Page 108 of Cause of Action

“I’ll repaint tomorrow.”

“No. You’re finishing today. Why clean all this mess up and get it back out tomorrow? I’ll go change and help you.”

Sighing, I grabbed the roller and started rolling primer over the accent wall that wasn’t supposed to be the accent wall. A few moments later, Morgan walked in and grabbed a paint roller.

“Did you find any furniture?” I asked.

“I did.” She turned and grinned at me. “It’ll be here on Tuesday. Your moms bought everything. They wouldn’t letme pay for one single piece, not even the area rug. I felt bad.”

“Don’t feel bad. This is what they do. You know how excited they are about the baby. They probably thought they’d never have grandchildren.”

“But it was so expensive, Roman.”

“I’ll offer them some money, but I know they won’t take it. Let them spoil their granddaughter. Don’t forget, they’ve only ever had us three boys.”

After the primer dried, I painted the wall the right color while Morgan painted the accent wall. We stood in the middle of the room, holding hands and staring at the room that would soon be filled with baby furniture.

“I’ll be right back. Stay where you’re at.” I smiled, leaving the room.

I grabbed the music remote from the nightstand when I entered our bedroom. Walking back to the nursery, I hit the play button, and the song “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims began to play.

“May I have this dance?” I extended my hand with a smile.

“You may.” She placed her hand in mine.

Our eyes stayed locked on each other. She was so beautiful, even with specks of paint on her face.

“How did we get here?” Her smile brightened as we swayed back and forth to the music.

“Well, I always get what I want. And what I wanted was you from the moment I laid eyes on you at the beach in Turks and Caicos. The rest is history.”

“You’re so romantic.” Her lips tenderly touched mine.

“You bring it out in me.”

“Oh my God!” She placed her one on her belly.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“She kicked, Roman.” She grabbed my hand and placed it on her belly.

The sudden, gentle, yet powerful flutter against my palm reminded me of the life growing inside her. I grinned as she held my gaze. Bending over, I lifted her shirt and pressed my lips against her growing belly, letting my daughter know that I was there and how much I already loved her.

I climbed into my car, drove down the street, and picked up my brothers. As far as Morgan was concerned, my brothers and I were going golfing again.

We sat inside a private room adorned with professional photographs of diamond jewelry hanging on the walls. The blue chairs we sat in were plush and comfortable while we waited for Roberto to bring in some rings. I glanced over at Julian. This bothered him. I could tell. Perhaps, I shouldn’t have made him come.

“Julian, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking when I asked you to come along.”

“Nah, bro. I’m fine. I want to be here with you. No brother left behind, right?”

“Right.” I smiled.

Roberto walked in carrying a blue velvet pillow with five engagement rings.

“These are from our newest collection. Your eyes are the first to see it. We aren’t displaying them for a couple of more weeks.”

I picked up one and studied it.

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