Page 88 of Manny's Surprise Baby

I widened my eyes. “I will start working overtime immediately to fund that.”

She giggled. “I’m not going to college for a long time, silly.”

I pretended to wipe sweat from my brow. Pierce smiled at me and I got the usual butterflies. I sat on the couch. I’d wanted to talk to Emily about Pierce and my relationship for a while now. She knew we were together, but I needed to feel her out about how she’d like a baby brother or sister. After all, a baby was in our near future. We were going to use the adoption story, but I wanted her to feel secure and happy about the new arrival way before the baby came.

“So, Emily, I wanted to ask you how you feel about me and Pierce being together. Does it make you uncomfortable?” I kept my voice light.

She frowned. “Why would I be uncomfortable?”

I shrugged. “Well, because we’re both boys.”

She laughed. “So?”

I met Pierce’s amused gaze. “Sometimes people don’t approve of that.”

“Pfft. I don’t care. I approve.” She smiled. “You two are good together.”

“Oh, I’m glad you’re okay with it, then.”

“Do you feel weird? Is that why you asked me that?” Her gaze was curious.

My face warmed. “No. I just feel, as your father, I should talk to you about things like this.”

“You only dated girls before. I could see if you thought it was weird.” She put her feet up on the footstool and folded her hands over her stomach. “Plus, you dated my mommy, so maybe you want my permission to date Pierce?”

I gave a gruff laugh. “No. Hey, I’m trying to figure out howyoufeel. You’re turning it all on me.”

“Perhaps you should be a psychologist, Emily.” Pierce smirked.

My face warmed. “I feel great about dating Pierce. I’m just being a dad and checking in with my daughter.”

Emily smiled. “Okay. Well, I feel fine about you two also.”

“Okay, good.” I cleared my throat. “What would… what would you think about me and Pierce adopting a baby?”

Her eyes bugged. “You mean a real baby?”

I frowned. “Is there any other kind?”

She sat forward. “I would love a baby. Could we have a girl?”

“Um…” I had no idea what the sex of our baby would be, so I wasn’t sure how to answer.

Pierce stepped in. “We should adopt whichever child is the right fit for us.”

Emily nodded. “True. I hope that is a girl though.”

I laughed. “Why?”

“Cuz, it would be nice to have another girl around. I could do her hair and stuff. You know, when she gets hair because most babies are bald, I think.”

I was relieved she was open to the concept of another child. It would have been pretty awkward if she’d hated the idea. “I see.”

She clapped her hands. “The baby can sleep in my room.”

“Oh, well, no. The baby would have its own room. But you could be in charge of helping to decorate the baby’s room.”

“Okay.” She nodded. “I helped paint my room, so I can help with the baby’s room too.”