“Are you done?” I asked as tears sprung to my eyes.
“I think so.”
“I love you too, Lucas. As much as I tried to fight it, I couldn’t. And even when you were a total asshole, I couldn’t stop, because I knew deep down inside you were an amazing man. You truly are an amazing man, and you’re going to be an amazing father. I love you so much that sometimes it really hurts.”
“I know the feeling, baby.” He stroked my cheek.
When I heard that, I scrunched up my face.
“Don’t call me that.”
“Yeah. I’m not sure why I even said it to be honest.”
“Babe is fine,” I said.
“‘Babe’. I like it.”
“I can call you that too, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at all. I think I’d actually enjoy it.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
“Okay, babe. You got it.” I smiled as I brushed my lips against his. “I’m sorry about the podcast.”
“Don’t you dare be sorry for that. I’m the one who is sorry for the way I reacted. It’s just when I heard it, it hurt. I knew I failed you, and I hated myself for it. You are killing it in the podcast world, and you keep doing what you’re doing. Especially if you’re helping other women.”
“Thank you. I love you.”
“I love you more, babe.” He grinned. “You do know that you’re living here permanently, right?”
“I am?” I cocked my head at him with a smile.
“Yes. Because I want my girl—girl—girl—”
“G.I.R.L.F.R.I.E.N.D,” I slowly said the word.
“Yes. My girlfriend and my daughter with me twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. I want to wake up to you every morning, have every meal with you, and I want to hold you and kiss you goodnight every single night. I want you to stick around forever, Jenna.”
“I already planned on it.” I grinned.
“Is that so?” His brow arched.
“Yes. Because up here on the 82nd floor, you don’t have to worry about apartment ceilings above you caving in.”
“Ah. I see. But up here on the 82nd floor, there is a slight possibility of the roof caving in. Just a slight one though.”
“Oh. I didn’t think about that.” I bit down on my bottom lip.
“I wouldn’t worry about it too much.” He kissed my forehead.
Chapter 31
Lucas
Opening my eyes, I lay there and watch Jenna as she peacefully slept. Having her in my bed and knowing she was permanently a part of it, made me feel incredibly good. The only problem I had now was my father, and I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. But I had a plan. A plan that involved me leaving Thorne Tech and starting my own company. I had my own family now, and I needed to get out from the grips of my father.
As much as I wanted to stay in bed with her all day, I needed to shower and get to the office to face the wrath of my father. When I finished showering, I stepped out and wrapped a towel around my waist. Walking into the bedroom, I saw Jenna staring at me with a smile on her face.
“Good morning.” I grinned as I walked over and kissed her.
“Good morning. I woke up and you weren’t here.”
“Sorry, babe. I had to get in the shower, and I didn’t want to wake you.” I took a seat on the edge of the bed.
“Are you nervous about seeing your father?” she asked as she stroked my arm.
“Nah. I’m fully prepared to clean out my office today and never look back.”
“I’m sorry you’re going through this.”
“Don’t be.” I smiled as I brought my thumb up to her chin. “We’re starting a new chapter in our lives and my father will not be a part of it. Besides, I look forward to starting my own company and building it from the ground up. Now I have to finish getting ready.” I gave her another kiss.
After I finished getting dressed, I went down to the kitchen and said goodbye to Jenna.
“I have to go. I love you.” I brushed my lips against hers.
“I love you too. Good luck.”
“Thanks.” I gave her a wink. Bending down, I pressed my lips against her belly. “Have a good day, princess.”
I set my briefcase down in my office, took in a deep breath and headed to see my father. Opening the door, I stepped inside.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in. Sit down,” he spoke in an authoritative voice.
“Actually, Dad, before you go off on me and tell me what a rotten selfish son I am, I have a few words to say to you.”
“Go ahead. I’m listening.”
“I love Jenna and I love the fact that we’re having a child together. I’ve asked her to move in with me and she agreed. When the time is right, I’m going to ask her to marry me, and if you have a problem with it, that’s too fucking bad. I’ve lived my entire life trying to please you and I’m done. I’m living my own life now on my terms and my terms only. If you want to fire me, go ahead. I don’t care. Jenna and my daughter are more important to me, and I would give everything up for them.”
“For God sakes, are you finished?” His brow arched.
“Yes. I’m finished.”
“Sit the hell down.” He pointed to the chair across from his desk. “I’m not firing you. You’re a part of this company and you’re my only son. The way you stood up to me the other day over the phone made me proud.”
“It did?” I cocked my head in disbelief.
“It did, son. You’ve never stood up to me before, and I got to thinking about a lot of things after our phone call. The drama show you just put on was a little uncalled for, but again, it made me proud. You’re standing up for something you believe in and you’re fighting for it. That’s what makes you a man. I’ve decided that I’m retiring next year, and I’m giving you fifty-one percent ownership of Thorne Technology. The entire company will be yours, son.
“Why are you retiring?”
“Because I’m tired of the business and I know I don’t need to worry about anything as long as you’re sitting in my chair and that little genius girlfriend of yours is by your side. I’m going to dissolve the Paris division, so you won’t need to worry about that.”
“What are you going to do with all your free time?” I asked.
“Travel the world and see everything I’ve always wanted before my time expires.”
“Sounds like a good plan, Dad.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Now go on and get out of here. I’m sure you have a shitload of work to do.” He smiled.
“I do. Thanks, Dad.”
“Get out of here, son. And by the way, I’m happy Jenna and the baby are okay.”
I walked out of his office in disbelief but on cloud-nine. When I got back to my office, I immediately called Jenna.
“Hello.”
“Hey, babe.”
“How did it go?”
“I would rather tell you in person. Lunch today?”
“Definitely. Meet me at Central Park on Cherry Hill at twelve-thirty and we can have a picnic. We don’t have very many warm days left.”