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I notice her chuckling and frown. “What?”
“I’m wearing a literal plastic bag on my head and that isn’t enough to stop you.”
“Darlin’, you could be wearing a potato sack and I’d still take you on every flat surface.”
She smirks and pulls her clothes back on.
I sit beside her and run a hand through my hair. As my body settles down, I remember what I wanted to share with her. “Nova, you won’t believe what just happened.”
She glances pointedly down at my pants and looks back up. “Is this about to be a dirty joke or…”
“No, no. Nothing like that.” I blow out a breath. “Rowan just called me ‘dad’”
Her eyes widen. She understands without me having to explain more. “Adam, that’s… wow. I’m so happy for you both.”
“I was so shocked I kind of short-circuited for a minute.” I shake my head. “I promised myself I wouldn’t rush him and I’d let him call me ‘dad’ on his own time, but when it actually happened, I wasn’t prepared for it.”
“That’s a sign of how much you’ve gained his trust and respect,” Nova says softly. “You should be proud of yourself, Adam. You’re a good dad. Even if you haven’t been with him all his life, you’re with him now. That’s what matters.”
I squeeze her hand, feeling complete and more grateful than I’ve ever been in my life. I have the woman I love beside me and my son is safe, happy and healthy.
Really, a man couldn’t ask for more.
After Nova’s finished with her hair, I stand and extend my hand to her. “Let’s go celebrate this momentous occasion with our friends.”
She places her slender hand in mine and I whisk her out the door.
* * *
NOVA
“Hey,stranger,” Island coos to me from her station. “Are you fed up with your natural hair again?”
“No.” I take the seat she points to.
“Then?” Island arches an eyebrow. She’s chosen a makeup look with thick, square eyebrows and a dark brown lipstick. Her hair is split down the middle. The front has two braids with beads at the end. The back is in two afro puffs.
“I’m just here for a trim. I’m keeping my natural hair until I feel like putting in another style.”
“Ooh. Look at you. Learning how to roll with the punches.” She winks and flutters the apron around me. “How’s that fine man of yours? He good?”
I smile. Maybe it’s because Adam’s softened me, but I don’t find Island annoying anymore. She might be chatty, but she’s kind, brilliant at business, and smarter than she’d like people to think. Since I’m in a season of collecting new female friends, I’m thinking of challenging myself and getting to know her.
“Yes, he’s good.” I nod.
“I heard you two made a big announcement.” She wiggles her eyebrows.
“What did you hear?” There’s a rumor going around that Adam and I are already engaged. It’s not true, for one. And I have a sneaky suspicion that Adam’s the one who started it—whether intentionally or not.
“That you’re the new owner of Vision Tech.”
“Oh.” Heat flares in my cheeks.
A few weeks ago, Adam gathered all the employees together and revealed that he’d been the ‘former owner’ of Vision Tech. While everyone was gasping and absorbing the news, he called me to the front and declared me as the new largest shareholder.
It took me completely by surprise.
But not as much as all the employees. Especially the lab techs who would often talk badly about Adam or openly resent him for his achievements. After finding out who he really was, I saw some people who’d been rude to Adam in the past trying hard not to wet their pants.
