Page 74 of Billionaire's Second Chance

I had no idea that at that moment, in Ava's tiny apartment, under the looming notion of fatherhood, I'd find the meaning of true, genuine, raw happiness.

I lifted her tiny body and carried her to the couch while she stared at me, loving and accepting.

"Damon Alexander, proud father of the year!" I read an imaginary tabloid sign aloud.

Ava's eyes rolled jokingly. "I see you're taking your role very seriously."

"Like a true professional," I winked. "Only this role is forever."

Her eyes paused on mine and turned serious. "Damon, I didn't expect you to react that way."

"How did you expect me to react?" I gathered my brows. "Did you think I'd be mad? Or run away?"

"Honestly—" she looked away. "Yeah."

"And what if I had?" I quizzed her, caressing her belly as she lay on my lap, Rocky tugging on my pants, trying to jump on the couch.

"I wouldn't care," she lifted her chin to look at me. "I was keeping it regardless."

My heart beat louder and faster. The idea of having a child with Ava solidified in my mind. Nothing would ever be the same. I would never be the same.

"I love you, Ava Sage." I leaned over to kiss her warm, plump lips.

***

Dr. Kyle's office was scanty and dull. Too dull for my newfound joyful, exuberant, elated aura.

"Damon! You look chipper," my perceptive mother greeted me as I walked in.

I sat to her right, and Dad sat quietly on her other side. He wouldn’t admit it, but it felt like a grand homecoming. Mom had sent Quinn home ahead of us to prepare for Dad’s arrival.

“You’re a good man, Dr. Kyle. Thank you.” Mom said, eyes full of gratitude.

“Thanks, Doc.” I stretched my hand for a handshake.

He received my hand. “I’m just doing my job.” He looked at Dad, dropped my hand, and faced me. “You must keep him from strenuous activity for the next few weeks. No heavy lifting and absolutely no work or stress.”

Mom chuckled. “You’ll have to tell him that yourself.”

I smiled. “No one tells Dad what to do, but we’ll do our best.”

We both turned to Dad at the same time. He laughed dryly. “What? You already know that’s not happening.”

Mom smiled and shook her head. She still had that look in her eyes. The same admiration I'd always seen between them.

“Can we go home already?” My father attempted to get up.

My mother rushed to help him. He grunted, pulling his hand away and grabbing onto the chair. “I’m fine, Julia. No need to coddle me.”

“We’re having a special dinner tonight to celebrate my husband’s return to health.” Mom beamed at Dr. Kyle. “Please join us!”

“That would be wonderful,” the doctor replied. “And I wish I could be there, but I have a late shift tonight and my own family to attend to.”

“It’s all right," my mother agreed and turned to me. “What about you, Damon?”

“What about me?”

“Would you have any guests at the dinner table?” She flashed a suggestive grin. “Anyone special?”

---