She nodded. "Here is fine and I would like to be part of the planning."
"That goes without saying."
"And it goes without saying that I'm going to be matron of honor," Jacklyn added with a grin. "I also reserve the right to choose my own dress."
"Naturally," Althea assured her with a laugh.
*****
It took them a while to get David settled, and it was only the reminder that Santa expected him to be fast asleep before midnight that got him to retire. Viola and Jacklyn ended up staying for dinner, which Mrs. Paddy had left in the warmer.
After seeing them off, Vincent went into his home office to send off some pressing emails and return a few phone calls. Expecting to see his fiancée in his bed waiting for him, he was surprised to find the bedroom empty.
Following his instinct, he made his way to his son's suite and stopped short just inside the doorway, staying in the shadows so he could observe without being seen. What he saw made his heart lurch.
They were both propped up on his son's colorful dinosaur pillows. David had his head on Thea's shoulder, and she had a book opened in front of her. His lips quirked slightly as he listened to her tell the story, modulating her tone to match the different characters. His son listened raptly without interrupting.
"The bear had a baby too."
"It's called a cub."
"You have a baby in your tummy," he pointed out. "Does it hurt?"
"No."
"Did my daddy put the baby inside your tummy?"
Vincent's brows shot up, and he waited to hear what Thea had to say to that.
"He did."
"Did he kiss you and make the baby growed... grow inside your tummy?"
Squelching the laughter, Vincent leaned his shoulder on the jamb and listened curiously.
"Something like that. When a mommy and a daddy love each other, they show their love by making a baby. Does that make sense?" she asked gently.
She was good, Vincent thought in admiration. A natural mother.
David nodded. "Will I get a baby sister? I want to tell Charley that I have a mommy and will be getting a baby sister."
"We'll have to wait and see, honey." She kissed his forehead. "I'm sure you'll be the best big brother in the world."
His eyes went wide. "Will I have to take care of her?"
"Of course. That's what big brothers do. Your dad took care of your aunt Jack, and my brother, who you'll meet soon, takes care of me."
"I'm glad you're my mommy."
Vincent felt the lump settling in his throat as he gazed at the woman he adored and saw tears trickling down her cheeks.
"And I'm proud that you're now my son. Now how about saying your prayers and getting some sleep? We don't want you to miss opening the presents Santa left for you."
"I already have two of the best presents ever. My new mommy and my baby sister."
"Thank you, honey." Wrapping her arms around him, she kissed his forehead.
Vincent slipped away before they could notice him.
