Page 90 of Winning Bid

“Well, we got you that stand mixer when you were doing all of that cooking, and it hadn't been used in a while, so I figured I'd give it a shot.”

After I slice the bread and bring over the butter, he looks at me funny.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“First of all, that smells and looks amazing. Secondly, we really need to get you a job, don't we?”

I laugh, but it's only to hold back the tears. I'm so relieved that he understands. “Yeah.”

He pulls me onto his lap, wrapping me in his big, muscular arms. “I am sorry that my father fucked you over so bad. We will make this right.”

“That sounds great and all, but I don't understand how. Your father hates me. He keeps trying to make you break up with me.” I shrug. “I don't think that there's any way we can fix that.”

“First of all, we should eat. Once we have full stomachs, we can have full brains and come up with a plan.”

“Is that your polite way of telling me to get off of your lap so you can eat?”

“Baby, it just looks so good, and I'm afraid I'm going to start drooling on you.”

I giggle and go to my chair, and we dig in. “There's sauerkraut if you want some. I never got a taste for it, but I figured it goes with the meal if you like it.”

“I prefer my fermented cabbage kimchi style. I like the spice.”

I'm not sure how to say what I want to say. “You're right about me needing something to do during the day. I would prefer to be able to contribute to the household one way or another.”

“You're cooking and cleaning. I can't ask for more than that.”

“You know what I mean. Either financially. Or domestically.”

“I just said?—"

“I was thinking more domestically.”

His brow drops. “You lost me.”

“For all intents and purposes, the case is over. We can start living our lives now. It's not out of the realm of possibilities for us to consider having a child. We've talked about it before.”

He smiles, but it's tentative. “I absolutely love where your head's at.”

“But?”

“No, but. That said?—"

“Fancy but.”

He smirks. “Yes, fancy but. I think things are still too up in the air at the moment.”

“I had a feeling you'd say that. And you're right. But it is on my mind.”

“Mine too. It's a big part of why I want all of this behind us.” He takes my hand in his. “I am overwhelmingly thrilled that I get to start a family with you. If I could start that tonight, I would. But I don't think we're in a good situation for it just yet. Soon. As soon as possible.”

“I'd like that.”

He gives my hand a squeeze, and we go back to eating. “Are we good?”

“Why wouldn't we be?”

“That's a touchy subject. I was hoping that I handled it to your satisfaction.”

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