“You’re too old for her.”
“She doesn’t think so. She likes me just the way I am. Besides, Gracie is an old soul. And she is perfect for me. She’ll keep me young.”
He grunted. I knew he didn’t like the age difference, but I didn’t care. Besides, there was nothing I could do about it. I wasn’t giving Gracie up. Ever. Finally, he spoke.
“Technically, you’re my only son-in-law. Reed ranks higher.”
“Reed doesn’t give you scotch.”
He snorted. “I know. He and Heather and their vodka martinis. He needs to change that.”
“See? Young people. Pfft. Favorite.”
He waved his hand. “Whatever.”
“I don’t like you much either, but I love your daughter. And I think you’re an okay father-in-law. Arrogant and an asshole on occasion, but okay—especially since you stopped punching me.”
“Well, fuck, I have no reply for that.”
“Good. Shut up, then.”
We were silent for a moment before he asked, his voice serious, “You going to treat her well?”
“Every single day. I love her more than I can say.” I met his eyes. “She is my world, Richard.”
“I guess you’re not so bad.”
“So, I have your blessing?”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Fine.”
He leaned over. “What the hell is a facer anyway?”
I laughed. This was going to be fun.
I slid between the sheets with a contented sound. I enjoyed the visits with Grace’s parents but was always glad to see them leave. It was going to take me a while to adjust to having family around all the time. It seemed constant. Aunts, uncles, cousins. Someone was always stopping by, or we were invited some place. I had to admit, part of me enjoyed it, but I still liked having Gracie all to myself. I propped myself up on my elbow, studying Gracie. She had been quieter than usual tonight, especially after her parents left. “What is it?” I asked.
“My parents offered me their house until ours is ready in Port Albany.” She swallowed, her voice nervous. “I don’t think I can take much more of the elevator, Jaxson.”
I frowned, reaching up and cupping her cheek. “It’s all right. Your dad and I talked about that too. They leave next week, and we can move anytime.” I winked. “The landlords will let me out of my lease, no problem—family connections and all.”
I was shocked when, instead of laughing, tears filled her eyes. I was fast to assure her. “Don’t cry, darling. I know how much you hate the elevator, and you’ve been so brave.”
“I’ve been emotional,” she admitted. “And stressed.”
“I know. We’ll move. Drive in together every day. It’ll be fine.”
“Jaxson.”
I sat up, something in her voice making me tense. “Gracie, what is it?”
“It’s been a while since Vegas.”
“I know. A lot of shit has happened.” I leaned forward and kissed her. “But life will settle down. We’ll get married again in a few weeks, move to Port Albany, and find a new rhythm.”
“Sometimes what happens in Vegas follows you home,” she burst out. “Not right away but later.”
I furrowed my brow in confusion. “Later?”
“Nine months later.”
“Nine—what are you…” I trailed off as the meaning of her words hit me. “Holy shit. Are you—are you pregnant?”
“Yes.”
I was hit with a myriad of emotions. Confusion, worry, shock. But one other emotion overrode them all.
Wonder.
I was going to be a father. Grace and I would have a family. Be a family.
The happiness I was getting used to accepting suddenly squeezed my heart, making my chest ache with the ferocity of it.
I met her eyes. “We’re having a baby?”
“Yes.”
“Our wedding night,” I recalled. “We weren’t careful every time.”
“No. And I think I forgot to take a pill.”
“You were rather drunk.”
“Yes, I was.”
I lifted an eyebrow. “So, one unused condom and one missing pill make one baby.”
“Yes.”
I swallowed. “Our baby.”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Are you happy, Gracie?”
“Thrilled,” she responded. “Scared. Nervous.”
“This will change your plans for the future.”
“It makes them better.”
I kissed her, my touch tender and lingering. “You make it better.” I laid my hand across her flat abdomen. “You both do.” I kissed her again. “Thank you.”
“You’re happy?” she asked, tears running down her cheeks.
“Ecstatic. I love you, Grace Richards.”
“I love you,” she sobbed.
I took her in my arms, rocking her, making hushing noises. When she was calmer, I laid her down and pressed a kiss to her stomach.
“Hi, baby. It’s Daddy. We’re happy you’re on your way, and we can’t wait to meet you.”
Another tear slid down her cheek. I lifted her hand and kissed the palm. For a moment, neither of us spoke, basking in the warmth of the moment.
Then a thought occurred to me. I looked up, my eyes dancing with glee.
“Do I get to tell your dad? I want to be the first to call him Gramps.”
A grin pulled at her lips. “He might give you a facer.”
I kissed her stomach again. “So worth it.”
Gracie was asleep, resting in my arms. My mind was too alert to sleep.