Page 248 of Champagne Nights

“There you are.” She smiled as she placed her hands on each side of my face. “I didn’t think you were coming.”

“Sorry, I’m late. Traffic was horrible, and there was an accident.”

“That’s okay, darling.” She gave my face a light pat. “Come up to the living room, and I’ll pour you a drink. Your father is already in there.”

It took every ounce of strength I had to keep my mouth shut. I gave Addison my word and needed to keep my promise, no matter how much it killed me. When I walked into the living room, Kirsten immediately stood up.

“Hi, Henry.” She placed her hand on her belly.

“Hello, Kirsten. I didn’t know you’d be here tonight.”

“It was my idea,” my mother chimed in. “I thought the two of you could talk.”

“Thanks, Mom. I was actually going to call you.” I walked over to Kirsten.

“You were?”

“Yes. We have some things to discuss. I’ve given everything a lot of thought, and you’re right. The baby does need both of us. I just hope you can forgive me for how I behaved,” I choked out the words.

“Oh, Henry.” She smiled as tears formed in her eyes. “Of course, I forgive you.” She wrapped her arms around me.

I wanted to vomit, and I was going to kill Addison for making me do this.

“The three of us are going to be so happy together,” she said.

“We still have a lot to talk about, Kirsten.”

“I know, baby. But it’s a start.”

“That’s my boy,” my father spoke as he held up his glass. “Now, have a seat, and we can talk before dinner is ready.”

My mother hugged Kirsten, and they left the room so my father and I could talk.

“I’m proud of you son. You’re doing the right thing.”

I picked up my drink from the coffee table and brought it up to my lips.

“There’s going to be another Walker in the family, and I can’t wait to meet him or her. Now that you’re going to be a father and have a beautiful woman by your side, it’s time you took over my position at Walker Capital.”

“Really, Dad?”

“Yes, son. I’ll have Richard draw up all the paperwork tomorrow. In a matter of three months, you’ll be sitting in my office, your new office, running the show.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Gosh. I can’t wait to hear the pitter-patter of little feet in this house again. And with my retirement, I’ll get to see my grandchild anytime I want. Your mother and I will even babysitwhile you and Kirsten are at work.” He smiled. “Abigail would be so happy for you right now. I only wish she were here to celebrate with us.” He looked down.

“What about Addison? Where is she?”

“Your mother sent her to the Plaza for the night so the four of us could talk in private. This doesn’t concern her. To be honest, I’ll be happy when she goes back to school. She’s been a handful since she’s been home.”

“How so?”

“Everything good in here?” my mother asked with a smile.

Kirsten walked over, sat beside me on the couch, and grabbed my hand.

“I have a doctor’s appointment in a couple of days, and I’d like you to come with me.”

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