Page 101 of Hating the Boss

“She’s not having the baby now or anything!” I laughed.

“I was going to say, the Ashcroft seed is strong, but not that strong.” He tutted proudly.

“There was an incident today with Angela. You saw that, and that’s why I was in the security offices today. Why I had to leave. Sarah got pretty banged up.”

“My God,” my father whispered with a shake of his head. “Is she okay?”

“Yes. She’s doing just fine. And the baby is okay, too.”

“Baby…” my father repeated, his mind drifting. A small smile crossed his lips as he looked at me. “I’m going to be a grandfather.”

“That’s right.” I nodded.

His gray eyes grew watery as he did something unexpected. He pulled me in for a hug. A real hug. Not a pat on the back over business or a handshake, but a fatherly embrace. I stood stiff for a second, not sure what to make of it, before I hugged him tightly. Anton backed away to give us this moment, making his way to a nearby vending machine.

My father pulled away and placed his hands on my shoulders. The small smile on his face was now a weepy grin. He brushed away a tear that had settled into the crinkle near his eye.

“This is all I’ve ever wanted for you, son,” he said. “I know I haven’t done a great job of expressing it to you, but I really just wanted you to be happy. I probably pushed you too hard.”

“Just a little.” I chuckled.

“It wasn’t just about the business,” he said. “I know it came off that way, but I just wanted you to be grounded in a life that was steady. A life with love. There’s nothing like a good woman and a baby to dote over.”

“So it wasn’t just about Howard Knight?” I said with a smirk.

“Ah, screw him.” He waved me off and his words took me by surprise.

“Dad!” I laughed out loud.

“I mean it. I’ve let business come between us for two long. I lost sight of you as my son, and that isn’t fair to you.”

His words were what I had been unknowingly wanting to hear for years now. I swallowed hard, my emotions rising to my throat.

“I want to make it up to you,” he continued. “You can have as much time away from the company as you need. Take time to get settled before the baby comes, and when that little cherub arrives, I expect you to take full advantage of paternity leave. However long you need.”

“That’s very generous of you, but I don’t want to abandon the company.”

“I can hold down the fort.” He waved me off. “And when you’re ready to return, I will sell my shares to you.”

I did a double take, not sure I heard him right.

“You mean…” I started.

“You will take my position as CEO. It’s time, son. It’s been time. I’m sorry I’ve been so stubborn.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything now. I don’t want to talk any more about business.” He shook his head and then a smile pulled at his lips. “Instead, I want to talk about the wedding.”

“The wedding?” I laughed. I hadn’t even thought that far ahead, but here my father was excitedly jumping the gun.

“You are planning on getting married, right?” He raised a brow.

“I actually just proposed.” I threw my thumb back toward the double doors. “For real this time. I still have to get her a ring, but she said yes.”

“Well, let’s get going!” My father clapped assertively.

“Wh-what?” I stammered.