Page 78 of She Was Mine First

“Is this about you gaining weight while you’re pregnant?”

“Of course not.” I sat up, offended. “Why would you even think that?”

“I thought most women’s fear was that their husbands wouldn’t find them attractive while they’re pregnant, but let me reassure you, I can’t wait to see your stomach rounded by my son.”

“Your son?” I frowned. “What if it’s a girl?”

“Well, let’s hope it’s not.”

I shook my head, not understanding. “What’s wrong with a girl?”

“Nothing is wrong with a little girl, and I can’t wait to have one with you, but a baby girl needs an older brother to protect her. Besides, we need to begin our patriarchy with a son.”

“Our patriarchy? What in the fuck does that mean?”

“Livvy…”

“Don’t call me that. Why are you calling me that? You never call me that.”

“Why can’t I? Or does that nickname only belong to Ethan?”

I jerked back, suddenly annoyed. “Are you really trying to pull this again? I thought we were long past this?”

“Elizabeth.” He grabbed my hand. “I’m sorry. You’re right. We’re long past this.” It was obvious he was weighing his words. “I was just… I mean,we were justraised in very patriarchal families. It’s what we both know. I assumed—”

“You’re assuming a lot. Are you saying you expect me to quit my job and be Suzy Homemaker?”

“If you don’t want to quit your job, then it’s your choice. I’m not trying to marry my mother. I love you for the strong, independent woman that you are.”

“Do you mean that?”

“I wouldn’t be saying it to you if I didn’t mean it. Darling, I’m sorry that our parents are getting to you, but in regard to our future, it’sourfuture. Not theirs. I love you very much, and from here on out, we will make our choices together without worrying about what anyone else thinks. If you want to stay in California, we can. If you don’t want to move into any of my family’s estates, then so be it. I don’t care. None of that matters to me. The only thing that matters to me is you and you becoming my wife.”

I threw my arms around his neck, feeling like a massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders. “Thank God! You have no idea how much I’ve been freaking out. Between my parents and yours and all our guests and family… I’m ready to lose my mind, and it’s only the third day. I can’t keep up with the relentless questions of all the things we haven’t discussed, and it’s freaking me the fuck out.”

He laughed, rubbing my back in a comforting gesture. “Sweetheart, this is me and you. We will decide what’s best for our future. Don’t let them get to you.”

“I’ll try. I’m just… I don’t know… I just wasn’t expecting anything like this. It’s a lot to take in. We’re basically having a royal wedding at this point.”

“We both come from powerful, wealthy families. What else did you expect?”

“Well for starters, I didn’t think we’d be in separate bedrooms.”

“I know.” He nodded, rubbing my neck with his mouth. “But it’ll be over soon, and we can put this behind us and start our future together the way we want. Not the way anyone expects us to.”

I held him tighter. “Do you promise?”

“Of course.” He pulled away, grabbing my face. “Do you feel better now?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” He kissed me.

“You’re so lucky, Beau. You don’t have to deal with all the women and all the things they have planned for me. You just get to golf, smoke cigars, and drink. If it weren’t for Ethan, I would have gone crazy already.”

“In that case, let me show you how sorry I am.” Moving forward, he laid me down on the mattress again. “I’m so lucky. How did I get this lucky to have you?”

I smiled, enjoying his undivided attention.

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