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I didn’t have to teach Claire and Charlie humility and modesty. It’s in their bones. Despite our wealth, my daughters never come to me with greedy hands. But we pulled out all the stops for this milestone in their lives. Between their dresses, shoes, jewelry, the makeup artist, and private limo, I could’ve bought them each a mid-trim sedan.
I’m about to dive back into my meal when I glance up to meet my wife’s scowl. She has both hands on her hips. “Sweetheart, can you help me with the cheesecake?” Spencer flutters her eyelashes at me while a creepily sweet smile expands on her face.
Ah, fuck.I’m in trouble. She only smiles like that when she’s trying to keep her composure.
I push back from the table and follow her down the hall to the kitchen. I’ve barely turned the corner when her finger jabs me in the chest.
“What is your problem?” she asks. “You said you were going to behave tonight.”
“I was behaving.”
“You grilled Aiden like you were trying to get a confession out of him.”
“I did not.”
“You asked him if he was involved in any offshore investments.” Spencer folds her arms across her chest.
“His dad is a junior partner at Drexol Holdings. They just had a huge scandal with illegal offshore shell companies. I was simply asking–”
“He’seighteen.”
“Exactly. He’s an adult. Old enough for a credit card. Old enough to invest. Way too old to be dating my kid.”
“They are two years apart, Nathan.”
“Two years too many,” I insist.
“Your hypocrisy is stunning, truly. I’m ten years your junior, Grandpa.”
God, she’s cute.Even when she’s making fun of me. I crack a small smile. “Real funny. Pregnancy has made you glib.” I put my hand on her belly, hoping to feel a little kick, even though she’s told me time and time again it’s too early.
“I’ve always been glib. You, however, have gotten very grumpy in your old age. Are you shocked that your fifteen- andsixteen-year-old girls are interested in dating?” She pretends to gasp in horror.
“It’s not that. Boys his age only have one agenda. When I asked you out, I was a man, fully capable of paying for dinner, and taking care of you and your family. ”
Eyes wide like an owl, Spencer scoffs. “Asked me out? You tortured me as your assistant for a few weeks, locked me away in your guest room, then spanked me in your office. Not exactly the courtship of fairy tales.”
I wince with a flicker of remorse. “There was way more to the story than that. And I’ve spent a lot of time trying to make up for–”
She bursts out in a chuckle. “I’m kidding. I love our story. How much we’ve grown together. You’re a good man and I’m head over heels in love with you, over the moon that I’m carrying your son.”
“I love you too, baby, I just–” I halt, frozen by shock as her words seep in.Son?She’s carrying myson?
“Whoops. Did I let that slip?” The look on Spencer’s face, sly and proud, tells me she meant to spill.
My hands are around her stomach immediately. “When did you find out?”
“I couldn’t wait. I’m sorry. They emailed me the blood test results. I had a whole cute thing planned with a piñata to tell you, but it’s not as easy as you’d think to hunt down all-blue candy. Everything is blue raspberry flavored, which let’s be honest, is just garbage and I–”
“Are you happy?”
Her smile is soft and sweet. “Areyou?”
I nod. “So happy.But boy or girl, I don’t care. I’m just happy this is happening with you.” I pull her hand to my lips and sweetly kiss her palm. “I hope he gets your smile, your wit, and your fierce determination. I hope he gets your big heart too.”
She issues a small hum of appreciation, as her hand cradles my cheek. “You’re sweet.”
“What do you want for our son?”