Page 56 of Hardy

“I really appreciate you doingthis.”She glanced around the restaurant, and her heart soared.“I’ve neverbeen to this place before.”

“I’m glad I’m able to giveyou a happy memory.”He took her hand, pressing a kiss to herknuckles.

The waiter came toward their table,and she listened as Hardy stumbled over his order.She didn’tgiggle or mock him.When the waiter turned his attention to her,Rose gave her order, smiling her thanks.

“It’s certainly differentfrom ordering a burger,” he said.

“It is.”

“So, when is your nextdoctor’s appointment?”

Rose tilted her head to the side.“Youwant to come?”

“Yes.I want to be part of this.We did this together, and I’m not going to leave you alone.”

She pressed a hand to her stomach.“Myfirst scan is in a couple of weeks.I don’t think we’ll get to seethe sex of our baby, but we’ll see that he or sheexists.”

“What do you want?”heasked.

Rose frowned.“Want?”

“Do you want a girl orboy?”

“I don’t care.I’ll loveher or him no matter what.What about you?”

“I’m the same.Don’t get mewrong, if it’s a boy I’ll teach him about bikes, and take him forhis first leather jacket.Hardy Junior.If it’s a girl, I’ll buy arifle, and start boy proofing our house.”

Rose burst out laughing.“Boyproofing?”

“I’m a guy.I know it won’t takemuch imagination trying to get to our girl.She’ll be a looker,too, if she takes after her mother.”

“You’re being acharmer.”

“I’m being honest, baby.You’re abeauty, and always have been.”

“So you want to be part of ourbump’s adventure?”

“Yes.I’ll be at theappointments, the classes.You name it, and I’ll bethere.”

Rose took a sip of her sparklingwater, and smiled at him.“You’re shocking me with thischange.”

Hardy frowned, glaring down at theirhands.“I can sit here and tell you over and over again how much ofan asshole I was.The truth is we both know how much of an assholeI am.”He shrugged.“I can’t change what I was, but I can changewhat I am.I want to be the man for you.I want to earn your loveand trust.”

“I love you, Hardy.I neverstopped loving you.”

“And you’d have been a hell of alot better off if you did.”

“Wow, this is not exactly athrilling conversation,” she said, tucking some hair behind herear.

“I’m sorry.I’ve neverstopped loving you, and being here with you right now, this isexactly where I want to be.”

“Even with thesuit?”

“The smile on your face is worthit.”

Rose looked away.She wasn’t used toso many compliments.

“I was, erm, I was thinking ofdoing some studying online.College classes,” she said, drawing theconversation away from the uncomfortable elements.

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