“Let’s go have some breakfast.”
Lisa led the way down to the kitchen, and we all shared a meal together. Calliope told us all about how much fun she’d had at Izzy’s house and how great Jared was. She clued me in that Jared had not been spending the night at all. Apparently, the kid showed up early in the morning, and came back in the afternoon. Izzy had just been pulling my leg this whole time, knowing I would think they were sleeping together. That little shit.
“I think I know what I am going to do with the money that comes from liquidating my dad’s business,” Lisa randomly told us after breakfast.
“I’m all ears.”
“I was thinking about making tasers, and pepper sprays that don’t look like it. I want to make them small, easy to use, and easily accessible to women. Not all of them have a Viking to teach them to fight. These things could help them if they were ever in a bad spot,” she said, looking down at her hands, as if she was too shy to admit her plan.
“I was also thinking of opening a children’s center. I want to have a place kids can go to play safely and I would hire trained workers there who can keep an eye on the children. They can look for signs of neglect or abuse and help the kids they feel may need it. I’ll keep the place stocked with snacks and food for them. It’ll sort of be like a Boys and Girls Club, but it’ll be free. I’ll try to get donations and claim it as a charity. I just never want to think of a kid on the streets like our Calliope was.”
“I think it sounds perfect, Lisa. It’s a great idea.”
“Thank you.” She blushed, but there was a wide smile on her face that showed me she was proud of herself, too.
“I’ll help wherever you need me to.”
“I know you will.”
“How is she?” I asked Lucas as we watched Liv and Lisa chatting away.
“She’s tired all the time, more than just pregnancy tired. She forces herself to eat for the baby, but she’s still not eating very much. Thankfully, it’s not any worse than that. The doctors are keeping a close eye on her, and they said we could try to deliver the baby early if needed. We’ll know more when she hits her third trimester. They can start giving our baby boy steroids to help him grow in case they have to deliver him early.”
“Baby boy? You’re having a boy?” I smiled real wide. Those kids were going to be tough as nails.
“Yeah. We found out yesterday, but I don’t know if I was supposed to tell you that or not, so you know nothing.” I laughed at the fear that was clear in his eyes. Liv was a scary woman, so I completely understand him not wanting her to be mad.
“My lips are sealed. She’ll get through this and the two of you will raise those kids together. I am sure of it.” I nodded as if I could command the universe myself with just my words. If only.
“Thanks. I know she’s got a fighting spirit from hell. Nothing can keep my girl down.”
I know Lucas wanted desperately to believe my and his words, but it was hard to push those doubts and fears down. She has cancer, and it’s scary as hell. But it wasn’t a death sentence. She could beat this.
“Hey, I know you guys adopted Calliope already, but are you still looking into IVF or getting a surrogate?” He changed the subject quickly, trying to get his mind off it, I guess.
“Lisa said she still wanted to try IVF. She just wanted to give Calliope time to adjust.”
“Well, it takes a while to do, so I set up an appointment for her already to see a great fertility doctor to get the process started. She can hit me if she wants, but I know she wants a little baby to hold. Not that Calliope isn’t enough.” Lucas surprised me with his words as he looked at his sister now. “I’ve never seen her so loved and so happy. Thank you, Davis. You’ve done something I couldn’t. You’ve kept her safe and happy.”
“No, it’s me that should thank her. She’s saved me, too. I am just glad we found each other. She’ll probably be mad at first, but then I am sure she’ll go to the appointment, anyway.” I chuckled, thinking of the face she would make.
“Get a picture of that scowl when you tell her.” Lucas laughed beside me.
Calliope joined us later with Izzy, who she has been spending a crap ton of time with here lately. I love it, but I also miss my princess. We all ate lunch, enjoying each other's company. Hell, I even enjoyed Jared’s company when he came ten minutes after Izzy had arrived. Now that I knew that he hadn’t slept with my daughter yet, I could tolerate him better.
“Can I speak with you, sir?” Jared’s timid voice came from behind me as I loaded my plate into the dishwasher.
“I’m listening,” I said, not turning around until after I dried my hands. He waited for me to look at him before he started, earning him some points in my book.
“I would like to start a serious relationship with your daughter. Iz is an amazing and strong woman, with the most caring heart. She’s sweet and funny, and she makes me extremely happy and I hope that I make her happy too. I think I do, but I’ll make sure to do an even better job. I know you don’t want her to see anyone who isn’t willing to talk to you first. So here I am, give me what you got. I can take it.” He said, scared but determined. I stared down at him for a long while, waiting to see if he’d squirm. When he didn’t, I smiled and let out the deep chuckle I’d been holding back.
“You’re a good guy, Jared. You may date my daughter, but know if you ever hurt her, if you ever break her heart, I’ll be coming for you. Not only would you be beaten half to death, I’d cut your balls right off. Don’t think I’m kidding.” I got serious again, seeing him register my threat before I smiled again. “You got my blessing, kid. Just keep my warning in mind.”
With that, Jared skidded off back to Izzy’s side. He didn’t say a word to her, which was smart. She would be mad at him for even asking. She didn’t think anyone should ask for permission to date her as she was her own woman. Too bad she was my daughter, and I say otherwise.
“What was that about?” Lisa asked, bringing me more plates.
“Just Jared being a smart man.” I winked at her. “He’s going to date my Izzy, and you’re going to start IVF treatments so we can have our own baby.”
