Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 73397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 294(@250wpm)___ 245(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 294(@250wpm)___ 245(@300wpm)
Once alone, I hold up my glass of sparkling water, smiling. “To Eden. May you never fall to the bite of a destructive apple.”
I know that I have it all—and I will make sure to never take it for granted.
Epilogue
Eve
How things have changed. Only months ago, I walked into Scarlet an innocent girl who feared her own shadow.
Look at me now—a confident woman who building an empire. Every time I pass the mirror, I have to take a second glance. Though my age hasn’t changed, I have.
Scarlet is no more, but Eden is. I love the new name. Who better to run Eden than Eve herself?
The name is kind of catchy, and the clients eat that stuff up. It makes them feel a little dirtier when they visit. Maybe even a little bit taboo.
I arrive at the hospital around 1 p.m., getting directions to the maternity ward. I can’t believe that Caroline finally delivered her little boy. He was a week overdue and had us all betting on how big he would be. My guess is 9 pounds, but some of the others are outrageous.
“Evie! You came!” Caroline seems surprised.
Shaking my head, I laugh a little. “Of course I came. I also brought gifts.”
I sit down the packages of new outfits for the baby, plus a gold charm with a baby boy on it for the loving mother. In the corner of the room is her son, and around him, seven loving fathers who seem to adore him already.
“We’ve named him Justice Aaron. It’s fitting, don’t you think?” Caroline asks.
“I love the name, but I have to ask—how heavy?”
Giggling with anticipation, I’m hoping to win the little pool we put together.
“9 pounds, 12 ounces. He’s a big boy just like his daddies!” Caroline laughs. She seems to be happier than I have ever seen her. And with all those men—I think she’ll have to fight with them just to have a little time with their son.
After spending the afternoon holding him, I return to Eden for the night. We’re closed due to a special party, but none of the men know who’s hosting this event.
I’ve dressed in a red dress that’s fitted especially for me. I’m a little nervous tonight. This party means everything to me right now.
The success of Eden is not just because of me. I have all my men to thank for their hard work. They are not only lovers in the shallow sense of the word—I’m in love with every one of them. As unconventional as that is, I mean it.
I’ve had this party catered with some of their favorite food. Brandon and Drex love Italian, whereas Theo and Robin love Mexican. Me, well I love it all right now. I’m just happy that life has finally settled down for all of us.
Arriving together, all ten men walk in looking a little confused. Usually, this place has a line out the door, and the bar is jumping by this time. Not tonight, though.
I’ve made sure that there is a buffet of food waiting and no extra staff. Not tonight.
“Welcome, men. I’ve arranged a special night for us. Just us. No work.”
I speak with confidence, looking at each of them as I do. It’s so different. I remember the day they all came for interviews. I was a nervous mess, but tonight, I am Eve, the Queen of Eden.
“Wow, we win the lottery?” Brandon asks.
“Yeah, what gives, Eve?” Drex follows his brother with questions.
These boys are so quick to need to know everything. They can’t just enjoy the night without having all the details. I guess that’s my fault. I’ve trained them to make sure they never go into a situation without knowing the details.
“Caroline had her baby. A boy.”
Smiling, I know they’d ask.
“Oh yeah, who won?”
Robin sits up stiff in his chair. They’re all so competitive.
“He was 9 pounds, 12 ounces, so Max, you’re the winner.”
I toss him an envelope with eleven hundred dollars inside. We all chipped in a hundred.
“FUCK YES!” Max grins.
Everyone laughs at this point, but we are genuinely happy for the new family.
“So tonight, it’s a celebration of our new club, our new life right, and our new life on the horizon.” I am beaming at this point. None of the ten men realize until after they take the first drink of their champagne that I mention new life twice.
“Wait. What? Who’s pregnant?” Theo is standing, but all eyes turn to me.
“Eve, you…you’re pregnant?”
The tears run down my face as I turn to the side, rubbing my hand over a small bump. I’ve known for two months now, but with everything going on, I never found the right time to tell them.
“I’m four months along, and to me, all of you are the father of this child.”
Screams, yells, and high fives echo all around the room. They’re happy, and I’m relieved. I was nervous.