I don’t remember much of what happened after we arrived. Camera flashes burst around us like fireworks as we walked the length of the press gauntlet, but I scarcely paid them any mind, smiling by rote. I was drawn into myself and desperate to get away from the tension radiating in waves from Alex. The moment we crossed over into the building, someone called his name and he turned. I slipped away, darting around the rest of the guests clogging the carpeted entrance.When I reached the reception hall, I snatched two glasses of Juice since i was not drinking due to my pregnancy, from a passing server and searched for Olivia as I tossed one back. I spotted her on the far side of the room with my mom and Stanton, and I crossed to them, discarding my empty glass on a table as I passed it.“Maya!” My mother’s face lit up when she saw me. “That dress is stunning on you!”She air-kissed each of my cheeks. She was gorgeous in a shimmering, fitted column of icy blue. Sapphires dripped from her
“You’re blushing.”“I’m sorry.” I offered a sheepish smile. “Not sure how to say I read an article about you without sounding awkward.”He laughed. “I’m flattNick watched her safely enter her loft and waited for the light to click on.The low purr of the BMW was the only sound to break the silence.His annoyance at her blunt admission bothered him. Why did he care ifshe wanted the money? It was a perfect motivation to get them both throughthe next year with no damages. He needed to keep his distance. Her parentscaused a dangerous longing to bubble up from deep inside. He quicklysquashed the emotion, but the idea that he still retained some sick ray ofhope for a normal family pissed him off.Maybe it was the way she looked tonight. She’d pinned her hair up, andstubborn black curls stabbed through the bobby pins to lay across her cheekand down her neck. Her skin looked warm to the touch, slightly flushedwith pleasure from being around her family. She smiled so easily, her lipsf
Turning into the large entrance of the hospital, I slammed on the brakes so hard my car shuddered. My tires squealed and left black marks on the pavement. Flinging open the door, I lunged out of the seat, not even bothering to shut the door behind me. I was lucky I remembered to take the keys.A security guard stopped me before I made it to the sliding doors of the hospital, holding up his hand.“Sir, you can’t leave your car there. The parking lot is across the street.. ”I interrupted him, shaking my head. I tossed my keys in his direction.“Look, kid, I trust you. Park my car and bring me the keys.”“I can’t do that!”Reaching into my pocket, I grabbed a wad of cash. I had no idea how much it was, but to this kid standing in front of me, blocking my way,masking his youth by pretending to be forceful, I was certain it was a fortune. I shoved the money into his hand, smirking as his eyes widened at the sight of the cash.“Sure you can. Think of it as a reward for a job well done. Pa
Her gaze went to Maya. “You can walk if you want to in fact, I recommend it. There’re ice chips and water here. Are you certain no epidural?”Maya shook her head. She was adamant on that subject, no matter how I pleaded with her to change her mind.Dr. Suzanne smiled at Maya and patted her hand. “You can change your mind, if you want, but we can’t leave it too long. There is a point we can’t go back.”“I know. I want to do this without drugs.”“Okay, you two. Settle in. I’ll be back shortly.”She left, and I bent over and kissed my wife, meeting her worried gaze steadily. “I’m here, sweetheart. You’re going to be fine. I won’t leave you for a minute. And later, we’re going to meet our child.”“It’s so overwhelming,” she admitted in a shaky voice. “I’m scared.”I was relieved she said the words aloud. I pressed another kiss on her head.“What do you need?”“You to hold me.”“You never have to ask.”She shifted to the side, and I sat beside her, wrapping my arms around her body, spreadi
Things progressed to the point it was time to move to the delivery room. I had walked with her until she couldn’t walk anymore, fed her ice chips, rubbed her back and shoulders, and reassured her even as worry ate its way into my stomach. I blinked away tears when I saw the amount of pain she was experiencing. I let her hold my hand, not caring that she might break it with her death grip, as the contractions became stronger and closer together.She did change her mind about the epidural, and although I was grateful it took away the pain, I lost it when I saw the size of the needle they used. I had wanted to be involved, and they showed me how to hold Maya’s shoulders to help with the procedure. I stepped forward to do so, caught sight of the needle, and froze. They had to push me out of the way, and thesame nurse who had been at the front desk, stood in my place, all the while chuckling about “men and pain.” I had a feeling I would never live it down.I would also never live down lea
Hearing that word made me blink. Then i blinked again. Daddy. A title I never thought would belong to me. A swell of sentiment made my throat thick. I reached out and grasped Maya’s hand, needing her touch.“I’ll be the best daddy I can be.”“I know you will be. You’re already the best husband.”Leaning down, I captured her mouth with mine, feeling a thousand emotions. Ones only Maya, and now Gracie, could make me feel. Feelings Ididn’t know existed happiness and elation so poignant it made my chest ache. Contentment and peace that permeated my life simply from their presence. I had found a group of people I considered my family now, but Maya and Gracie belonged to me. They were my world, and I knew I was theirs. “Thank you, my Maya. For my daughter. For you.”She cupped my cheek. “Are you all right, Alex?”I swallowed, turning my head, kissing her palm. I knew if I told her, she would understand. She always understood me. “It’s just all . . .”“Overwhelming? Scary?”“Yes.”“We’ll ha
