Page 54 of Selfish Desires

As I smiled into the open air before me, what Vincent didn’t know was how better I was than just okay.

I was perfect.

“Wow. Look at Uncle Vincent holding a baby,” said Zachary, staring at me in Wendy’s kitchen, smug with his arms crossed.

“I thought the infant stage only lasted until twelve months,” I said, bouncing Sadie on my leg. Between her gumdrop eyes, infectious laugh, and rosy, chubby cheeks, she was a pretty cute kid. “You, Miss Sadie, are a toddler.” I popped my lips an inch away from her face, triggering that giggle I was quickly falling for.

Wendy and Blair were in the other room out of sight, and if I had to guess, they were probably fawning over the engagement ring Wendy hadn’t removed from her hand in over a month. Even Zachary was impressed by the immaculate pink stone I had designed for Wendy. Between the ring and about to purchase a historic Newport mansion, I had never spent so much money in my life in such a short period. But every penny was worth it because I felt like I was constantly moving in the right direction for the first time.

“Give me my daughter back, smartass.” Zachary held out his arms for Sadie, and I transferred the dumpling to him.

“You think you're ready for this, don't you?” Zachary asked, his eyes not on Sadie but on mine. There was a challenge in his voice, a quiet dare. I held his gaze, my hands now empty.

“Ready for what?” I asked, deliberately playing dumb.

“To settle down. Have a family. Live the dream,” he said, bouncing Sadie lightly.

“Are you teasing me?” I stared at the pure joy spread across Zachary’s face as he gazed at his daughter blowing bubbles in his face. The flecks of saliva hitting Zachary’s nose didn’t bother him. If anything, the entire act made him happier. I never thought about being a father and hadn’t given it much attention since Wendy and I got engaged. But, being here with my old friends and their daughter, the idea had officially been planted in my mind. “And why not?” I retorted, feeling an unexpected heat creeping up my neck. Zachary adjusted Sadie on his hip, his eyes holding a new level of respect and curiosity.

“Why not what?” He chuckled, glancing momentarily at the toddler in his arms.

“Why not settle down? Have a family?” My voice wavered slightly, but I stood my ground. I couldn't shake the image of Wendy's radiant smile when she'd slipped on the engagement ring. That memory was enough to solidify my resolve.

Zachary raised an eyebrow at me, clearly taken aback by my sudden declaration, but he didn't reply immediately. Instead, he just rocked Sadie gently, humming a soft melody under his breath.

“You sing now?” I cocked an eyebrow.

“It’s not singing, you jerk.” Zachary scowled.

“I think I heard you sing.”

“Keep going, and you’ll be sorry,” Zachary warned.

“At least you’re not punching me this time. Remember our last happy encounter?” I certainly didn’t forget, as the memory triggered a throb in my ear. “I had never been punched before, and the first time straight to the ear.”

“Sorry about that,” Zachary uttered, clearly not sorry, while kissing Sadie’s forehead.

“Yeah, yeah, you're all apologies now.” I leaned against the kitchen counter, watching Zachary’s face melt, his gaze locked on his daughter.

“I am happy for you and Wendy, though.” Zachary’s eyes shifted from Sadie to me. “Seriously, congratulations.”

“Thanks, Zach. That really means a lot to me. I miss this, you know?” I motioned between us.

“Yeah, I know what you mean.” Zachary frowned. “When was the last time we could have a real conversation?”

We knew the answer but didn’t dare say it. Instead, Sadie broke the silence with a sneeze, landing in Zachary’s mouth.

“Oh! There it is.” I threw my head back, laughing.

Zachary winced as he grabbed a napkin with one hand, wiping the snot off his mouth while pressing Sadie closer to his chest. It was like Sadie could do no wrong in Zachary’s eyes: simply amazing. And then it made me wonder, would I ever experience something like that? A part of me wanted to suddenly.

The sound of soft footsteps carried across the room, and there stood my fiancée with Blair. Wendy's hand still wore the engagement ring, its shine matching the radiance of her smile.

“There you two are,” she said, her voice like a lullaby. “I leave you alone for a few minutes and find you playing house in here.” She chuckled lightly, walking toward us. She leaned in to kiss Sadie's forehead and then looked at me. “She’s so precious. Sorry, Zach, but Sadie looks just like her mom.” Wendy’s body pivoted to face Blair, and the two women exchanged winks simultaneously.

“Isn't that a good thing?” Blair gave Zachary a playful smirk, and he surrendered with a nod, his grin widening at the sight of his wife.

“Oh, I wasn't complaining,” he said, wrapping an arm around Blair. The kitchen was filled with comfortable silence for a moment—the type that only came with good company.

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