Page 49 of Harry

“About what?”

“I need Janelle to be comfortable. I spent so many years living by myself that I have no idea what a woman really needs.” He stared at the list with a frown. “And I think she will need clothes. You know, maternity ones. I should call Monique…”

She held up a hand, a pleased expression on her face. “Why don’t you leave that to me.”

“She’s going to add that to the list of things she is upset about.”

“Oh?”

Harry smiled wryly. “I basically ordered her not to drive. I took her to work and told her I will pick her up when she is finished for the day.”

“How will she get around?”

“I don’t want her getting around.” He tapped the pen absently on the paper. “She needs to stay put.”

“I can just imagine how well she’s taking that sort of arrogance.”

“She is pissed. And I am going to have to pay for it later on. Thanks for the groceries.” He looked over at her. “We’re going to have to start thinking about the nursery.”

“You’re staying at the pool house, then?”

“If you’re thinking we should be in the main house…?”

“I know that’s the last place you want to be.” She intervened swiftly, not wanting to spoil the mood. “I was just thinking of taking your advice. The place is too big for one person and was hoping we could find a property where I could be near to the babies. I don’t want to intrude…”

“That’s actually an excellent idea.”

“It is?”

He nodded. “I want you close as well. I will have to discuss it with Janelle, but I’m sure she will not have a problem.”

“Good.” She pleated the seams of her cranberry-colored jacket and wondered if she should mention a touchy subject.

“Those babies are going to need a stable home,” she began.

“That’s the idea.” He watched her closely, already one step ahead of her.

“Janelle is a beautiful young lady, and she loves you.”

“I happen to love her, too.”

“The ceremony doesn’t have to be big and lavish…”

“No.” He shook his head, eyes hard and face tensing. “I cannot jump that far ahead. I am barely managing to handle the idea of becoming a father. I am not going to rush into anything, because society decrees that it should be so.

When we are both ready, we will make the decision. Those kids will have both parents and that is something I can promise.”

“Darling…”

“Mother, if you want this pleasant conversation to continue, you will cease from the current one you’re introducing.” His expression was closed off, warning her that he was not prepared to entertain it.

“All right.” She held up her hands in defeat. “I won’t mention it again. It’s just that I want so much for you to be happy.”

His expression softened. “I was driving here after I dropped Janelle off and was not pissed. The traffic was a nightmare, andas well, I was cut off twice and resisted the urge to get of the vehicle and beat the offender to a pulp.

And I was whistling. Which translates to me being happy. She makes me happy. I am not running away scared. I am sticking. But baby steps.

My heart is still shivering but seeing her on the floor makes me want to protect her from everything. I have to be there for her. But I cannot think past this moment. It is scary enough to think of her being pregnant with twins, let that be enough. It is all I can handle right now.”

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