Page 1 of First Comes Forever
prologue
eight years ago
Her snore is cute.It’s loud.But it’s cute.
I realize it probably sounds like an airplane going through turbulence to anyone else. But that’s what happens when the woman you love is carrying your baby. She’s perfection. She can do no wrong. Her lumberjack snore sounds like a kitten’s purr.
A kitten on steroids, sure…but still.
I’ve nearly tiptoed out of the bedroom when the snoring subsides, and Liv’s voice replaces it. “Babe?”
She reaches for the bedside lamp, but it’s unnecessary. At six o’clock in L.A., the bright morning light is already streaming through the blinds.
“Did I wake you up?” She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, a sheepish, self-conscious expression on her face. “I never used to snore. I hate the third trimester.”
“You didn’t wake me up.” I double back to balance half of my ass on the side of the bed and kiss her soft lips. “Can I get you guys anything?” I pull back the covers and expose Liv’s full belly. I swear two weeks ago it looked like she just had a big lunch. And now, all of a sudden, it looks like she swallowed a globe. According to her pregnancy group, she finally “popped.”
She smiles at me as I run my hand over the swell of her stomach. “Maybe some orange juice, please.” Her smile quickly disappears when she notices I’m dressed in a button-down shirt and nice pants. “Adam.It’s Saturday.”
Same old argument. I was hoping to slip out before we had to have it again.
“I know, I know. I’m sorry. It won’t be like this forever.” I take her hand in mine and kiss each of her dainty fingertips. “I’m paying my dues. One day, I’ll be making quadruple what I am now and working half the hours, I promise. I’ll buy us a place twice the size of this condo, right on the beach. Weekends will be ours.” I trill my fingers against her stomach. “Is my baby up?”
Liv smirks. “Ask her.”
Leaning in, I place my lips against the roundest part of her belly. “Sunshine,” I singsong.“I have a really long day of work ahead of me and a little kick for Daddy would brighten my day.” I gently press two fingers against Liv’s stomach.Nothing.
“Long day?” she asks, rolling her eyes so hard, it looks uncomfortable. Point taken. “This Chase guy again?”
“This Chase guy is going to be the reason I can buy you a big house right on the beach one day, honey. He’s…”
Chase Ford is a brand-new actor. An underdog. Without a friend or connection in the industry. But I just have a hunch. That’s what makes a good talent agent—you have to trust your gut.
Liv quirks her brow. “He’s what?”
“He’s something. He’s the next Pratt, Kransinski, or Franco. A chameleon. He can do it all—action, romance, fantasy. If I had to pick a horse to bet on…” When Liv doesn’t match my playful smile, I let out an understanding sigh. “I’ve been working a lot—”
“Every single weekend for months, Adam.”
I duck my head.I know.“I got Chase into a last-minute audition. I mean, he won’t get the part. Not a chance in hell.” I shake my head as Liv grimaces. “No, it’s fine. I’m just trying to get him in front of the casting director. He needs to nail this audition and make a great impression because the rumor is she’s casting for this other project that would be a much bigger opportunity.”
“You’re always scheming, babe,” Liv says, then grumbles as she maneuvers downward on the bed, clearly set on going back to sleep.
“I’m just going to pick him up, drive him to the audition, and run lines with him. I’ll come home as soon as he’s done. How about I bring home an early dinner and…” I squint one eye. “Rocky Road?”
Liv makes a gagging sound.
“Mint chocolate chip?” I ask.
My wife looks at me like I just suggested she snack on dog shit.
“Strawberry cheesecake?”
“Ding, ding, ding,” she says before she pulls the covers over her head. I gently pull them back and brush the loose strands of blond away from her forehead.
“Liv, don’t be mad at me. You know I’d rather spend the day with my girls.”
She pokes her tongue out. “I’m not mad at you. Now get out of here and go make Chase’s dreams come true.”