Chapter 20
Laura
Our honeymoon in Bora Bora feels like a dream, the turquoise waters and swaying palm trees already fading into a hazy memory. But the silver band on my finger is a cold hard reality. I am Mrs. Laura De La Cruz now.
“Morning, wife.” Dallas’s deep, gravelly voice startles me out of my thoughts. He rolls over and pulls me into his arms, peppering my face with kisses. I giggle, swatting him away.
“We have to get up! Our first day back at work, remember?” As much as I want to stay curled up in bed all day, work is calling.
Dallas groans, tightening his grip around me. “Do we have to go in today?” His breath is warm against my neck, and my resolve weakens. “I can think of better ways to spend the day than dealing with clients and paperwork.”
I sigh, twisting in his arms to face him. His hair is mussed from sleep, eyes heavy-lidded, a lazy smile on his face. My husband. The thought makes my heart skip a beat.
“You’re not getting out of it that easily, Mr. De La Cruz.” I kiss the tip of his nose, then rolled out of bed before he can protest further. “Now get up. We’ll be late for work!”
Dallas grumbles under his breath but follows me out of bed, wrapping his arms around my waist for a quick hug before we start our morning routine. Looks like married life at the De La Cruz household is going to be quite the adventure!
We arrive at the office to curious stares and whispers from the other assistants.
I can’t blame them - it isn’t every day your boss married his assistant!
Dallas’s hand rests comfortably on the small of my back, a subtle display of affection that makes me smile.
Things feel different now that we are married, more relaxed and playful.
Dallas leans down, lips brushing my ear. “Want to grab lunch together later?”
I tilt my head up, eyes sparkling. “It’s a date, Mr. De La Cruz.”
He chuckles, giving my waist a quick squeeze before heading into his office. I settle into my desk, organizing files and preparing for the day ahead. A few of the assistants sidle up, questions bubbling from their lips.
“How was the honeymoon?” Valerie asks, eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Did Mr. De La Cruz relax at all?”
“It was wonderful,” I say. “And yes, he did relax. It was nice to see him unwind for once.”
“I’ll bet.” She smirks. “Must be quite the change, going from boss and assistant to husband and wife.”
“It’s an adjustment,” I admit, “but a good one. We work well together, and that foundation has helped in navigating this new dynamic in our relationship.”
“Speaking of work, I have a question about the Smith case if you have a moment.” Dallas leans against the entrance to his office, brows raised. I excuse myself, following him inside.
The rest of the morning passes in a flurry as Dallas and I debate strategies on various cases, our usual professional dynamic now tinged with casual intimacy.
A smile here, a light touch there, all the little details that make working together as a married couple not just bearable but downright enjoyable.
During lunch, we head out to our favorite cafe a few blocks from the office. Dallas insists on paying, waving away my protests.
“What kind of husband would I be if I didn’t provide for my wife?” he asks, eyes gleaming with humor. I roll my eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile.
As we eat, he reaches across the table and takes my hand. “Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world,” he says. “This past month has been the best of my life, and I look forward to many more years by your side.”
My heart swells at his words. “I love you too, Dallas. More than I ever thought I could love anyone.”
His gaze turns pensive. “Have you thought any more about starting a family?”
I freeze, my sandwich halfway to my mouth. We’ve discussed kids before, but now, the idea seems far more real and imminent. Did I want children? Am I ready for such a huge step?
Dallas gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “There’s no rush. I just want you to know that when or if you do feel ready, I’ll be there every step of the way.”
His reassurance calms my nerves. I sit down my sandwich, taking a deep breath.
“What if I told you, you won’t have to wait long at all?” I say. “Dallas, I’m pregnant.”
Silence. Then his face lights up with a smile. He leaps up, pulling me into his arms.
“A baby!” he exclaims, spinning me around. “We’re going to have a baby!”
Laughter and joyous tears spill out of me as he sets me down again. He cups my face in his hands, gazing at me with wonder and amazement.
“You’ve made me the happiest man in the world,” he whispers. “Again.”
This new adventure we are embarking on together will be the greatest one yet.