Baby Drama

by Sandi Lynn

  “No. I wasn’t. I was out of town.”

  “Well, here’s your daughter.” Dr. Lewis smiled.

  “Wow. She looks so much bigger than her last picture,” he said.

  “That’s because she’s grown since then.”

  I looked at Lucas, and the smile on his face as he stared at the monitor melted my heart.

  “Everything looks great. Your daughter is thriving. Just get some rest tonight and you can go home tomorrow after breakfast. I want you to take it easy and rest the next three days, and I want to see you in my office next week for a recheck on your blood pressure. We’re going to have to monitor that very closely now until the baby is born. But more importantly, I want you to stay hydrated and stress free.”

  “I will, Dr. Lewis. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. It was nice to meet you, Mr. Thorne. Take care.”

  “You look tired,” I said to Lucas. “You should go home and get some rest.”

  “I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying with you tonight.”

  “No, Lucas. You need to sleep in your own bed.”

  “No, Jenna. I need to be where you are. I won’t sleep a wink at home knowing you’re in here by yourself. Scoot over and let me climb in with you until you fall asleep.”

  I gave him a wide smile as I moved over as much as I could. He climbed in and pulled me close as he rested his hand on my belly.

  Chapter 30

  Lucas

  I lay there with her and for the first time in my life, everything felt right. She told me earlier that she doubted I would ever regret anything I said or did. My biggest regret was not telling her how I truly felt. It took almost losing her to finally admit that I loved her. I hated myself for that. I’d made a promise to her when I got back from Maine that I’d always be here for her, and I was. Just not in the way she needed me to be. As my hand rested on her belly, I felt the baby kick. Glancing over at Jenna, she was sound asleep. I slowly moved my hand across her belly, and with each movement, came another kick. I didn’t want to leave the bed, but she needed to be comfortable, and the bed just wasn’t big enough for two people. Instead of sleeping on the pull-out couch in the room, I brought the lounge chair up to the bed and held her hand while I slept.

  I opened my eyes and smiled when I saw Jenna was awake and staring at me.

  “Good morning,” I spoke.

  “Good morning.” A bright smile crossed her face. “Why did you sleep in that uncomfortable chair?”

  “The couch is too far, and I wanted to be closer to you in case you needed something. Plus, this chair isn’t that bad,” I said as I struggled to get up.

  She let out a soft laugh.

  “Okay. Maybe it isn’t so comfortable after all. How are you feeling?” I asked as I leaned over and kissed her forehead.

  “I’m ready to go home.”

  “I know, and you will soon. I’ll go get us some coffee. Do you want anything else?”

  “To go home.” She smiled.

  I let out a laugh as I walked out of the room and headed down to the coffee bar. When I got back to the room, Jenna had already changed into the new clothes I’d brought her.

  “Planning on leaving so soon?” I smirked as I handed the coffee cup to her.

  “I just want to be ready for when they discharge me.”

  A couple hours later, we walked into the building and she wanted to stop at her apartment first to grab a few things. As I unlocked the door and she stepped inside, she stood and stared at the disaster in the living room.

  “Wow. This really sucks,” she spoke as she stared up at the large hole in the ceiling.

  “I don’t think it does.” I smiled.

  “What?” She cocked her head at me. “How can you not think this totally sucks?”

  “Because now you get to live with me.” I kissed the side of her head.

  My phone rang, and when I pulled it from my pocket, I saw my father was calling, so I hit decline. I’d deal with him later. After helping her pack her suitcase, I took her up to the penthouse and placed her suitcase in my bedroom.

  “I’m going to take a shower and then when I get out, we need to talk,” I said as I brushed my lips against hers.

  “I know we do.” The corners of her mouth curved upward as her hands were planted on my chest. “But I think you should go to work for a while first.”

  “Not today.” I stroked her cheek.

  “What about your father?”

  “What about him? He can wait until I come back. Until then, you’re my priority. Now go lay down and rest. I won’t be long.”

  Jenna

  While Lucas was in the shower, I went to the kitchen and made a cup of coffee. As I held the cup in my hand, I walked over to the large windows in the living room and stared out at the beautiful city view.

  “I thought I told you to lay down and rest.”

  “You do realize you can’t tell me what to do, right?” I grinned.

  “I know.” He let out a sigh. “I’ve noticed that if I tell you to do something, you do the opposite.”

  “It’s still the inner kid in me rebelling.”

  He walked over to the window, grabbed my hand and led me to the couch.

  “I have a lot to say to you. Things I’m not used to saying to anyone. So, if I screw this up, I need you to promise me you’ll forgive me.”

  “I can do that.” I grinned.

  “The first thing I want to do is apologize to you. I’m sorry for everything I said and did that hurt you. You might think I said and did those things on purpose to hurt you, but I didn’t. I did it to protect myself from the reeling emotions that were inside me from the first moment I saw you. You know how my father always said, ‘If you feel, you stop thinking, and when you stop thinking everything goes to hell.’”

  “How could I forget such stupidity.”

  I let out a chuckle.

