Chapter 25

Whitt

The day had been one of the hardest I’d had in a long time. Seeing Gemma fall out on the floor was a wake-up call, and it let me know how much I cared for her. I was more determined than ever to take care of her and our baby, and with my daughter mentioning marriage and living arrangements I knew we had to get on the same page and fast.

I’d already promised her that I was going to take care of her and the baby, and now that we were alone, I was going to talk to her about how. We had a whole life to plan together, starting with the most obvious stuff.

I kissed her and brushed back a loose strand of hair from her face. “I think we have a lot to talk about.” She smiled and took my hand.

“I don’t want any of the things Lila mentioned to pressure us. I know marriage is a big deal, Whitt. I’m not asking for that. It’s too much too soon.” She wasn’t too convincing. I had a feeling about the way she hadn’t looked me in the eyes, that she was just telling me what she thought I wanted to hear.

At the same time, I was relieved that she’d tried to be understanding. I let out a long breath and rested my hands behind my head, entwining my fingers. “I want you to know that it’s not out of the question, though. I mean, I don’t think it’s something we have to do right away or even being engaged, but when we both feel the time is right, I’m not opposed to the idea.” I placed my hand on hers. “What do you feel about that?”

“I’m a bit surprised, I guess. I didn’t think you’d want to.” She tucked her chin and stared down to her lap where our hands were joined. I stroked hers with my thumb.

“You’re my girl, Gemma, and I love you.” She raised her head, and the surprise on her face was enough to make me smile. “Does that surprise you?”

“Yeah.”

“Then I’m sorry I haven’t made you at least a little suspicious.” I’d done a horrible job trying to end things and even worse showing her how much I cared about her. No more. “There’s something else we need to talk about. Living arrangements. I don’t want you at your place alone anymore. I’d like you to move in. If you want your own space, I won’t argue, but I’d really like to know you’re at least under the same roof with the baby; safe and sound, the both of you.”

“What if I want to stay with you in your room?” She gave me a burning look of desire, and I felt my cock twitch with approval as she smiled.

I gave her a sly smile. “I’d prefer it, actually. I want us to be together as much as we can, and not just in bed. I want us to get to know one another on this level. I want to talk about how to raise our child and make decisions together.”

Gemma gave me a sidelong glance and closed her eyes a moment. “I’d love that. It’s not like I’ve ever had a family of my own and honestly, the only time I ever felt like I had a family was when I was with Lila at your home. I guess a normal girl would have fantasized about being a part of the family in a slightly different way,” We share a laugh, and I continued. “But, I’ve never regretted wanting to be with you. Or saving myself for you.”

“I’m just glad I’m worthy.” I leaned down and kissed her, and she brought her arms around me and held me tight, and we sat that way a moment until I pulled away. “You’re going to make me want to misbehave in this hospital if you’re not careful.” My dick swelled in my pants, tenting the front so badly I hoped one of the nurses didn’t come in and see it.

Her face flushed and she let loose a soft, but gravelly laugh. Her poor throat was dry, and I reached over to give her the cup of ice that the nurse had left. I didn’t like seeing her so weak and frail. It looked as she’d lost ten pounds over the last few days and I was going to have to make her eat better so she’d have enough strength to carry and deliver our baby.

She put the cup to her lips and took a sip. “Thanks. So now that we’ve established where we’re going to live, I want to design a nursery. I thought about it this morning and was going to turn my guest room, but now I’ll just choose one of the guest rooms if it’s okay with you? You can choose which one.”

“Of course, that would be great, and I’ll give you full reign over the project too, but speaking of your designs, I’ve been thinking.” I closed my eyes as I remembered what I was supposed to be doing. I realized that Ashley was probably at my office leaving her letter of resignation on my desk. I’d failed to meet with her, which probably told her where she stood with me, but Gemma was more important. Accidents happened, even though I did feel bad for Ashley. I’d have to give her a call. If she only knew the bullet she’d dodged getting involved with me and my current situation. I would have broken her heart for Gemma regardless.

I looked up, and she was patiently waiting for me to continue. “What is it, Whitt?”

I waved a dismissive gesture and shook my head so she wouldn’t worry. “I don’t think that you should work in the office.”

“You’re firing me?” Her eyes widened, and she clawed at my sleeve. “Whitt, I know you want to take care of the baby and me, but having a job and providing a bit of my own income is really important to me. I need that job, and it means more than a paycheck, please reconsider.” I admired the fact that she was fighting to be a provider.

