I tilt my head as my heart skips in my chest. Would he? I inhale and straighten my shoulders. “Then offer your services here.”
“What?”
“There are people here who’ve been injured by partners or parents that need plastic surgery, and they can’t afford it. Offer your services here once a month.”
He frowns as he studies me. Moments pass, and then he presses his lips together. “What were you thinking?”
“I thought we could set you up with an office here. We have doctors on site, and a pharmacy, but no plastic surgeons. You could hold a clinic once a month.”
“That’s not a good idea.”
My stomach clenches. “I understand.” I shrug. “I had to offer though. The clients deserve the best.” I didn’t expect him to jump at the idea when I brought it up, but it still hurts.
“Let’s do two Saturdays a month. And a Wednesday and Thursday every month. All different weeks so I can work around my schedule.”
“Four days a month?” Holy cow. I wasn’t expecting that. Alexander throws his arm over my shoulder.
“Yes. Four days a month. If I can work it in long-term, I can do more. As long as you think it would help.”
“Yes.” I smile. “It would help. Let me show you around.”
While I show my dad the ropes, Alexander holds down the front desk for me. This day is more than I expected, and I was already planning for a lot. My dad might not have warmed up to Alexander yet, but he will. Give my man time. He could charm the pants off anyone. I should know. I can’t ever find mine.
Chapter Fifty-Two
Alexander
I lean down and whisper, “I’m proud of you, babe.”
Watching her light up while showing her father around was beautiful to see. And he wasn’t phoning it in. The longer he stayed at the shelter, the more interested he became in the services provided. What started out as him stopping by to beg her to dump me, finish her degree, and head to medical school as he planned turned into a five-hour trip.
She smiles. “Thank you.”
Daniel sticks out his hand. “It was a pleasure meeting you. And I’m not just saying that.” His handshake is strong but not overpowering. “I realize I’ve come off as an overbearing dick.”
“I’m used to it.” I let go of his hand and wrap my arm around Daisy’s shoulders and kiss her on the forehead. “My father tends to tell me what to do also.”
He cringes. “I guess we take things too far sometimes. But when you have children of your own, you’ll understand how badly you want the best for them and forget there comes a time when they can make their own decisions and should. You two are good together.”
“Thank you, dad.” She leans against my side and lays her head on my chest.
The exhaustion leaking out of her feels like more than adrenaline depletion. Worry settles in my gut. I pull back and grip her shoulders. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” She yawns as her cheeks pinken. “I’m fine. Just tired.”
“Tired?” Her father rushes across the room and lays his hand across her forehead. “Are you sure you’re okay? Do you need to go to the hospital? You should take better care of yourself. If you’re spending all your time here at the shelter and not drinking enough, you could be dehydrated.”
“Stop,” she groans and rolls her eyes. “You’re getting carried away again. And while I appreciate your concern about my health, I’m fine.” She glances at me out of the corner of her eye, and my hands shake.
Holy fuck. She’s pregnant.I clutch my chest.Don’t pass out. Don’t have a heart attack.Yes, I was doing everything in my power to make it happen, but the reality? The reality scares the socks off me.
It’s going to be fine. We’re going to be amazing parents. Hell, I managed to grow to adulthood, and so did she. We’ve got this.
“Daniel.” I clear my throat. “I can take care of Daisy. She’s my responsibility now. You did a fine job raising her, and I can take care of–”
“My daughter and my future grandchild?”
How do they do that? Do they lurk on the ceiling, recording everything?