Page 72 of Tangled Trust

"What’s the occasion?" Ella smiles.

"One never needs an excuse to have pizza," I wink.

"Yeah, Ella. Duhhh."

Both Ella and I crack up at my son’s expression.

"Alright then. Let’s get going."

"Hi, babe," Ella smiles and kisses me.

"Yuk! Kissing," Jagger says, pulling a face.

"Sorry, buddy," I laugh, and Ella blushes.

She and I hold hands on the way to the restaurant. We sat Jagger down the week before and explained our relationship to him. To our surprise, my son didn’t bat an eye. He said something along the lines of okay, and that was that. I’m always amazed at children’s reactions. The world would be such an uncomplicated place if kids never grew older.

Tonight Ella and I plan on telling Jagger that he’s going to have a little sibling. I thought it would be nice if we made a fuss over him so that he knows he’ll always be my firstborn and that my love for him would never change or diminish.

I’m sure it must be scary to know that your father is having another child. I don’t want Jagger to be upset with Ella. They have such a lovely relationship. I’d hate for anything to spoil that.

Our usual table is reserved, and Jagger heads straight for the playroom while Ella and I sit down.

"How are you feeling today, my love?" I ask her.

"I feel much better, thanks. The nausea is almost entirely gone, thank God."

"You look beautiful."

"Wait until I get chubby."

"Nonsense. You’re only going to become more beautiful. Besides, I’ve always wanted to fondle a plentiful woman," I purr.

"Oh, you’re going to pay for that, Mr. Cooper."

"Hey, what’s the worst that can happen? I can’t get you any more pregnant than you already are," I laugh.

"I wouldn’t put it past you. As it is, you beat the odds by impregnating a woman on the pill. Who knows what you could achieve if you put your mind to it?"

"Check, please!"

"Haha…"

"I thought we could tell Jagger tonight."

Ella looks nervous.

"Are you sure? Isn’t it too soon?"

"He’s going to know soon enough."

"I suppose. Actually, I’m shocked that his mother hasn’t said anything to him yet."

"You and I both. But, for all her faults and batshit crazy ways, Amanda loves Jagger, and she won’t want to hurt him."

"Come on. Be honest. She’s probably still trying to talk you into forcing me to get an abortion, Carter."

"You’re too smart, Jones."

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