*Harley’s POV
Two months later:
"I'm happy to volunteer as the Godmother for the prettiest baby in this world."
"No way! Harley knows that only I can be that. Don't you, Harley?"
"That's so rude! You're already a Godmother to your niece. This one's for me."
"That's unfair. My niece doesn't even live here."
With my palms on my cheek, I look at my best friends as they throw each other relentless comebacks. They have been at it for the last 5 minutes and 20 seconds exactly, going back and forth over who gets to be the Godmother to my unborn baby. We are at Hot Cup Brews, sitting by the round table besid
*Xaveir’s POVThe first thing I notice about Noah Striker when the cops drag him to the other side of the booth is that he has grown a beard. His orange jumpsuit is fitted closely to his body, he has lost weight, and his hair has grown but it is the beard that I notice because the beard makes him look like he had been when he wore the disguise of Jake.I see a little bit of Jake in his green eyes as he takes the seat opposite me and the cops let him go, taking two steps back and standing behind him with hands behind their backs. Noah stares at me with a look of astonishment, like he can't believe that I am here to meet him.It was a difficult task to get a visit with him. I wasn't on his contact list so I had to find my way through somewhat illegally. The officer-in-charge, Jeremy Donovan, has always been a little corrupt. He was much obliged to let me in with a few dollars under the table.Noah's eyes follow my hands as I pick up the headset kept to the side and get ready to talk. He
*Haley’s POV Xaveir's office desk has three framed photos. One is of him and Bel on their graduation day with their arms around each other as they smile at the camera, their graduation caps half-sliding from their heads. I remember that picture because I was the one holding the camera.The second one is of our family — me, him, Doris, and Rose. It was taken a month after he returned from the hospital. We wanted to have a moment to ourselves. In the picture, we are all dressed fashionably and sitting on the sofa in the hall, Doris in between me and Rose while Xaveir stands behind us as we all smile at the camera.The third one, and the one he keeps at the front, is of him and me. It's a selfie we took while getting ready for a party. He is holding me to his side, both of us smiling at the phone in his outstretched hand. We didn't think the picture would come out that good but it did and it's Xaveir’s favorite.I trace a finger over the wooden frame holding the picture, feeling overwhe
*Harley’s POV Xaveir: You're late. I'm coming in. You aren't allowed to see the bride. Xaveir: Fuck those rules...I want to see you. No can do. Vaughn: Xaveir Fine. After the wedding, you're mine. Get that? I do Xaveir: Good. Now get your pretty ass out here. I'm waiting. Will do I smile at the phone screen like a giddy teenager getting a love text from her crush. Xaveir’s texts never fail to raise the butterflies in my stomach. Every word is like a little spin to my heart. I put the phone on the table near me and glance at my reflection in the floor-length mirror of the dressing room. This wedding gown is even more gorgeous than the last one. The material is soft and feels like butter under my fingertips. The neckline has a net pattern stitched like flowers and the gown hugs my figure, accentuating my curves. I chose it myself this time and this is the gown of my real wedding. My hair is in a half-up-do with pearl clips keeping it in place. The make-up artist did my face we
*Xaveir’d POV "Ice chips?""No.""You sure?"The moment Harley glares at me, I bite my tongue and have to swallow a chip myself as I take a seat near her bed. My wife has her arms crossed over her chest, grimacing every other second when she gets a contraction. Her hospital gown is blue with tiny white dots as their only design and Harley’s belly is huge, my baby kicking her every time she tries to move a little."It's been nine hours!" Harley frowns, unfolding her arms and letting them drop to her sides. "Why is she not out yet?"I place the cup of ice chips on the table nearby and touch her hand, lifting it to my lips to kiss. "Don't worry, honey. Maybe the baby loves you a little too much.""Uhhhgg..." Harley grunts, jerking my hand away from hers and grabbing her stomach with both hands, her eyes squeezing shut as she takes deep breaths when another contraction hits. "I hate this, Xaveir. Please do this for me."I remain quiet, not able to think of anything to say to that. Gettin
The sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the backyard where the Everest family had gathered for Ivy's sixth birthday. The air buzzed with the joyful chatter of friends and family who had been witness to Ivy's journey from a tiny, cooing infant to the lively, spirited child she had become.In the midst of the celebration, Ivy darted around the garden, her laughter echoing through the air. Her curly hair bounced with each step, and her eyes sparkled with the innocence of childhood. Every now and then, she would steal a glance at her parents, her source of love and security.Seated at a beautifully adorned table, Xaveir and Harley marveled at the scene. It seemed like just yesterday when they held their fragile newborn for the first time. Now, Ivy was a whirlwind of energy, a testament to the love that surrounded her.As the evening unfolded, friends and family shared anecdotes and memories, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Ivy's life. Aunt Rose, who had onc
It has been universally acknowledged- not by Austen - that my sister's ex-boyfriend and I are supposed to hate eachother. There is no basis for this judgement. It is more of what is expected of us ever since my sister died in a car crash. It all happened in a sudden instant. One day she was alive and giving me girl talk and shit, the next day she was just gone.But right now, if someone where to ask me who I hate the most, the answer won't be a particular Everest.The tension in the hall was thick, My mom looks at me nervously as the sits with her legs crossed under her pencil skirt. My Dad maintains his stance as he cross his hand over his chest, trying hard to give me his strictest look. My hands are shaking as I the words I just heard kept echoeing in my ears."This is for the good, Harley" my Dad says"Senator Campbell is a very decent human being and has taking a liking towards you""He's Fifty" I murmur my breath this time because shouting the previous times didn't make any diff
When Xavier storms into our hall, my Dad's phone drops from his hand at the sudden sight and he jumps up from his seat. Xavier's appearance is anything but expected or accepted for that matter.He is wearing a black suit today with a black shirt underneath. His shoes are fashionable and they shine as he walks with long strides. He doesn't look at Dad because his eyes are on our ceiling, taking in the expensive decorations which we can no longer afford to change. I have never been to Xavier's house but by the way he keeps getting richer every day, I am sure it will be a stunning place to live in.When his eyes move, they spot me on the first floor looking down upon him. His brown eyes scan my body like they always do, making me aware of why I avoid being alone with him in the first place.I don't want to repeat the mistake we made once.He looks ridiculously gorgeous. His black hair has a messy cut and his cheeks are adorned with light stubble. His jaw looks like it can be used as a sh
*Xavier's POVI first realized that I wanted Harley Powers in my bed ever since I almost stole a kiss on her eighteenth birthday. We almost made out under the stairs and it was a result of the heavy drinks I took with Bel.We never talked about it again. I am glad she never asked because I didn't have an answer for her.There was just the plain truth — I, Xavier Everest, was unable to control my hormones when I saw her in that sexy black dress. The dress was made for her with the satin material wrapped tightly around her curves, the neckline dangerously low and displaying the creamy white skin of her cleavage.We were just talking but in the blink of a second, I had my lips dangerously close to hers. I could have had her that night but Chris caught us just in time. I know it was wrong of me to have those kinds of thoughts when I was already dating her sister, but I just couldn't help it.Her miniskirt falls just over her thighs and the smooth skin underneath is making my fingers itch