Maya. I woke up, hearing soft whispers. I rolled over, guessing correctly that Alex had once again gotten out of bed and was in the nursery. His side of the bed was vacant, and the monitor lit up as he spoke to our daughter while feeding her. I loved hearing him chat to her. Richard never minced words not even with me. He was a straight shooter and spoke his mind. He showed me a gentler side when we fell in love, but his personality never changed much. He was still demanding and blunt. He had learned, however, to rein in the harsher side of his character, and knew how to deal with people now.At least most of the time.But with Gracie he was different.With her, he was soft. That was the only way to describe it. He changed completely with her. She brought forth the tender, loving man in him. He hurried home at night, anxious to be with us. He reached for her as soon as he came in the door, ready to forget businessman Alex, and assume the role of Daddy. He laughed and made funny faces
Alex. Fuck, it had been so long since we were like this. Together, naked, and ready for each other. I hadn’t wanted to push her and tried to be patient, even though patience wasn’t my strongest trait. The fact she came to me was a huge turn on, and seeing her need, I planned to meet and exceed her desire. She was softer, curvier than before she got pregnant, and I loved how she felt under my hands.Her low hiss when I buried my face between her legs made me smile against her slick skin. She was so ready for me. I was so fucking ready.Everything about her was as new as it was familiar: her sounds, her taste, the way she moved against my mouth. I teased and licked, groaning at her reactions, making a mental note to keep the beard. Olivia teased me mercilessly at work, but it was worth this effect on my wife. She came hard and fast, her cries low and needy. I sat up with a grin, and settled betweenher legs. The blunt head of my cock nudged at her entrance, the heat beckoning and welco
I wrapped a towel around Gracie and tucked her against my chest. She grizzled and grasped against my skin, her legs bending and stretching. She was anxious to get going. At six months old, from the second she openedher eyes, until they finally, begrudgingly, shut for the night, she was on the go. There was a lot of bum wiggling these days I had many videos on my phone from Maya, and I had witnessed it many times, but she hadn’t yet started crawling, although I expected it any day.I had taken her in the shower with me. She loved showers and I didn’t want to leave her alone too long. She laughed the whole time, and though I couldn’t say I was as clean as I normally would be, I would pass for the day.I carefully patted her hair dry after I fastened her diaper. The sounds of Maya being ill made me hurry back to our room. Last night, she hadsuddenly wanted Japanese food. She disliked sushi but loved tempura.When she called and asked me to bring home dinner, I was only too happy to pic
I settled into the chair on the deck with a relieved groan. Gracie was asleep, I was clean, and Maya was resting. I had tried repeatedly to get Gracie to say “Dada” again so Maya could hear it, but she chose to remain silent.“Honestly, Maya. She said it.”She patted my cheek. “I believe you.”I knew without a doubt, she was lying. But Gracie had said it while she was reaching for me. Or it may have been duh, but I was certain it was Dada.The house was quiet, the sun beginning to set, and I was enjoying a hard-earned beer and sandwich. The water in the pool shimmered in the evening light, and I decided I’d have a dip once I finished eating.I had spoken to Michael, and he told me the contract had been signed. I laughed at his description of me striding back into the boardroom with Gracie strapped to my chest, and a bottle in my hand, determined to finishmy presentation. “Not a sight I ever thought I’d see when it came to you, Alex. I almost fell off my chair.”I had to agree with hi
Alex. Fuck, it had been so long since we were like this. Together, naked, and ready for each other. I hadn’t wanted to push her and tried to be patient, even though patience wasn’t my strongest trait. The fact she came to me was a huge turn on, and seeing her need, I planned to meet and exceed her desire. She was softer, curvier than before she got pregnant, and I loved how she felt under my hands.Her low hiss when I buried my face between her legs made me smile against her slick skin. She was so ready for me. I was so fucking ready.Everything about her was as new as it was familiar: her sounds, her taste, the way she moved against my mouth. I teased and licked, groaning at her reactions, making a mental note to keep the beard. Olivia teased me mercilessly at work, but it was worth this effect on my wife. She came hard and fast, her cries low and needy. I sat up with a grin, and settled betweenher legs. The blunt head of my cock nudged at her entrance, the heat beckoning and welco
