Page 97 of The Baby Twist
“Why, princess?” I asked as I was smiling on the inside.
“He just wasn’t—he wasn’t?—”
“Smart enough for you?” I asked.
“Lucas!” Jenna said.
“It’s okay, Mom. Dad’s right. He wasn’t the one for me. I need someone who can hold intelligent conversations, and unfortunately, Alan isn’t that guy.”
“You did the right thing, princess.” I tried so hard to hold back my happiness, and Jenna knew it as she narrowed her eye at me.
“Anyway, I figured I better tell you this now. I’m moving out. I found this great apartment in SoHo.”
“I didn’t know you were looking,” I said.
“Daddy, I’m twenty-one, and I’m a molecular biologist with an amazing job, making amazing money. It’s time I move out and be on my own.”
“This hurts, Scarlett. It really hurts.”
“I know, Daddy, but you’ll be okay.” She smiled as she got up and kissed my cheek. “I’m going to go change.”
I sat across from Jenna, who wouldn’t even look at me.
“How long have you known?” I asked.
“She told me last week over the phone, and she wanted to be the one to tell you herself.”
I let out a long sigh. “I guess our baby is finally growing up.”
Jenna got up, sat on my lap, and wrapped her arms around me.
“It’s time to let her go, Lucas. Besides, we still have three other kids at home when they’re not away at college. Besides Sebastian, who commutes to Columbia.”
“That’s because he’s a mama’s boy.” I arched my brow at her. “He isn’t ever leaving.”
“I secretly hope he doesn’t.” She kissed my lips.
The door opened as we were locked in a passionate kiss, and the twins walked in.
“Ew. Stop that!” Serena and Sam both said at the same time.
As I stoodat the grill, grilling the hamburgers and hot dogs, I stared at my boys as they sat in the boat and fished in the lake. Turning around, I smiled as I watched my daughters help Jenna set the patio table for dinner. This was my family, and they were all grown up. Time had flown by so quickly. One minute I was holding them in my arms, kissing their boo boo’s and drying their tears, and the next minute, I was sending them off to college. Jenna and I never thought this day would come, but it had, and we were so proud of the family we raised. I never thought that this would become my life from the moment I saw her, and I thanked God every day for putting her in my path.
I took the burgers and hot dogs off the grill and set them in the center of the table.
“Looks good, Dad.” Scarlett smiled as she kissed my cheek.
“Yeah, Dad. You’re the best.” Serena kissed my other cheek.
Walking down to the lake, I told the boys it was time for dinner. As they brought the boat back and climbed out, I hooked my arms around them.
“I love you, boys.”
“We love you too, Dad,” both Sam and Sebastian said at the same time.
“Are you okay?” Sam asked.
“I’m wonderful, Sam. Absolutely wonderful.” I pulled both of them into me as we walked back to the house.
