An overwhelming flood of emotion fills my heart to the brim. I hover close to Riley and press a kiss to her forehead. “Our little girl.”
My chest expands, full of joy, full of love. I’ve known it for a long time, but this visit only reinforces it. For Riley and our daughter, I would do anything. I would burn the world if it kept them safe. I would build a castle with walls so high, no one could ever reach them.
As I press another kiss to Riley’s forehead, it hits me that the only fear I still harbor is the fear of losing my chance with her. There’s no fucking way I can let that happen.
It’s time for me to finish that song—her song.
37
can i kiss you?
HAYDEN
Riley is glowing.
And I’m still overwhelmed with the happiness and love that enveloped me during the ultrasound.
I’m going to be a girl dad.
“You’re strangely quiet for someone who couldn’t shut up an hour ago.” Riley nudges me, one hand resting on her belly. “What’s on your mind?”
I rake my fingers through my hair and shift in my seat to face her. “Our daughter.”
“I know.” She tilts her head to the side, her hair falling over her shoulder and seat belt. “Are you happy it’s a girl? Or did you want a boy?”
“I’m over the moon, and I would be feeling the same if it were a boy.” I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering on her skin. “I’m just thrilled you’re having my baby.”
Silence settles between us, but it’s warm, comforting. Her smile lights up the space, making my world more vivid. But despite how comfortable it is, I need to hear her voice.
“How’s work?” I ask.
Silvery laughter springs from her mouth. “Work is great. The kidsare having fun helping me pick the dances we’re going to learn this year.” She grins at me.
“Have you told Adelaide you’re pregnant?”
“Yeah.” She sighs. “She wasn’t thrilled, but she knows how much my students love me, and she doesn’t want to lose me, so it’s all good.”
Relief washes over me. She wouldn’t have to work another day in her life if she didn’t want to. I can more than provide for her and our daughter. But she loves her job.
“Nastya says I got lucky.” She laughs softly. “Adelaide became a grandmother recently, and it’s made her softer.”
“How is Nastya? Does she still hate me?”
She arches a brow, leaning in. “I wouldn’t say she hates you. She sees everything you’re doing for me, but she’s still skeptical.”
I scratch at my jawline. “Any suggestions for what I can do to win her over?”
Riley peers out the window then turns to me. “Keep treating me like a princess. That might do the trick.”
Fuck. It’s impossible not to be turned on when she says things like that. I want her all over again.
The car stops, but rather than climb out to put space between us like she usually does, she holds my gaze, her bottom lip trapped between her teeth. I shift closer, though I don’t touch her. I want to do this the right way, even if being a gentleman who wants to get his girl back in a respectful way is a pain in the ass sometimes.
“I talked to Ines,” she says casually. “I want to do a pregnancy photoshoot in another month or two.” She ducks, worrying her lip again. “Do you think you’d want to do it with me? Maybe one or two of you?—”
“Yes. A photo or two, or a dozen. Anything you want.”
“Great. Thank you.” She leans in and kisses my cheek. “Night, Hade.”
