Chapter 21
TWENTY-ONE
DECLAN
It’s been years since I’ve felt so at peace.
We’ve spent the past two weeks with Zoe’s parents, and she’s relished her time here. It’s been hard to find time to be intimate, but I do at least get to sleep with her in my arms.
Although she’s more and more restless at night, finding it harder to rest.
We have to make a decision and soon about where we’re having this baby. All her care has been in the US to date, but if she chooses to stay here, then we’ll need to start making new arrangements.
Things have been amicable with Zoe’s parents. Her mother’s lovely and welcoming, but her father’s kept his distance. Knowing our trip here may be coming to an end, it’s time to ask him the question that’s been burning in my gut since we arrived here.
Something changed in me the minute Zoe told me she was pregnant. She had no reason to trust me given my past, but she let me in, and she’s changed my life. It’s not just about the pregnancy anymore.
I want to spend the rest of my life loving her.
And I want to do this properly, which means swallowing any fear and talking to her father. I doubt he’ll be happy if I whisk her away and marry her without his approval. He’s seen how devoted I am to her, and I can only hope that stands me in good stead with him.
He’s in his beloved garden again when I find him. His smile is tight, as every smile he’s given me since I’ve arrived has been.
“Brian? I wondered if I could have a word.”
He gives me a short, sharp nod.
“I’ll be talking to Zoe today about her choice where to have the baby. I’ve told her I don’t mind which country, but if we’re going back to the US, we’ll have to go back now before she can’t travel. So, I wanted to talk to you about our future.”
His right eye twitches. “Your future.”
“I want to spend the rest of my life with her. If she’ll have me.”
He frowns and drops his gaze to the ground a moment before fixing it back on me. “I’m not sure I like you, but I also don’t know you. What I do know is that you’re closer to my age than you are my daughter’s, and that makes me uncomfortable.”
I nod. “I understand.”
He pauses, grounding the toe of his show in the gravel. “She’s also a grown woman who makes her own decisions. And I see the way you take care of her. If she’s happy, then I’m happy. But I warn you, if you hurt her, you’ll have me to answer to.” His gaze hits mine—that intense blue he shares with Zoe, and I nod again.
“I’ll always do my best to protect her. And our child.”
“Her mother and I miss her. Zoe always was too independent for our liking.” He chuckles. “But she went out and made a name for herself, and we couldn’t be more proud. It’s hard to let go.”
I grip his shoulder. “I swear to you that I’ll do right by her.”
He nods slowly. “Just be sure you do. She’s got a big heart, and if you break it, I’ll come after you.”
“I’d expect nothing less.” I pause and brace myself. “I’m glad we’re here. I want to marry your daughter. She has no idea yet—the pregnancy has been hard on her, but if she wants me, I’ll spend the rest of my life making her happy.”
His brows twitch. “Can you do that?”
I hold up my palms. “I know I don’t have the best track record, but the past few months have been amazing, and I’d already decided to make changes in my life before she fell pregnant. I’m retired from movies, and I just want to settle down with Zoe and our child.”
He swallows hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing.
“I also know I don’t need your blessing, but I’d like it.”
“I’m not sure I can give it—not yet anyway. I hope you can respect that.”
Shit . That’s a blow, but not an unexpected one. “Then I hope I can prove I’m worthy of it.”
Brian shakes his head. “Look, Declan. I don’t know if I’d approve of any man that Zoe ended up with. She’s that special to me. But I’m prepared to try if you will. I’ll let you know when you have my blessing.”
“That’s all I can ask for.”
After we’ve finished talking, I head inside and to Zoe’s room where she’s been napping. She sits on the end of the bed and looks up as I walk in.
“Everything okay?” Her brow is furrowed in concern, and I love her for it. It’s clear it means a lot to her that I get on with her parents, and while there are a ton of reasons for them not to want me anywhere near her, they’ve been nothing but fair to me. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like part of any family.
“Everything is great.” I sit beside her and slide my arm around her waist. “Are you okay? Have you enjoyed your stay here?”
“It’s always good to be back home.” She sighs. “But then this isn’t home anymore. If you know what I mean.”
I chuckle. “I think so. But to me, anywhere you are is home.”
Her lips twitch. “That’s so cheesy, but I get it. I feel the same way about you.”
“Do you … want to go back home to the States?”
She beams her brilliant smile at me. “I would love to go home with you, Mr O’Leary.”
I run my hand across her belly. “I’m glad you’re feeling better. Now all that’s left to do is to wait for this one to arrive.”
“I can’t wait.”
I pull her toward me and kiss her temple. “Neither can I, sweetheart. Neither can I.”