Page 121 of A Bossy Surprise

We still have every intention of keeping them on the payroll. Adam ultimately decided that though he tried to foster a family-like bond at GNN, it’s a business. At the end of the day, they had made decisions they felt would benefit their careers. So he decided not to hold it against them.

The only person he let go was Gabrielle. He let her out of her contract because he didn’t want someone who was so bitter around. I supported that decision.

“Yeah, we would like to keep you on, if you would like,” I say. “If that is something you’re interested in, all you need to do is go to HR and let them know and they will draw up fresh papers for you to sign.”

Her smile gets bigger. “Thank you. Thank you so much. The others are wondering if you mean to keep them on as well. Can I tell them anything?”

“You can tell them that if they too want to remain with us, then we would like to extend their contracts as well. They should just talk to HR.”

“Okay, I’ll let them know. Thank you and have a good evening.”

“You too.”

Consuela nods at me, turns around and walks away with a literal skip in her step.

I know she has been on edge for the past two years, because though Adam made this decision a long time ago, he didn’t say anything to them. To him, the punishment for what they had done was the uncertainty of knowing whether we were going to drop them after their contracts had expired and no one wanted them. Another decision I agreed with.

I run to my car before someone else can accost me and drive home.

When I walk through the door, I can feel Adam in the house. I put my bag on the entryway table and go in search of my man.

I find him and Brady washing their hands in the kitchen in preparation for dinner.

I walk over to them and place a kiss on my little boy’s head then turn and hug Adam as tight as I can.

I’ve missed him so much. When he’s away, it’s almost like my heart goes with him, but when he comes back, the world feels right again.

“I’m so glad you’re back,” I say.

“Me too!” Brady says.

Adam and I laugh.

All three of us sit down to dinner with Clarice. She is Brady’s live-in nanny. She’s been a major help as Adam and I have gotten busier.

Brady regales us with his adventures throughout the day and fills his father in on everything he missed while he was away. Then Adam tells us about his trip, and what he’s been up to.

When dinner is finally over, Clarice steers Brady to the kitchen sink where she watches him do his dishes. Then she takes him to go help him with his homework.

I scooch my chair over to Adam’s and take his hands into mine. “I need to tell you something.”

“You’re not leaving me, are you?”

“Not on your life.”

He chuckles. “Then what is it?”

“Well, I haven’t been feeling like myself lately. I’ve been feverish, nauseated, and have been having joint pain.

“Oh, no.” Adam pulls his hands from mine, leans forward and places the back of his hand on my forehead. “You don’t feel warm right now.”

I laugh. “I know. I’m not sick. At least, not in the traditional sense of the word.”

His eyebrows draw together. “I’m not sure I understand what you’re saying.”

“I’m saying this is exactly how I felt when I found out I was pregnant with Brady.”

Realization immediately strikes, and his eyes go wide. “No…”