Page 24 of New Year, New Baby
“That’s the problem,” I growl immediately as hope rises in my chest.Will the brat give me another chance, even after my grievous behavior?Is she extending an olive branch to me?I fervently pray for relief, and swear to walk a straight path going forwards.
“I love you, Nova,” I state, my blue eyes fierce as I meet hers.“It’s not the love of a father, although there are elements of that sentiment, which is why this situation has been so fucked-up.But I love you as a man loves a woman.As he loves his life partner.The way a man protects the woman who means his whole heart, and who deserves to be loved and cherished.I know that now, but I was battling with my feelings for a long time because I was once married to your mom.I loved Betsy, and felt that I wasn’t just betraying you, but I was betraying her too.”
Nova nods, chewing at her lower lip.
“And what do you think now?”
I sigh heavily, looking out the window for a moment.But then I turn back to the young woman, my expression serious.
“I think your mother would want us to be happy together,” I state in a low tone.“Despite the fucked-up aspect, I think Betsy would want us both to be happy, and if we’ve found love together, then that’s what she would want.I think she’d be overjoyed that we’re having a child, and that she’d be excited to have a grandchild to laugh and love, even if the circumstances are a bit bizarre.”
“A bit?”Nova asks with an arch to her eyebrow.I detect the hint of a smile on her lips, and hope blooms anew in my chest.
“Okay, a lot bizarre,” I amend.“But I’m serious, baby girl.I want you to have my child, and I’m over the moon that we’re expecting.I’ve wanted to be a father for a long time, and frankly, thought that the opportunity had passed me by.As you know, there are no guarantees in life, but you’ve given me a second chance.Thank you, Nova.I’ll always be grateful to you for this gift.”
The gorgeous woman nods, her cornflower blue eyes fixed on me.
“And thankyou, Hunter, for giving me this child.I admit I didn’t plan on conceiving so soon, but now that I’m going to be a mother, I’m looking forward to it,” she states simply.“I want to be a young mom, and to raise this baby with you.I want to do everything that people in love do.”
Gratitude blooms in my chest, and I stare at the beautiful woman.
“Do you mean that?”I ask in a raspy voice.To my horror, tears are beginning to prick my eyes.“Do you love me, Nova?Despite what I’ve done?”
“I do,” she confirms simply.“I adore you, Hunter Taggart, and I always will.I’ve had a crush on you since the moment I moved in, but I, too, struggled with my emotions.I figured it was the fleeting fancy of a teenage girl, but it wasn’t.It’s the real thing, and I want a life with you.”
That’s all I need to hear.I fumble in my desk drawer for a moment before circling the desk and dropping to one knee.Nova’s expression is shocked, her eyes as wide as saucers, but I know this is the right thing to do.My heart is full and my soul brimming with adoration.
“Nova Callahan,” I say in choked voice.“You are everything that I could ask for, and far more than I deserve.Your soft heart, gentle ways, and generosity have given me the best gift in the world, and I want you to know that I’ll cherish and adore you forever.”Then, I flick open the velvet box in my hand to reveal a giant diamond ring, its facets glimmering in the light.“Will you be my wife, Nova?Will you make me the happiest man on Earth, and raise a family with me?”
The diamond glints, its rays throwing sparkles inside my office.My stepdaughter is silent for a moment, staring at the enormous jewel, while my heart hammers.Oh god, what if she says no?What if she says she’s not ready for marriage?
Then you take whatever she has to offer, the voice in my head whispers.This is her world, Hunter, and you just live in it.
But to my relief, Nova begins to cry as she nods and leans forward to clasp me.
“Yes, Hunter,” she says in a low, trembling voice.“I accept.I’d love to be your wife.But where did you get this ring?”she asks.Then her eyes go wide.“Oh my god, is this my mother’s engagement ring?”
I shake my head before seizing her lips in a passionate kiss, claiming her as mine as her pregnant form yields to my large one.
“No, sweetheart.Your mother’s diamond was buried with her.That ring belongs to Betsy, and it will always stay with her.But I went out and bought a new one as soon as I was honest with myself about what I felt for you, sweetheart.Do you like it?I know the gem is big, but we can always exchange it for something else.”
“No, I love it,” Nova breathes, tears glimmering in her eyes.“I can’t wait to become your wife, Hunter.This is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to be the second Mrs.Taggart because the first one will always have a special place in our hearts.”
With that, our lips join in a union of love, commitment, and a vow to always talk things through because that’s how a successful relationship works.I had my eye on the beautiful brat from the moment she walked through the door, but I fought my attraction.I wasn’t honest with myself, and struggled with torn loyalties, mixed-up thinking, and some really fucked up behavior along the way.But in the end, I realized I could honor the memory of my first wife, while also loving and cherishing my second – Nova Callahan, soon to be Mrs.Hunter Taggart.
EPILOGUE
Nova
It’s a gorgeous day for a wedding, and I smile across the garden at my fiancé.Hunter looks incredibly tall and handsome in a grey suit, with his black hair brushed back and a light blue tie.He catches my eye and flashes a smile at me, and I smile back because he’s the one who made this backyard wedding happen.We wanted something small, so I suggested City Hall, but my fiancé said he didn’t want to risk the steps outside City Hall because I’m hugely pregnant now.
“Hunter,” I laughed.“I’m sure there’s a wheelchair accessibility ramp.It’s city property, after all, so they have to have it.”
“Sweetheart, I don’t want to have to push my fiancée up the ramp in a wheelchair,” he joked.“Unless that’s what you want.”
“No, no, that’s not what I meant!”I giggled.“I’m just saying I can walk.”
But Hunter wouldn’t have it.He arranged for an official to come to our townhouse, and now on a bright spring day in New York City, we’re getting married before a small gathering of friends and family.My diamond flashes in the light, and I’m clad in a loose-fitting white lace gown that more resembles a tablecloth than a dress.But it’s okay because there are flowers in my hair, a bouquet in my hand, and judging from my fiancé’s stolen glances, at least one person here finds me sexy and attractive.
