AllFreeNovel
Share Us
ChapterThirteen
DARE
As we're led to the private dining room in the back of Herbsaint, my hand rests on the small of Talia's back, guiding her inside.I come here fairly often, but this is the first time I’ve rented a private room for two.
It’s nice that we have some firsts together.
Talia’s wearing a simple but elegant black dress and her hands rest peacefully on her stomach, as is their wont these days. When we enter the restaurant’s decadent dining room, Talia gasps. Everything is polished dark wood, beautiful black silk, and glittering crystal.
"It's beautiful," she whispers, gazing at the glittering chandeliers and velvet drapes.The aroma of truffles and champagne envelops us.
I pull out her chair and help her sit. "Not as beautiful as you."
She blushes, smoothing her dress over the swell of her belly. "You say the sweetest things."
"Only because you deserve them." I take my seat across from her. "How is the baby today?"
"Wonderful. The doctor says everything looks perfect." Her smile lights up the room. "Have you thought more about names?"
"A few. What do you think of Elizabeth or Hope?" I ask, studying the menu. Foie gras and lobster call to me.
"Lovely, classic names." She tilts her head, eyes gleaming with mischief. "But I was thinking of something unique, like Aurora or Luna."
"Like the princess and the moon," I chuckle. "You do have a flair for the dramatic."
"You love it." She reaches across the table, her soft fingers curling around mine.
I turn her hand over, pressing a kiss to her wrist. Her pulse flutters under my lips, as rapid as the fierce love pounding through my veins. "Guilty as charged. I do love you."
The admission tumbles out before I can stop it. But I don't regret speaking the truth. She's claimed my heart, and together we've created a new life. A family of our own.
"Dare." Her eyes shimmer with tears as a radiant smile transforms her face into a vision of pure joy. "I love you, too.”
In this moment, holding her gaze, I know that we can face any challenge. Our daughter will be the living embodiment of the life we’ve created together.
"To our daughter," I say, raising my glass. "And to the amazing woman who's giving me the gift of fatherhood."
"To our family." She clinks her glass against mine.
I purse my lips.
"How about Emily or Chloé?" I suggest, leaning back in my chair. "Something timeless and elegant."
She wrinkles her nose, fingers playing with the stem of her wine glass. "My counter is Phoebe or Rosalind. Names from Shakespeare."
"Those are lovely, too." I reach across the table, covering her hand with mine. "As long as our daughter has your eyes, I don't much care what we choose."
A blush stains her cheeks as she smiles up at me. "Flatterer."
"Guilty." I lift her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles.
Pride and purpose swell within my chest, as profound as the love that has reshaped my entire world. Together, we will guide our daughter's first steps. Share in her triumphs and heartaches. Watch her grow into a woman as strong, caring and independent as her mother.
The future unfurls before us, filled with promise and possibility. And I can't wait to embark on this grand adventure with the woman who holds my heart.
"Then we'll keep discussing," I say, smiling into Talia's eyes. "Until we find the perfect name. For our perfect daughter."
She rises on graceful legs, leaning down to brush a soft kiss over my lips. "I'll be right back."
