Chapter 19

Felicity

I climb into bed and settle against the headboard, resting my back on a pillow. Today was not at all what I expected. Just as the thought enters my head, my phone rings, and I smile, seeing it's Emmie.

"Hey," I answer, my voice light with relief.

"Give me all the details. How was it with the infamous Atwood family?" she demands eagerly.

I giggle, adjusting my position to get more comfortable. "It was nothing like I expected. All the talk about what an amazing family they are, it's all true." My heart beats a little faster at the memory of them, the warmth of the day still fresh in my mind.

"I'm not really surprised, but I need more details than that," she says, laughing.

I take a sip of water and grin, recalling the day's events. "Well, his parents couldn't have been more excited. His mom kept crying, tears of joy streaming down her face, and his dad never stopped smiling, his eyes twinkling with happiness. Anya was the one who really spilled the beans because she hugged me immediately, almost lifting me off the ground, telling me how excited she was to be an aunt. I was hugged and kissed more today than I think I've ever been in my entire life. All of his brothers were welcoming and incredibly excited. Paxton's fiancée, Hartford, and Anya's boyfriend, Griffin, both told me to be ready for endless Sunday dinners and watching the Atwood brothers tease one another."

"It sounds like it was a great day," she says, her voice full of joy for me.

I chew my bottom lip, feeling the emotion welling up inside me as I prepare to share the part that truly touched my heart. "They all told me I'm part of the Atwood family now," I whisper, my voice cracking slightly with the weight of their acceptance and love.

Emmie is silent for a moment, then she speaks, her tone soft and sincere. "That's incredible. You deserve every bit of happiness, and it sounds like you've found the perfect family to be a part of."

I nod, even though she can't see me, feeling a tear slip down my cheek. Today was not at all what I expected—it was so much more.

I never considered that my baby wasn't just getting an amazing father, but an entire huge, loving, well-known family. I have no idea if Shepherd will stick around, but after today, I know my baby will have a big family that loves him or her regardless of that.

My mother was a single parent my entire life. I never met my father because he took off before I was even born. My mother did everything on her own. She sacrificed so I wouldn't need to. I resented my father for that. I hated him without ever meeting him and that's all I ever let my mom see. But there was always a part of me that was sad, wondering why he never wanted to meet me. Why he didn't care that I existed, that's what I fear most about Shepherd. I never want my child to feel that sadness and rejection.

"You're lucky, Felicity. Do you have any idea what a woman would do to be a part of that family? They are like Magnolia Ridge royalty," she says and I hear the sincerity in her voice.

"I know that. I was just never one of those women," I explain.

"And I know that, but you and that little one you're carrying are part of the Atwood's now. It's amazing."

I close my eyes and nod. "It is amazing. I'm so thankful my baby will always have them, even if I don't."

"They don't strike me as a family that will toss aside the mother of their grandchild. Even if you are just his fuck buddy," she says with a laugh.

"I never should have told you," I say, sighing.

"But you did," she sing-songs.

It's great having a best friend to confide in, but now that she knows Shepherd and I have this sex agreement she's never going to let me live it down.

"I'm exhausted. I need to get some sleep before work tomorrow," I say, stifling a yawn and stretching out under the covers.

"Nice way to avoid talking about your arrangement, but fine, go. I'll see you tomorrow," Emmie teases, though there's an edge of curiosity in her voice.

"Promise, we'll talk more tomorrow," I assure her, my voice fading as fatigue overtakes me.

We say our goodbyes and hang up. I place my phone on the nightstand, its screen glowing softly in the dim light. My heavy eyes close almost immediately, and I feel myself being pulled under by the comforting embrace of sleep. The day's events play back in my mind like a comforting lullaby, the warmth and acceptance of the Atwood family surrounding me in a cocoon of contentment. The anticipation of sharing more details with Emmie tomorrow lingers as my last conscious thought, and soon, I drift into a deep, restful sleep.

I startle awake, groggily checking the clock, and see I've been asleep for only a few hours. It's not even three am. Unfortunately, this baby likes to lay on my bladder, and I need to pee again. I should be happy I got a few hours; it's better than last night.

After finishing in the bathroom, my stomach growls, and I shake my head with a tired smile. "You're killing me, little one. I'll never sleep through the night again, will I? But if you want something to eat, I'm not going to deny you." I rest my hand on my small baby bump, feeling a gentle flutter in response.

Walking down the stairs, the house is quiet and still, with only the faint hum of the refrigerator breaking the silence. Once in the kitchen, I flip on the light, squinting slightly as my eyes adjust to the brightness. I open the fridge, the cool air hitting my face as I scan the shelves. "What do you want to eat?" I murmur, my hand absentmindedly rubbing my belly.

I rummage through the contents, considering my options. There's some leftover pasta, a bowl of fresh fruit, and various snacks. My eyes land on a container of yogurt and some granola. "How about yogurt with granola?" I suggest, feeling a tiny kick as if in agreement.

"Felicity, is everything okay?" Shepherd stands in my kitchen with wild eyes, frantically looking around.

"What the hell are you doing?" I shout, my voice a mixture of surprise and anger. My heart races at the sudden intrusion, my hand instinctively moving to my belly.

"It's three o'clock in the morning and your light went on. I thought something was wrong," he says, crossing his arms defensively, though his eyes soften slightly as he takes in my startled expression.

I narrow my eyes, suspicion creeping into my voice. "Are you stalking me?"

