“That sounds like a sweet memory with your mom,” Addy giggles.
“It is. We have a lot of those, and I’m sure she’ll be happy to tell you all about my childhood when you meet her.”
My girlfriend brightens.
“You think? Down in Florida?”
I nod.
“Definitely yes. You’ll like Susan and Bob. They’re still happily married after forty years, and I think at first, they were disappointed by the fact that I was getting a divorce. But when I told them Marissa didn’t want kids, that all changed. Then, they were all for the divorce.”
Addy gasps as her cheeks blush.
“Your ex didn’t want kids?”
I shake my head slowly, my fingers drumming the table top a bit.
“No, because it would have ruined her figure. Also, Marissa wasn’t exactly maternal, let’s be honest. I can’t imagine her nurturing a child, playing kiddie games, or doing a dance with her teenage son in a grocery parking lot.”
Addy giggles, flushing, and she reaches out to squeeze my fingers.
“Well, that’s in the past now,” she murmurs. “I’m sure you’d be a wonderful father, Marcus.”
I look up swiftly, and my heart contracts as I take in this lovely woman. This is the time to talk with her about her thoughts on pregnancy and children, but I don’t want to push it. We haven’t been dating that long, after all, and I don’t want to be an overeager suitor attempting to get her knocked up right out of the gate. Although, of course, nothing would make me happier. The waiter comes back with my credit card at that moment, and sets it on the table.
“Thank you for dining with us again, Mr. Steele,” he says deferentially. “We hope to see you again soon.”
“You will. Thank you, Samuel.”
I leave a hefty tip and wrap my arm around Addy’s waist to guide her out of the restaurant. She leans into my side, and this feels absolutely right. As we step through the doors, the air outside is cool and comfortable, and we both let out sighs.
“Wow, it’s beautiful out,” Addy says. “The evening rays are so beautiful.” We’re right next to Central Park, and the tall trees beckon.
“Let’s walk through the park for a bit,” I suggest. “It’s not too late. Come on, sweetheart.”
Addy grins.
“You don’t have to ask twice. Central Park is my favorite part of New York, although I do love Gramercy Park, too. Gramercy is usually quieter and only a short walk from House of Steele. I go there on my lunch breaks sometimes,” she confides. “It’s nice, and helps me relax after the stress of the office.”
As we stroll to the park, I secure my arm about her waist again.
“That’s good to hear, but is work going okay?” I ask. “I know that from my vantage point you’re doing fantastic. But how is it on a day-to-day basis?”
Addy thinks for a moment.
“It’s good,” she says slowly. “Thank you for hiring an assistant for me. Nadia really helps out a lot, and handles a lot of administrative duties for me. But yes, overall, this has been a great step forward. I really like working with the team, and I think you’ll really appreciate the new designs we have in store.”
I nod.
“Of course, honey. I don’t want you getting too worn out because that’s not what this job is about. That’s not what life is about, actually. But no more shop talk because we already live and breathe work all the time,” I say as we step into the park.
She giggles a bit.
“You’re right. We already discuss the House of Steele a lot. Okay, so what’s your favorite part of the city?”
I grin at her as we make our way towards a green bower.
“Will you think I’m ridiculous if I say my penthouse?”
She laughs.
“No, because I don’t blame you. It is a very nice place.”
“Exactly. And I love the view too because I can see everything without having to be a part of it. Sometimes the city can be overwhelming, and the view calms me.”
We stop on a bridge over a small stream. It’s one of the most romantic spots in Central Park, and I’m happy to be here with the curvy girl. I pull her close and press a kiss to her temple.
“Sweetheart, I just want to say that I really care about you. I’m glad we’re giving this a shot.”
She smiles happily up at me.
“I care about you, too. It’s been wonderful, these past few weeks, and I never thought this would happen to me.”
I grin.
“Am I a miracle-worker?”
She giggles, blushing.
“Maybe, a little.”
With that, I lean down and kiss her softly. Addy is my everything right now. I’m tempted to tell her I love her, and that I want her to have my babies, but I don’t want to scare her away. She’s young, and so much has happened so fast. I know what I want, but things can be different for a twenty-five year old girl.