Page 38 of Knocked Up by Mr. Grump Lawyer

“Of course, son,” I said with a smile. “I didn’t even know you were coming home early too today.”

“I told you the other day that school’s only half day today,” he reminded me.

“Oh, right, sorry,” I answered sheepishly.

“Hello, Robert,” Anna greeted. She got up quickly. “Let me get you your afternoon tea.”

“No, Anna, it’s fine,” I told her. “You can stay and finish the game first.”

She looked surprised, but she nodded and said thank you.

“Wow, is that for me?” Riley asked, noticing the package I was carrying.

“No, silly,” I joked. Then I handed him the flowers. “This is the one for you!”

He laughed. “No, thanks, Dad! You’re kidding!”

He grabbed the package from the toy store and tore it open. His eyes widened when he saw my gift. “Wow, the latest VR headgear and the newest video game! You’ve been paying attention to my stories!”

“Of course, Riley,” I said. “It just doesn’t seem like it at times, and I’m sorry if I appear too busy or aloof when you’re telling me about your day or about your friends and games.”

He hugged me then, and it felt so good. “Thanks, Dad!”

He ran out of the room. “I’ll test it out first!” he yelled. “I’ll be back!”

We all laughed. Anna stood up and said, “Well, that’s my cue. It looks like we’re not finishing the game. Perhaps later.”

She stepped out and closed the door behind her, leaving me alone with Kayla.

“Hey, these are for you,” I said, handing her the tulips.

Her eyes lit up. A big smile spread across her lovely face. Despite having no makeup on, she looked amazing and was still dressed in pajamas.

“You didn’t have to, but thanks so much,” she said softly. “I appreciate it.”

I sat beside her on the bed. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m good, thanks,” she answered, her eyes locked. I suddenly had the urge to kiss her, but I held back. “Why are you home so early?”

“Well, I don’t have much to do, so I thought I’d take the afternoon off…” I explained.

She laughed then and gave me a friendly slap on the shoulder. “Yeah, right, Atty. Jefferson! I don’t believe you!”

I laughed too. “Okay, yeah. I have plenty to do, but I wanted to see and be here for you.”

She blushed. “You can’t keep doing that, you know.”

“Oh, of course, I know that,” I said facetiously. “Don’t keep your hopes up. Tomorrow, I’m going to be in workaholic mode again.”

The sound of her laughter gave me a warm feeling, like steaming hot chocolate on a cold winter night. I loved hearing and seeing her laugh. Making her happy was more addicting than making her angry.

“Oh, I just remembered! That doctor you sent was too much!” Kayla suddenly said, looking both amused and annoyed. “She was all over me, and had so much to say too. I couldn’t keep up with all the reminders, but she did leave a booklet to guide me.”

She grabbed something under her pillow and started waving it in front of me. “Check out this booklet on pregnancy! It’s so fancy-looking!” she said, laughing.

“That’s because a celebrity like you deserves a fancy pregnancy guide,” I teased.

“Hhmmm… cracking jokes again, and we’re not even stuck in an elevator!” she grinned.

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