Possessed by Passion (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 9)

“Oh my God I forgot about not breaking the bows.” She grinned, imagining what it was going to be like one day to have Dustin and Mick’s babies. “One is okay with me.”

She pulled out a lacy, black Teddy from the box.

The oohs and ahs that followed made her smile.

“Thank you, Phoebe and Ashley.”

“You’re welcome,” they said in unison.

When she finished opening the rest of the gifts, Erica Strange announced, “Looks like you’re going to have five kids, Paris. Five bows broken. Five babies. It never fails.”

More laughter ensued.

“I’m so glad you’re married to such great guys.” Amber looked stunning. Hard to believe she’d just had a baby a couple of weeks ago. “Paris, you deserve so much happiness.”

“Thank you. How are you feeling and how is the littlest Stone doing?”

“He’s with his dads.” Amber smiled broadly. “They couldn’t wait to get him all to themselves.”

Ethel tapped on her glass, and the room quieted down. “Time to offer our advice to Paris about marriage.”

Celeste and Caitlin Strange, Erica’s sisters-in-law who had moved back to Destiny recently, shook their heads.

“We’re single, Ethel,” Celeste said. “We’re going to pass on giving marriage advice.”

“But any advice about how to trap men would be appreciated,” Caitlin added, smiling.

“I’m with them on this,” Mindy Phong said, sitting down next to them.

Katy nodded. “Amen, sisters.”

“Ditto,” Ashley said.

Rylie Gold, daughter of Zac, the owner of Phase Four, sighed. “Dad says I’m too young to think about getting serious about anyone.”

Gretchen put her arm around the young woman. “Your dad will always think you’re too young, sweetheart. But I agree with him on this one. You’ve only just turned nineteen. There’s plenty of time for love. But don’t wait too long like I did.” She grinned. “And since I’m the eldest of the single girls, I will pass, too.”

“I’ve been happily married for going on sixty years to Patrick and Sam.” Ethel held a piece of paper in her hand. “I’m not going to hesitate to give Paris my advice.”

“You always give such great advice, too.” Paris leaned back. “Give it to me, Judge. I’m ready.”

“Begin your day each morning with falling in love once again with your husbands. Look in their faces and see the amazing men who hold your whole heart. Whatever comes your way in life, expect the outcome to be extraordinary.”

Everyone clapped.

Jennifer Steele shook her head. “How in the world can any of us follow that sage advice?”

“I’ll go next.” Lucy Little, owner of Lucy’s Burgers, stood. “Mine’s about sex.”

They all roared.

“Three words, Paris.” Lucy smiled. “Embrace. Experiment. Enjoy. That’s what Norman and I have done all these years, and I can tell you our sex life just keeps getting better and better.”

After the remaining women gave her their advice about

marriage, Megan grabbed her hand. “I just wish we all could’ve shared that wonderful day with you.”

“Me, too, but my guys and I just couldn’t bring ourselves to wait for a big wedding.”