Maya. I woke up, hearing soft whispers. I rolled over, guessing correctly that Alex had once again gotten out of bed and was in the nursery. His side of the bed was vacant, and the monitor lit up as he spoke to our daughter while feeding her. I loved hearing him chat to her. Richard never minced words not even with me. He was a straight shooter and spoke his mind. He showed me a gentler side when we fell in love, but his personality never changed much. He was still demanding and blunt. He had learned, however, to rein in the harsher side of his character, and knew how to deal with people now.At least most of the time.But with Gracie he was different.With her, he was soft. That was the only way to describe it. He changed completely with her. She brought forth the tender, loving man in him. He hurried home at night, anxious to be with us. He reached for her as soon as he came in the door, ready to forget businessman Alex, and assume the role of Daddy. He laughed and made funny faces
Hearing that word made me blink. Then i blinked again. Daddy. A title I never thought would belong to me. A swell of sentiment made my throat thick. I reached out and grasped Maya’s hand, needing her touch.“I’ll be the best daddy I can be.”“I know you will be. You’re already the best husband.”Leaning down, I captured her mouth with mine, feeling a thousand emotions. Ones only Maya, and now Gracie, could make me feel. Feelings Ididn’t know existed happiness and elation so poignant it made my chest ache. Contentment and peace that permeated my life simply from their presence. I had found a group of people I considered my family now, but Maya and Gracie belonged to me. They were my world, and I knew I was theirs. “Thank you, my Maya. For my daughter. For you.”She cupped my cheek. “Are you all right, Alex?”I swallowed, turning my head, kissing her palm. I knew if I told her, she would understand. She always understood me. “It’s just all . . .”“Overwhelming? Scary?”“Yes.”“We’ll ha
Things progressed to the point it was time to move to the delivery room. I had walked with her until she couldn’t walk anymore, fed her ice chips, rubbed her back and shoulders, and reassured her even as worry ate its way into my stomach. I blinked away tears when I saw the amount of pain she was experiencing. I let her hold my hand, not caring that she might break it with her death grip, as the contractions became stronger and closer together.She did change her mind about the epidural, and although I was grateful it took away the pain, I lost it when I saw the size of the needle they used. I had wanted to be involved, and they showed me how to hold Maya’s shoulders to help with the procedure. I stepped forward to do so, caught sight of the needle, and froze. They had to push me out of the way, and thesame nurse who had been at the front desk, stood in my place, all the while chuckling about “men and pain.” I had a feeling I would never live it down.I would also never live down lea
Her gaze went to Maya. “You can walk if you want to in fact, I recommend it. There’re ice chips and water here. Are you certain no epidural?”Maya shook her head. She was adamant on that subject, no matter how I pleaded with her to change her mind.Dr. Suzanne smiled at Maya and patted her hand. “You can change your mind, if you want, but we can’t leave it too long. There is a point we can’t go back.”“I know. I want to do this without drugs.”“Okay, you two. Settle in. I’ll be back shortly.”She left, and I bent over and kissed my wife, meeting her worried gaze steadily. “I’m here, sweetheart. You’re going to be fine. I won’t leave you for a minute. And later, we’re going to meet our child.”“It’s so overwhelming,” she admitted in a shaky voice. “I’m scared.”I was relieved she said the words aloud. I pressed another kiss on her head.“What do you need?”“You to hold me.”“You never have to ask.”She shifted to the side, and I sat beside her, wrapping my arms around her body, spreadi
Turning into the large entrance of the hospital, I slammed on the brakes so hard my car shuddered. My tires squealed and left black marks on the pavement. Flinging open the door, I lunged out of the seat, not even bothering to shut the door behind me. I was lucky I remembered to take the keys.A security guard stopped me before I made it to the sliding doors of the hospital, holding up his hand.“Sir, you can’t leave your car there. The parking lot is across the street.. ”I interrupted him, shaking my head. I tossed my keys in his direction.“Look, kid, I trust you. Park my car and bring me the keys.”“I can’t do that!”Reaching into my pocket, I grabbed a wad of cash. I had no idea how much it was, but to this kid standing in front of me, blocking my way,masking his youth by pretending to be forceful, I was certain it was a fortune. I shoved the money into his hand, smirking as his eyes widened at the sight of the cash.“Sure you can. Think of it as a reward for a job well done. Pa
“You’re blushing.”“I’m sorry.” I offered a sheepish smile. “Not sure how to say I read an article about you without sounding awkward.”He laughed. “I’m flattNick watched her safely enter her loft and waited for the light to click on.The low purr of the BMW was the only sound to break the silence.His annoyance at her blunt admission bothered him. Why did he care ifshe wanted the money? It was a perfect motivation to get them both throughthe next year with no damages. He needed to keep his distance. Her parentscaused a dangerous longing to bubble up from deep inside. He quicklysquashed the emotion, but the idea that he still retained some sick ray ofhope for a normal family pissed him off.Maybe it was the way she looked tonight. She’d pinned her hair up, andstubborn black curls stabbed through the bobby pins to lay across her cheekand down her neck. Her skin looked warm to the touch, slightly flushedwith pleasure from being around her family. She smiled so easily, her lipsf