Page 23 of Innocent Rose

“With that marketing degree you'll earn, you could come work for your old man.”

Liz rolls her eyes while Rose nudges me. “What about my education degree? Could I use that at your company?”

“I’ll keep an eye out for any positions,” I offer with a wink. I’d like to see her in plenty of positions, and none of them have to do with my company. I’d rather know she’s waiting here for me at the end of a long day, but it’s not that simple. Loving her means letting her have her own life.

It isn’t as if she wastes an opportunity to make me happy, either. Sometimes I think she goes out of her way to do everything with me in mind. Cooking my favorite foods, keeping the house clean. She’s more organized than I am, which is saying a lot.

And when we’re alone, just the two of us…

I can’t think about that in mixed company. The past several months have been a lesson in self-discipline. Training myself out of the habit of thinking too much about my sex life while my daughter is around. Before long, I won’t have to worry about that anymore.

As much as I’ll miss having Liz here, there’s something to be said for having Rose alone. Just the two of us.

Rose takes a sip of her water before blowing out a deep breath. “So long as you don’t mind me going on leave in six or seven months.”

I’m twirling spaghetti on my fork, oblivious… until her words sink in. “Why would you need to go on leave?” In six or seven months?

"That’s around the time the baby’s due.”

My fork clatters to the plate, forgotten. “You’re having a baby?”

“So the doctor says. I went today.” She’s biting her lip, her features pinched, before tucking hair behind her ear in a nervous gesture. “Are you… happy?”

What a question. “I’m fucking thrilled! Are you kidding? It’s what I told you I wanted!” I slam my chair back before pulling her out of hers and wrapping her in a hug.

“I told you he’d be happy.” Liz laughs, and Rose laughs with her. I hear the relief in it. Was I not clear enough about what I wanted for us?

I’m about to ask her that question when she answers it. “I mean, it’s one thing to say you want it, but another thing to be okay when it happens.”

“I’m more than okay. I’m ecstatic.” Words can’t describe it. She’s given me everything I’ve ever wanted. “Thank you. Our baby. I can hardly believe this.”

“Now I’m definitely moving out, no offense.” Liz folds her arms, smirking. “Who can get any studying done with a screaming baby?”

She’s not kidding me. She’s just as thrilled as I am.

And as far as I’m concerned, this won’t be our last baby. I plan to breed Rose as often as possible and fill this house with kids. They'll be a joy if they’re half as beautiful, kind, and smart as their mother.

Like the joy my Rose brings me.

“I’m a lucky man,” I marvel, holding her face in my hands. “And I love you.”

“I love you,” she whispers back, beaming.

“And I’m going to spoil the shit out of you.”

She giggles, arching an eyebrow. My beautiful, innocent little smart-ass. I wouldn’t have her any other way. “Are you kidding? I know you will.”

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