hide behind your back." His eyebrows raised as if waiting for her to reveal it by herself. There was no point in hiding it anyway since it was why he approached her. He already saw her enjoying the ice cream!"What do you mean?"So she was going to play with him. Unfortunately, he didn't want to pretend that he did not see that. "The bowl. Ice cream."And she could only force a grin."Come here." His hand reached out to invite her to come near him."No. You will scold me.""That means you know you were doing wrong. How many bowls have you had?""Hmm. Five?""Count it correctly, honey.""Okay. Okay. Nine." She raised both her hands in the air and surrendered herself."No, honey. The bowl in your back is the eleventh."He actually didn't have a problem with her enjoying the ice cream. But Anna liked overeating, and she might have more if he didn't watch her."Good job Dave. She needs to be more careful with her health." Rebecca, standing beside h

Finally, the day they had been waiting for came. It was hectic but also fun. Their friends and families gathered together to celebrate the happy day. What was more pleasing than that?The vow went well. Although Anna felt more nervous, everything was perfect this time compared to the real one. Her father led her to the altar and handed her to Dave, which generally did at a wedding ceremony. And she and his husband stated their vow again and became husband and wife one more time.And to make it perfect, he sealed their vow with a kiss on her lips. Then cheers and applauses filled the hall.It was indeed a favorable moment. And it lasted until night."It's a pleasure to finally meet the newest Mrs. Byrne." Alexander greeted Anna and took her hand to land a quick kiss, like how a gentleman met a lady for the first time. "My name is Alexander Green.""Oh!" Anna couldn't help but show her surprise. She heard a lot about him from Dave, but this was the first time they met in person."Based