Page 223 of The Baby Bargain
Mrs. Keating smiles. "Princess? That's a new one."
Chase's smile fades. "Her name is Ariel."
Mrs. Keating nodsof course. "If you'll excuse me. I've got to check on the pie." She motions to the kitchen.
"Oh, Chase told me you ordered in." I bite my lip. That was the wrong thing to say.
She nods. "Yes, Mr. Keating is grabbing dinner. But I wanted to try my hand at dessert." She smiles at the table. "Westley helped."
"Westley." I laugh. "No one ever calls you that."
Wes shrugs, not at all moved. "You look nice, Ariel."
"Thank you." I smooth my black dress. It's a simple fit and flare style. Fashionable and parent pleasing (at least, according to Skye). My fingers go to the pearls around my neck reflexively (also Skye's suggestion).
"Nice?" Hunter chuckles. He waits until his mom moves into the kitchen, then he shifts into a teasing tone. "That's the first time you've ever paid a woman a compliment that tame."
Chase laughs at his brother's joke.
He's actually laughing at Hunter's joke? Maybe they've made up. Maybe they're best friends. Maybe Chase is finally learning how to forgive people. And himself. And the world.
Maybe he finally realizes he's amazing and worthy of love and—
Uh…
Wow, can I blame my recent news on my brain's zero to sixty?
I want him to be mine, yes. But I want him to be Charlotte's so much more. After Phillip dumped me, I thought I wanted to do this alone.
No, I did want to do this alone.
But it's different now that I've tasted a supportive partner. A possible co-parent. Someone who wants a family as badly as I do.
Fuck, that might not be zero to sixty but it's fast.
I'm here, meeting his parents.
That's a step.
It doesn't mean he's prepping for a Christmas proposal, but it's something.
It might be for Charlotte, not me. But that's okay. Yeah, it will break my heart if he saysI want to be this kid's dad, but that's it. We're co-parents. Period.
I'll push through it. For her.
I guess I shouldn't assume she's a girl. I hope she is, but I'll love a little boy just as much. I'll love her no matter what.
"Would you prefer,damn, Ariel, you look good enough to eat?" Wes offers.
Hunter chuckles. "Sounds more like you."
"Not gonna say that shit in front of my girl," Wes says.
"So you'll say it behind her back?" Hunter asks.
Chase nodshe's got you there.
"Where is Quinn?" I ask.
