“And I’m just glad the world gets a miniature Vincent Borignone!” I fan myself, and she laughs.

“The universe had better get ready for this monster. I have a feeling he’s got a big future.” She rubs her round belly. “He’s kicking like crazy. Big already, just like his dad.”

“Oh, let me feel!” I rush over, pressing my hands to her stomach. Tears fill my eyes as I feel the shift within her stomach. Fetal movement. “I’m so happy for you, Eve.”

“How’s school?” she asks, turning the conversation back to me as she drops herself on the beautiful L-shaped leather couch we bought for the living room.

“It’s great. Almost there.”

I have been working toward my social work degree online. The plan is that I’ll pick up my pace at the Center during the day when Eve has her baby, but until then, I’m taking as many credits as I can handle. Luckily for us, the timing works perfectly.

Slade and Vincent walk into the new house, all big muscles and serious demeanors. With Slade’s hair freshly buzzed and scruff lining his chin, he’s the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.

“Slade, hi.” My voice comes out all breathy.

Eve and I have been waiting for Slade and Vincent to help with the unpacking since we got here twenty minutes ago.

After giving up my place in California, Slade and I decided to live together out here in Nevada. Slade insisted that property values were just going up, particularly because the reservation was making big money off the casino at the Milestone, and it was attracting so much business to the area.

“The smart move would be for us to buy a bigger place. Trust me. A nice-sized house is a good investment,” he said.

His dark and thoughtful eyes always seem to know things I don’t.

So, I did what anyone in my position would do when her brilliant, gorgeous, ex-military boyfriend gives her real estate advice; I listened!

During one of my visits two months ago, Eve and I saw this house, a bungalow-style two bedroom, and I fell in love. While it needed work, the entire place just felt right.

“You could even fit a swing set in the back,” she gushed.

Slade came right away with his perfect posture and muscled body and nodded. “This’ll do. I’ll put the time in.”

He can be so serious, not that I’m complaining. When he gets all intense and introspective, I feel this surge of pride for him. It also turns me on like nothing else.

The kitchen is now painted pale blue and completely redone with a new refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, and cabinetry. The living room and dining room are a gorgeous, warm cream color. The horrible carpet was lifted, and the floors are now thick wooden planks, freshly sanded in a neutral beige tone. Slade was against “good ole beige,” but I insisted it would match whatever furniture we decided on. Luckily, he caved.

The best part was, Slade did all the work himself. I even got to watch when I was here. Slade, shirtless and sweating and doing physical labor? I’ll take it any day of the week.