Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 94997 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94997 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
“Go on,” Hawke encourages, which seems to only piss my father off.
“Have I mentioned how much of an asshole this guy is?” Dad says to my mother, pointing a finger at Hawke.
She smirks. “Takes one to know one, dear. Now, tell her. You made the bet.”
He sighs and looks me dead in the eyes as he says, “I have to streak at your wedding in front of everyone, and at least one photo must be taken as evidence.”
I snort and glance at Hawke, who seems impressed by himself. I throw my head back and laugh, folding into Hawke’s chest as I try to keep my makeup from running with the tears of amusement welling in my eyes.
“I thought it was good too,” Hawke says, laughing.
And even with all the people here who we love, it still just feels like us. I don’t feel an ounce of ill will at this bet. In fact, it reassures me that from the very start, Hawke had always noticed me. Even amidst all the games and taunting, we were always going to end up right here. It’s also hilarious because I can just imagine my smug father being challenged by a cocky sixteen-year-old Hawke.
“Wait. If it’s a shotgun wedding, isn’t that supposed to mean Ivy’s pregnant?” Ford asks, and everyone falls silent. It’s like the other shoe has finally dropped, and the energy in the crowd shifts.
“Yep!” Hawke says proudly, lifting me into his arms to parade me around.
“We’re having a baby!” I yell out excitedly, and my father drops to his knees, staring at the ground. My mother laughs as she drops to his side, most likely whispering encouraging words.
“You can’t be upset. Remember, we weren’t expecting Ivy either,” I hear her say.
But I know he can’t hear anything right now. We might actually give my father a stroke today.
I notice Alek still standing beside him, looking down at him. When he raises his head, there’s a slight smirk on his lips. His wife, Lena, nudges him as she pulls Hope in for a hug.
“Are you kidding me?!” Eli growls. Hawke shifts to turn and face the lake where the sun is setting. Eli is holding Jewel by the waist. “I’ve been trying to impregnate my wife for over a year now.”
“Yeah, well, we’re on birth control,” Jewel says, tapping his shoulder.
“No, we’re not because I’ve been tampering with it,” he admits.
“You what?” she screeches, and when he looks at her, I’m certain she’s going to destroy him when they get home. But the glint in his eyes indicates he’s well aware and can’t wait for his punishment.
Hawke turns us back around, and I look at all my family and friends, how they celebrate amongst one another, cheering us on, and it couldn’t be any more perfect.
Hawke slides me down his body and places me gently on my feet. He grabs me by both sides of my face and kisses me, and I can’t help but giggle as I wrap my arms around his waist, and he bends me backward.
“Come on, you two, you’re meant to do that in front of the officiant,” Posie says, shooing everyone into order. I can’t help but continue staring into Hawke’s eyes, knowing without a doubt I’ve found my partner in crime.
“Ready to take on the world together, lover?” he growls, and I can feel it all the way down my throat.
“As long as you promise to be on your best behavior,” I reply, wiping the lipstick that’s smudged on his lips.
He smirks. “Then wouldn’t that be a mischievous lie?"