Page 124 of After the Vows

“I’m more than okay with this. I love your parents and I know how to set boundaries. Everything is going to be okay. More than okay. It’ll be great. We’re getting a puppy.”

I want to add we’ll be having more children as well but I know she’s not ready yet.

The front door bangs open. “Hello!” Natalia shouts. “Is anyone home?”

Chloe kisses me quick before standing. She holds out her hand to me. “Ready to give your daughter the good news?”

“Let’s go.”

We discover Natalia rooting around in the refrigerator. “There’s nothing to eat in here.”

“I’ll make you a sandwich,” Chloe offers but I stop her.

“Why don’t we sit at the table for a family meeting first?”

“Uh oh,” Chloe whisper-shouts. “Someone’s in trouble.”

“The school called? It’s not my fault, I swear.”

“What did you do?” I ask.

Chloe draws a finger across her throat, but I grasp her hand and pull her into a chair next to mine.

“We’ll discuss what you did after our news.”

“You’re pregnant? Yes!” Natalia claps her hands. “I’m getting a sister or brother. I’ll be the big sister and can boss them around. I need to phone Piper.”

Chloe clutches her stomach. “I’m not pregnant.”

“You’re not getting a sister or brotheryet,” I add.

Chloe scowls at me before addressing Natalia. “We’re getting a puppy!”

“Yippie! I’ve always wanted a puppy, but Dad said I couldn’t get one. Can we go get one now? Where do you get puppies from anyway?”

“The puppy is not the news,” I say.

Chloe ignores me. “There’s an animal shelter on the mainland. We can go there.”

Natalia jumps up from the table. “I’ll get my shoes on.”

“Wait,” I order and she skids to a stop. “The puppy is not the news.”

“You’re not pregnant. Getting a puppy is not the news. What is the news, Dad?”

“Yeah, Dad,” Chloe mimics. “What is the news?”

She’ll regret teasing me later when we’re in bed and I won’t let her come until she’s begging me. My cock twitches as I imagine her cuffed to the bed and at my mercy. I clear my throat. In front of my daughter is not the appropriate time to have sexy fantasies.

“Your grandparents are moving to Smuggler’s Hideaway.”

“Yeah, I know. They told me a while ago.” Her eyes widen. “Wait! Are they moving in next door?”

I nod and she squeals.

“I’m going to say hi.”

She rushes off and this time I let her. She’s only going next door. Maybe my parents living close by is a blessing after all.

---