“It’s enough to live comfortably for a while. I can pretty much live off of what I make from Bardot Brothers Coffee Co. and use my savings for bigger purchases. Different kinds of investments.” I take Cole’s hand in mine, examining the ring I put there.
“You’re nuts, do you know that?”
I kiss her knuckle, right under the dark gemstone. “Thank you,mon chou.”
She’s silent for a moment, frowning down at where our hands are clasped. “I don’t ever want to be indebted to you.”
“That makes perfect sense.”
“It does?” she asks, surprise in her tone.
“Of course. You are fiercely independent, Colette. You’ve lived so much of your life on your own terms, and I don’t ever want you to change that part of you.” I twirl a piece of her hair before tucking it behind her ear. “I’m not trying to take it away from you, either. You can do all of this yourself—absolutely you can. But… I can also help, if you want. Or buy a house”—I shrug—“and move all of your things into it.”
“If I want?”
“Ehh… I will probably do that regardless,” I joke.
She smacks my hand away and then falls back on her pillow. “Just give me time,” she whispers.
“I’ve got nothing but time, Cole.”
A forever that I’m ready to spend with you.
The next several weeks are a whirlwind. Emmett Henry Rose-Bardot—a damn mouthful of a name—was born after fourteen hours of labor. The entire Rose-Bardot family is happy and healthy, obsessed with their pink and wrinkly newborn.
I swear something evolutionary skipped me because he looks a bit like a naked mole rat. And, yep, still no maternal desires surfacing. Squinting at the picture Thea sent me, I decide the best way forward is lying.
Thea
Look at how cute he is!
It’s a picture of Emmett curled up on Thea’s chest. He’s a bit splotchy and very bald.
So cute!!!
Thea
Too enthusiastic, Cole. We have to work on your lying skills.
Shit, sorry. I just don’t understand how we’re supposed to think he’s cute right now. Maybe in a few months?
Thea
*skull emoji*
He’s just so little and squishy!
Hmm…
Thea
Come on, you have the world’s ugliest dog. You have to think this baby is cute!
Yes, world’s ugliest dog. I do not think Ernest is cute but I still love him.
Thea
I’ll take it!