  “When I was twenty-two, I met this girl and fell head over heels for her instantly. She occupied my mind day and night, and I would have done anything for her. I kept her a secret from my father because I knew he wouldn’t be happy, and I couldn’t let him jeopardize our relationship. Then one day, I screwed up a multi-million-dollar deal. A screw up so big that we lost the contract. And the only reason I screwed it up was because I had just found out that she was cheating on me with a friend of mine. My father knew something was up and he badgered me until I finally told him. Instead of saying he was sorry and trying to comfort me, he lectured me, screamed at me, warned me, and threatened me. He pounded into my head that it was the feelings I had for her that distracted me and cost him millions of dollars. After you’re told something for so long, you believe it. So, I never let myself get emotionally involved with another woman after that. But then I met you.” He smiled. “After our first night together, I knew if I kept seeing you, I’d fall down that rabbit hole of emotions, and I couldn’t let that happen.”

  “Then I told you I was pregnant,” I said.

  “Yes, and then I really freaked out. And the more time we spent together, the harder my feelings for you hit me. But I was too scared to admit it. That’s why our friendship worked for a while. Because I could have you in my life without having to admit that I loved you. But I failed you, Jenna, and for that I’m sorry. I was so selfish with my own fears and needs, I completely dismissed yours. Then when Laurel walked into my office and told me what happened yesterday, I had never felt so scared in my life. The thought of losing you and our daughter terrified me, and I won’t ever let that happen again. I’m not my father, nor will I ever be. And I refuse to live the miserable life he does.” He brought his hand up to my cheek. “I love you, Jenna Larson. I have loved you, I am in love with you, and I plan on loving you for the rest of my life. If you’ll let me because I know how stubborn and defiant you can be.” The corners of his mouth curved upward. “But that’s what I love about you.”

  “Are you done?” I asked as tears sprung to my eyes.

  �
�I think so.”

  “I love you too, Lucas. As much as I tried to fight it, I couldn’t. And even when you were a total asshole, I couldn’t stop, because I knew deep down inside you were an amazing man. You truly are an amazing man, and you’re going to be an amazing father. I love you so much that sometimes it really hurts.”

  “I know the feeling, baby.” He stroked my cheek.

  When I heard that, I scrunched up my face.

  “Don’t call me that.”

  “Yeah. I’m not sure why I even said it to be honest.”

  “Babe is fine,” I said.

  “‘Babe’. I like it.”

  “I can call you that too, if you don’t mind.”

  “I don’t mind at all. I think I’d actually enjoy it.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.

  “Okay, babe. You got it.” I smiled as I brushed my lips against his. “I’m sorry about the podcast.”

  “Don’t you dare be sorry for that. I’m the one who is sorry for the way I reacted. It’s just when I heard it, it hurt. I knew I failed you, and I hated myself for it. You are killing it in the podcast world, and you keep doing what you’re doing. Especially if you’re helping other women.”

  “Thank you. I love you.”

  “I love you more, babe.” He grinned. “You do know that you’re living here permanently, right?”

  “I am?” I cocked my head at him with a smile.

  “Yes. Because I want my girl—girl—girl—”

  “G.I.R.L.F.R.I.E.N.D,” I slowly said the word.

  “Yes. My girlfriend and my daughter with me twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. I want to wake up to you every morning, have every meal with you, and I want to hold you and kiss you goodnight every single night. I want you to stick around forever, Jenna.”

  “I already planned on it.” I grinned.

  “Is that so?” His brow arched.

  “Yes. Because up here on the 82nd floor, you don’t have to worry about apartment ceilings above you caving in.”

  “Ah. I see. But up here on the 82nd floor, there is a slight possibility of the roof caving in. Just a slight one though.”

  “Oh. I didn’t think about that.” I bit down on my bottom lip.

  “I wouldn’t worry about it too much.” He kissed my forehead.

  Chapter 31

  Lucas

  Opening my eyes, I lay there and watch Jenna as she peacefully slept. Having her in my bed and knowing she was permanently a part of it, made me feel incredibly good. The only problem I had now was my father, and I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. But I had a plan. A plan that involved me leaving Thorne Tech and starting my own company. I had my own family now, and I needed to get out from the grips of my father.

  As much as I wanted to stay in bed with her all day, I needed to shower and get to the office to face the wrath of my father. When I finished showering, I stepped out and wrapped a towel around my waist. Walking into the bedroom, I saw Jenna staring at me with a smile on her face.

  “Good morning.” I grinned as I walked over and kissed her.

  “Good morning. I woke up and you weren’t here.”

  “Sorry, babe. I had to get in the shower, and I didn’t want to wake you.” I took a seat on the edge of the bed.

  “Are you nervous about seeing your father?” she asked as she stroked my arm.

  “Nah. I’m fully prepared to clean out my office today and never look back.”

  “I’m sorry you’re going through this.”

  “Don’t be.” I smiled as I brought my thumb up to her chin. “We’re starting a new chapter in our lives and my father will not be a part of it. Besides, I look forward to starting my own company and building it from the ground up. Now I have to finish getting ready.” I gave her another kiss.

  After I finished getting dressed, I went down to the kitchen and said goodbye to Jenna.

