Chapter 31
Chapter Thirty-One
Lucas
Opening my eyes, I lay there and watched Jenna as she slept peacefully.
Having her in my bed and knowing she was permanently a part of it made me feel incredibly good.
My only problem now was my father, and I wasn’t sure what would 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 needed to get out of my father's grip.
As much as I wanted to stay in bed with her all day, I needed to shower and get to the office to face my father's wrath. After showering, I stepped out and wrapped a towel around my waist. Walking into the bedroom, I saw Jenna staring at me with a smile.
“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, stroking 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 and building my own company from the ground up. Now I have to finish getting ready.” I gave her another kiss.
After I finished getting dressed, I went 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's sake, 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.”
“Sounds wonderful. I’ll see you then. I love you.”
“I love you too, babe.”
I could see her lying on a blanket in her long dress, looking up at the sky. It was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen. She turned her head and smiled as I approached her. Bending down, I gave her belly a kiss before moving up to her lips.
“Hi.” I smiled.
“Hi.”
“These are for you,” I spoke as I handed her a mixed bouquet of beautiful flowers.
“They’re beautiful. Thank you.” She grinned as I took her hand and helped her sit up.
I sat on the blanket next to her while she opened the white picnic basket and took out a couple of sandwiches and fresh fruit.
“So, how did it go? Did you quit?”
“I didn’t have to.”
“Oh no. He fired you?”
“No.” I let out a laugh. “He’s retiring next year and giving me fifty-one percent ownership of the company.”
“What?”
“I know. I’m shocked, too. He’s going to travel the world when he retires. He said he was proud of me for the way I stood up to him.”
“Wow. What happened to him?”
“I don’t know, and I don’t care. I’m not questioning any of it.”
“That is wonderful news, babe.” She grinned, wrapping her arms around my neck and hugging me.
“He said he didn’t need to worry about the company as long as I was sitting in his chair and had you by my side.”
“He’s a smart man.” She smiled as she broke our embrace.
“That he is.” I kissed her.