"I'm watching out for you," he corrects, his tone firm but gentle. He runs a hand through his tousled hair, a sign of his worry. "You're pregnant and alone. I just want to make sure you're safe."

I give a humorless laugh, putting my hands on my hips. "That's stalking." I shake my head and pin him with an angry stare. "You were clearly watching my house because the light was only on for a few minutes before you, once again, broke into my house"

"I used the key, which I told you to move from under your welcome rug and you didn't. You really need to be more cautious. It's the most obvious spot for an intruder to look."

"Obviously," I shout. "You can't just keep breaking into my house, Shepherd. It's an invasion of my privacy."

This time he takes a step closer and my breath catches in my throat. "An invasion of your privacy? You're carrying my baby. I'm allowed to check on you to make sure you are both okay. That's not invading your privacy, that's caring about what happens to you," he hisses.

"Don't you dare give me an attitude. You're the one who is wrong here, not me. This is my house and you were not invited in."

He leans closer to me and my heart pounds in my chest. His scent surrounds me and I can feel his body heat. The angry look on his face and the possessiveness he's exuding is hot.

"I don't need to be invited in, not when I'm watching out for you and my baby."

Dang, he's incredibly sexy when he's angry. His muscles flex and his eyes have darkened. He's giving off this alpha-dominant vibe and I'm ready to submit to him.

"I'm far from an intruder or a stalker. You're being overly dramatic and honestly a bit careless. I told you to move the key and you didn't, so instead of leaving it I'm taking it this time. It's not breaking in if I have the key."

I'm barely comprehending what he's saying now. I can't believe my stupid hormones have chosen this moment to take over. I no longer care that he's standing in my kitchen. All I want now is for him to make good on his word and help me out because I'm suddenly ridiculously turned on.

"Are you evening listening to me?" he growls.

I bite my bottom lip and lift an eyebrow as I stare at him.

His eyebrows shoot up as he stares at me. "Are you serious? You're horny now?"

I slowly shake my head as I step closer. "Yes."

"You were just ready to rip my head off and now you're turned on?"

"Yes, Shepherd, that's how quickly it happens." I rest my hand on his solid chest and grin. "We have an agreement."

He smiles and wraps his large arms around me, resting his hands on my ass. That's when I realize that the only thing I'm wearing is a short, thin sleep shirt. No bra and no panties.

"Yes, we do and if you need relief, you'll get it."

I stare at him and it's crazy because I'm still pissed at him, but I need him to give me relief. "I'm still angry," I admit.

"That makes two of us, but it's not going to stop me from making sure you're taken care of. I told you I'll always be here and I meant that on every level." He moves his hands, dragging them up my body. He stops by my breasts and uses his thumbs to rub over my hard nipples through my thin sleep shirt.

"Oh God," I moan, dropping my head back.

"Fuck, it's hot how you react to my touch." He moves his hands back down my body and pushes them under my shirt. His eyes snap to mine and he grins. "No panties?"

I shake my head as my body burns with want. "No."

He leans close and nips my ear and whispers, "Fucking hot."

My body is ready to explode. His low deep voice is the tipping point. "Shepherd, please."

He runs his fingers through my wetness and pulls me closer. "This is all about what you need."

He pushes two fingers in and I moan, thankful for the relief I immediately feel. He moves his fingers as his other hand reaches around and grabs onto my ass. The way he's twisting his fingers with such skill is overwhelming, in the best possible way.

I open my eyes and see his face and my anger returns. "I need you to keep going, but turn me around because I can't look at you right now."

He chuckles, apparently finding my anger funny. He doesn't say anything as he spins me around and bends me over the counter. His fingers get right back to work and I let out a moan because he's deeper now.

"Yes, it feels so good," I cry out.

He grabs my hair and pulls my head back as he continues fucking me with his talented hand. "Let go of that anger with your orgasm, Felicity."

I know he's right, I need to do it, but right now my only focus is how good he's making me feel. I'm creeping closer to my release and my body shakes, each cell vibrating.

"Fuck, I'm close," I moan.

"I feel your wet pussy gripping my fingers. Give me your orgasm and let go of everything else," he demands.

His raspy voice does things to me that I can't explain and when I feel myself falling over the edge, I do exactly what he demands and let it all go.

"Yes," I shout.

"That's it, let it all go," he whispers.

I lay my upper body on the counter, breathing heavily as the orgasmic bliss rushes through me. Shepherd removes his fingers, causing me to miss his touch and he rubs my back.

"Thank you," I whisper.

"Better?"

I push off the counter and adjust my sleep shirt, unable to hide the grin on my face. "So much better."

"You know, maybe your anger toward me isn't that you're pissed, but that you're horny."

It's a thought, but not one I'm willing to focus on right now. "Maybe," I say with a tiny shrug.

He's searching my eyes as he leans on the counter next to me. "My family loves you, by the way."

My heart is already beating fast, but now it's pounding. "That's sweet. They were all very nice. I'm thankful our son or daughter will have such an amazing extended family."

"You will too," he says, keeping his dark eyes locked with mine.

Unwilling to explain again that we aren't a couple, I simply nod. "I'd like you to have dinner with my mom."

He nods. "Anytime. Just tell me when and I'll be there."

"Just like that, huh?"

He moves closer to my face and I can feel his warm breath on my cheeks. "You'll always get what you want from me, Felicity. All you need to do is ask."

He makes it all sound so simple.