AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"She knows her great-grandfather is here," Talia says softly.
Remy nods, his gaze still fixed on Talia's stomach. "I can't wait to meet her."
I watch the exchange with a sense of heartache and longing. This was the family I had always wanted, a family that was happy and full of love. I didn't have it as a child, but I suppose starting now is better than never having it at all.
"She's really active right now." Talia presses her hand to the side of her belly. "I guess it's her way of saying hi."
Remy stares at her stomach and blinks back tears. After a moment, he clears his throat gruffly and pulls his hand back.
"Well, I won't keep you. I'm sure you're eager to get home and rest."
He stands awkwardly, not quite meeting our eyes. I step forward and clap him gently on the shoulder.
"Thank you, Remy."
Burn steps forward and pulls Remy into a rough embrace. Remy stiffens for a moment before relaxing into his grandson's arms.
"From now on, we're going to be the kind of family that hugs," Burn murmurs.
Remy's voice is muffled against Burn's shoulder. "Don't make me regret signing the company over."
"We won't." Burn pulls back and grasps Remy's shoulders. "The past is behind us now. It's time for a new beginning."
Remy nods slowly, a myriad of emotions crossing his weathered face. After a long moment, he turns to me and Talia.
"You'll bring the baby by the manor to visit her great-grandfather?"
"Of course," I assure him. "We're family."
Remy's eyes glisten as he takes in the three of us - his grandsons and the new life we have brought into this world. For the first time, I can see a glimmer of the man he must have been before grief and anger consumed him.
"Family," he repeats softly.
He looks decades younger in this moment, surrounded by the family he thought lost forever. The shadows of the past will always linger, but here and now, bathed in the warm glow of new beginnings, we are simply a family reunited.
Remy nods, then shuffles out without another word. But as he leaves, I see the faintest hint of a smile touch his lips.
ChapterThirty-Seven
TALIA
Asingle flickering candle casts dancing shadows across the crisp white tablecloth. The soft clink of silverware and murmur of conversation cocoon us in the dimly lit corner of the eatery. It's a nice enough place very close to the birthing center. We've eaten here a handful of times since we took up residence at the nearby hotel in anticipation of the birth.
Across from me, Dare gazes into my eyes, his rugged features softened by the candle's glow.
"How are you feeling, darling girl?" he asks, reaching for my hand. His rough palm engulfs my slender fingers.
I sigh, shifting in my seat. "I'm a week past my due date. So I'm basically over being an incubator. I want my body back."
"I know you do. But I promise you, it will all be worth it when our little girl arrives."
I scrunch up my face. "This baby is taking her sweet time."
Dare's thumb strokes my knuckles. "It won't be much longer now. Just think, soon we'll be holding our child."
The excitement in his voice makes me smile. I lean back, permanently uncomfortable no matter how I sit.
"You're going to be an amazing father," I say, focusing on Dare.