  “I have to go. I love you.” I brushed my lips against hers.

  “I love you too. Good luck.”

  “Thanks.” I gave her a wink. Bending down, I pressed my lips against her belly. “Have a good day, princess.”

  I set my briefcase down in my office, took in a deep breath and headed to see my father. Opening the door, I stepped inside.

  “Well, look what the cat dragged in. Sit down,” he spoke in an authoritative voice.

  “Actually, Dad, before you go off on me and tell me what a rotten selfish son I am, I have a few words to say to you.”

  “Go ahead. I’m listening.”

  “I love Jenna and I love the fact that we’re having a child together. I’ve asked her to move in with me and she agreed. When the time is right, I’m going to ask her to marry me, and if you have a problem with it, that’s too fucking bad. I’ve lived my entire life trying to please you and I’m done. I’m living my own life now on my terms and my terms only. If you want to fire me, go ahead. I don’t care. Jenna and my daughter are more important to me, and I would give everything up for them.”

  “For God sakes, are you finished?” His brow arched.

  “Yes. I’m finished.”

  “Sit the hell down.” He pointed to the chair across from his desk. “I’m not firing you. You’re a part of this company and you’re my only son. The way you stood up to me the other day over the phone made me proud.”

  “It did?” I cocked my head in disbelief.

  “It did, son. You’ve never stood up to me before, and I got to thinking about a lot of things after our phone call. The drama show you just put on was a little uncalled for, but again, it made me proud. You’re standing up for something you believe in and you’re fighting for it. That’s what makes you a man. I’ve decided that I’m retiring next year, and I’m giving you fifty-one percent ownership of Thorne Technology. The entire company will be yours, son.

  “Why are you retiring?”

  “Because I’m tired of the business and I know I don’t need to worry about anything as long as you’re sitting in my chair and that little genius girlfriend of yours is by your side. I’m going to dissolve the Paris division, so you won’t need to worry about that.”

  “What are you going to do with all your free time?” I asked.

  “Travel the world and see everything I’ve always wanted before my time expires.”

  “Sounds like a good plan, Dad.”

  “I’m looking forward to it. Now go on and get out of here. I’m sure you have a shitload of work to do.” He smiled.

  “I do. Thanks, Dad.”

  “Get out of here, son. And by the way, I’m happy Jenna and the baby are okay.”

  I walked out of his office in disbelief but on cloud-nine. When I got back to my office, I immediately called Jenna.

  “Hello.”

  “Hey, babe.”

  “How did it go?”

  “I would rather tell you in person. Lunch today?”

  “Definitely. Meet me at Central Park on Cherry Hill at twelve-thirty and we can have a picnic. We don’t have very many warm days left.”

  “Sounds wonderful. I’ll see you then. I love you.”

  “I love you too, babe.”

  I could see her lying on a blanket in her long dress looking up at the sky. It was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen. She turned her head and smiled at me as I approached her. Bending down, I gave her belly a kiss before moving up to her lips.

  “Hi.” I smiled.

  “Hi.”

  “These are for you,” I spoke as I handed her a mixed bouquet of beautiful flowers.

  “They’re beautiful. Thank you.” She grinned as I took her hand and helped her sit up.

  I took a seat on the blanket next to her while she opened the white picnic basket and took out a couple sandwiches and fresh fruit.

  “So, how did it go? Did you quit?”

  “I didn’t have to.”

  “Oh no. He fired you?”

  “No.” I let out a laugh. “He’s retiring next year and giving me fifty-one percent ownershi
p of the company.”

  “What?”

  “I know. I’m shocked too. He’s going to travel the world when he retires. He said he was proud of me for the way I stood up to him.”

  “Wow. What happened to him?”

  “I don’t know, and I don’t care. I’m not questioning any of it.”

  “That is wonderful news, babe.” She grinned as she wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged me.

  “He said he didn’t need to worry about the company as long as I was sitting in his chair and had you by my side.”

  “He’s a smart man.” She smiled as she broke our embrace.

  “That he is.” I kissed her.

  Chapter 32

  One Month Later

  Jenna

  I stood in the bathroom mirror as tears fell down my face.

  “What’s wrong?” Lucas asked as he stepped out of the shower.

  “My boobs are leaking.” I pointed to the round wet spots on my nightshirt. “I’m fat as fuck, my back hurts, I have hemorrhoids, I can barely put my shoes on, and I have to pee every five minutes while you stand there looking as perfect and sexy as ever with your defined six pack and stupid god like body. I hate you.” I walked out of the bathroom.

  I heard him chuckle as he walked over and wrapped his arms around me from behind.

  “You are incredibly perfect and beautiful just as you are, and I love you so much.”

  “You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”

  “Do you feel that?” he asked as he pushed his body against me. “This is how much you turn me on, leaky boobs, hemorrhoids, and all.” He pressed his lips against the side of my neck, and I couldn’t help but smile. “As much as I want to show you how sexy you are, you better get dressed because the guys will be here shortly to finish the nursery and the furniture is being delivered today. Now stop being silly. I love you, babe.”

  “I love you too.” I turned around in his arms and pressed my lips against his.