Page 37 of Knocked Up by Mr. Grump Lawyer

I did not answer. I knew very well that he was getting carried away because of this pregnancy. He wouldn’t commit like that to me or to any other woman, for that matter. I’d always sensed his hesitation, which is probably why he’d never dated anyone long after Jaynie.

“I’ll think about it,” I finally said, sighing. It was actually a tempting offer. I will definitely feel safer and more comfortable in his luxurious home. And having someone at my beck and call would be such a big relief. Besides, I wouldn’t have to worry about chores, errands, or even bills!

But of course, I did not want to be a burden to him and especially to Riley. I don’t want to impose. And I certainly wouldn’t do it for free.

But then, I have to be on bed rest, so I won’t be able to get anything done — probably not even cook my own food!

“Kayla, let me take care of you and our baby,” Robert reiterated. “I’m the father. You should not worry about the expenses and other stuff. I know you. You don’t want to owe me anything...”

It was as if he could read my mind.

“...but you won’t be owing me anything,” he insisted. “Because I am the father of the child.”

“I’ll agree to it if you let me pay for board and lodging at least,” I said persistently.

“Alright,” he agreed. “But pay me when the baby’s out already. And please don’t be bothered about the vitamins and food and other stuff.”

“Okay, deal,” I found myself saying.

He smiled and kissed me on the cheek, making my heart flutter. I smiled back, wondering how the hell we’d be able to avoid fighting when we’re living under one roof.

Chapter 16

ROBERT

“Youandmydaughterhave been working together the past weeks, haven’t you?”

I couldn’t believe my luck when I ran into Kayla’s dad in the hallway of the court building’s ground floor just as I was about to leave. I didn’t even drop by the office today and yet, destiny seemed to have other plans.

“Good morning, Atty. Brown,” I greeted politely. “Yes, Sir. But she took a leave for two weeks, I believe.”

“Yes,” he said, his eyebrows furrowing as if in deep thought. He paused for a little while. Then he said, “Don’t you find that odd?”

“I don’t know her that well, Sir,” I said truthfully.

“Well, Kayla is a lot to handle,” he said, chuckling. “Perhaps she’s going through something at the moment. I will have to call her again.”

“I’m sure she’ll appreciate it,” I said.

He nodded and gave me a pat on the back. “Okay. I’ll see you around, Atty. Jefferson.”

We parted ways. He went to the second floor while I headed to the parking lot.

I had no pertinent tasks to attend to, so I’d taken a leave for that afternoon. On the way home, I stopped by a flower shop and a toy store because I wanted to get something for Kayla and Riley.

As I held the bouquet of lovely white and red tulips in my hand, I found myself having second thoughts. I wasn’t sure how Kayla would react to it and what it actually meant. I initially thought it was just a gesture to show her that I cared as a friend and as the father of her baby. But now I wondered if it would indicate more.

When I got home, I got out of the car feeling slightly uneasy. Nevertheless, I carried the flowers, the latest video game, and VR headgear.

To my surprise, I could hear laughter coming out of the guest room. The familiar voices floated all the way into the living room from the extra bedroom on the ground floor. It’s been a long time since my house reverberated with laughter and cheer.

When I went inside, I saw Kayla on the king-sized bed, playing a board game with Anna and Riley. They looked like they were all having so much fun.

It felt surreal to me, seeing them huddled like that together, especially Kayla and Riley who even did a high five. I couldn’t explain the emotions that suddenly burst into my heart and made me feel warm and fuzzy all over.

It was like having a real family, which I don’t remember ever having experienced. I could only imagine what it felt like and what it could look like. This, right in front of me, seemed to be it. I shook my head in disbelief, wanting to laugh and cry simultaneously.

“Hi, Dad!” Riley said when he saw me come in. I went to ruffle his hair and kiss him on the forehead, though he didn’t like that anymore. But this time, he was just too happy to see me. “I’m so glad you came home early. Now you can join our game, right?”

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