Page 20 of The Daddy Claus

I fucking love that she isn't arguing about marrying me, though. That'll definitely be happening. The ring has been in my pocket since Christmas.

"I don't need one. I'm not a billionaire. You are," she mutters. And then realizes where we are. "Bleaker Street Tattoo? You want to get a tattoo today?"

"Something like that." Coby Kaiser started the tattoo a week ago. He just needs to finish some of the line work today. But I want her here for it. She needs proof that this thing between us is real and that I'm not just here because of the baby. She's about to get it.

I pull into the empty lot and kill the engine. "You'll see. "

* * *

Slade looksup from the front desk when we step inside the shop a few minutes later. His dark eyes come to me before running over Hollie. His brow lifts, but he doesn't comment on her presence.

"Coby said you were coming in today," he says by way of greeting. "He's setting up for you."

"Thanks." I place my hand on Hollie's back. "Princess, this is Slade Stark. He owns the shop. Slade, Hollie."

"We've met," Hollie says quietly. "He did my tattoo."

I fight the urge to glower at him, instantly jealous he had his hands on her. The instinct is ridiculous and automatic. It's been over a year since she got her tattoo.

He must see something on my face because his lips kick up into an amused grin. "That's right. The dreamcatcher."

Hollie nods.

"You getting more ink today?"

"No," I snap. "She's pregnant."

"Jordan!"

"What? You are?"

"That doesn't mean you just tell everyone." She rolls her eyes at me. "We're supposed to wait."

"For what?"

"I don't know. Stuff." She shrugs. "I haven't even been to the doctor yet!"

I make a mental note to set up an appointment for her. Especially if she has to see the doctor before we tell everyone she's carrying my kid. I definitely won't be following that bullshit rule. The sooner everyone knows she's carrying my baby, the better.

"My lips are sealed," Slade promises. "Congratulations."

"Thank you."

Coby pops his dark head out of the back before Slade can say anything else. He glances at me and then at Hollie, his eyes widening. "You brought her."

"I did," I say quietly.

"It's about fucking time."

"Hollie, princess, this is Coby. He does all of my ink."

"Hi," she whispers before turning to me with a question in her eyes. "All of your ink?"

"You'll see." It's better she sees for herself.

"Come on back," Coby says, helping me out. "I'm still setting up, but you can get ready. "

"Come on." I lace my fingers with Hollie's, tugging her toward the back.

---