I held up a hand. “Calm down; I’m not firing you, Gemma. I’m offering you a job as a designer for the upcoming renovations at the St. Croix resort.” Her smile widened with her smile, and she leaned forward and pulled me closer into her embrace.

“I’ve always dreamed I’d work for you doing my designs, Whitt. Are you sure? What happened to Ashley?”

“Well, she wasn’t too happy about the day in the pool house, and I should have never led her on when what I really wanted was to be with you. I let my worry over Lila sabotage us, and I’m sorry.”

“Sh. I don’t want sorry. I want us to move forward, together with our baby. And my new job!” She squealed with delight and then lay back against her pillows.

“We’ll need some plans on the nursery soon, and I’ll have my builders come in and overhaul if needed. We’ll have the nicest nursery anywhere by the time you’re done.” I couldn’t wait to see what she came up with.

“It’s so exciting, Whitt, but I really a terrified.” The worry set in her brow and I leaned over and kissed her.

“I know you’re not ready for this, that’s why I want to make everything perfect for you and the baby. You and Lila can’t be too far apart, so you’ll have each other. You two have always leaned on each other before, so remember that now. I’ll give you my credit card, and you can take Lila shopping for maternity clothes.”

She let out a deep breath and frowned. “Don’t remind me. I’ll be huge.”

“It’s going to turn me on.”

“You’re just saying that.” She searched my eyes as if to see if I was kidding.

“No, I’m not. You’ll see.” I leaned forward and cupped her breasts. “These are going to get so nice and full, and here.” I pressed my hand to her tummy.” You’ll like it too. It will be so intense for both of us.”

“I can’t wait to wake up to you each and every morning. I won’t want to get out of bed.”

“And some days, I might not let you.” She giggled, and I kissed her again, and it was then I realized we had our game plan and I couldn’t wait to live with her.

“You should go check on Lila. I’m worried this has all been a bit too much for her.”

She had a point; my poor daughter had arrived to help her friend and been blindsided by our relationship and then hauled to the hospital. Being pregnant herself, I needed to make sure she was okay. I leaned over and gave her one last kiss before heading out of the room.

I looked down the hall and found Lila sitting in a small waiting room which was quiet and empty except for the TV in the corner which was on the news station.

“I love you too. I’ll be home soon.” She hung up her phone and lifted her head to see me standing there. “Oh, hi, Daddy. Daniel is excited for you. He’s on cloud nine about the baby, and he’s already bought a crib.”

“Gemma and I are going to redecorate one of the guest rooms on our floor for the baby. I’ll leave yours alone for now but how about we make it into a guest suite with a playroom and some new furniture that is more family friendly for when you come home for Christmas.”

She stood and fell into my arms. “Thank you, Daddy. That would be amazing, and I know Gemma can help design it too.”

“Oh, about that. I’ve made a decision about Gemma’s career and hired her as my new designer.”

“Daddy! That’s awesome! I have to go see her. Is she feeling better?” She locked her arm with mine, and we headed back.

“She’s okay, it’s taking some time getting her rehydrated, but we should be home tonight.”

“Home? Does that mean—

“We’re going to move her in. I want her close.”

She squeezed my hand and gave me a smile. “I’m glad she has you. She’s a very lucky girl. And I’m the luckiest of all.”

We rounded the corner into the room, and the nurse was checking on Gemma’s IV bag. “One more to go and then I think we can slow it down. You’ll have to stay the night, but I think we’ll get you home by noon tomorrow.” She hung the bag and tossed the old one in the trash.

“Thank you.” Gemma seemed relieved and reached for my hand.

“I’ll send out for your things, and Lila can get back on the road before it’s too late. I’ll stay here with you.” I looked around the room and tried to figure out where I was going to sleep. And I pulled the nurse aside and asked for a cot to be brought in later.

Lila stepped up to Gemma’s bed. “I hear that you’ll be doing a lot of design for Daddy’s resort and the house. We have major things to discuss about my suite.”

Gemma’s eyes lit with surprise. “Oh? Well, we’ll have plenty of time while we’re maternity shopping.” Gemma gave her a wink, and the two sat on the bed together chatting about clothes and what to do about their nails.

I had a feeling Lila was going to be spending more time around just because she and Gemma were in the same boat. So, in a strange way, I got my daughter back. It was nice to mend things with her, and I hoped all the past issues would be buried for good.