Page 105 of Don't Fall for the Billionaire
“Don’t push it, Cross.” I smiled, kissing his lips.
Chapter Forty-One
Ashton
I sat in the nursery and rocked my son, Jackson Joseph Cross, who came into this world two weeks ago, weighing seven pounds four ounces and with a full head of black hair. He was beautiful and the greatest joy of my life, along with my daughter.
“Is he sleeping?” Eloise asked in a whisper as she walked into the room.
“He is.” I smiled.
She walked over and placed her finger on his hand. His fingers stretched around Eloise’s.
“He’s holding my hand.” She grinned.
“He knows you’re his big sister and already loves you. Come up here.” I patted the other side of my lap.
She carefully climbed up and lay her back against my chest. In that quiet moment, with my daughter on my lap, and my son in my arms, my world had never been so full.
“It’s time you got ready for bed,” I whispered to Eloise.
“I know, Dad. I just want to stare at him a while longer.”
After Eloise left the room to get into her pajamas, I carefully stood from the rocking chair and carried him to our bedroom,setting him in Charlotte’s arms. She smiled as she stared at him and softly ran her finger down his tiny cheek.
“I feel extremely guilty,” I said, climbing next to her.
“Why?”
“Because I wasn’t there for Eloise when she was this tiny. I saw her for a couple of hours a month, thinking I was holding up my end of being a father.”
“You did the best you could, Ashton.”
“No, Charlotte. I didn’t. I wasn’t there for her like I should have been. I missed all her milestones, her first words.”
“What matters is that you’re here now for her and have been. That’s what she’ll always remember.”
“Dad, I’m ready for bed.” Eloise stepped into the room. She walked over to Charlotte, gave her a kiss, and then pressed her lips against her brother’s head. “I love you, Jackson. Night, Mom.”
“Good night, sweetie. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I climbed off the bed and followed Eloise into her room. As she climbed into bed, I sat on the edge and stared at her, the guilt eating away at me.
“I love you, Eloise.”
“I know, Dad. I love you too.”
“I want you to know that you’ll always be my firstborn. I will always be here for you, no matter what. I need to know that you understand that.”
“I do, Dad. Where is this coming from?”
“I just feel like I don’t tell you enough. That’s all.”
“You’re a great Dad. Now let me go to sleep. I’m tired.”
I chuckled. “Okay. Good night, sweetheart.” I leaned over and kissed her forehead.
