Page 124 of The October Arrangement

My dad turned to me. “My son is going to be a father.” He pulled me into a hug. “You’re going to be a great dad.”

His words hit harder than I thought they would. “You think so?” I broke our embrace.

“I know so.” He smiled. “Did you find out today?”

“No. We found out in St. Lucia. Bella threw up one morning, and the thought occurred to me that she might be, so I made her take a pregnancy test. I didn’t want her drinking any more alcohol if she were.”

“Well, you two certainly didn’t waste any⁠—”

“William.” Mary placed her hand on his arm.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m going to become the one thing I always wanted to be. A grandfather. Bella, are you taking your vitamins?”

“Yes, William, I am.” She smiled.

“You need to make sure you’re getting enough⁠—”

“Dad,” I said.

“What?”

“She’s pregnant. She’s not suddenly incapable of taking care of herself.”

“I know that, son.”

“You’ve been a grandfather for like five minutes,” I said.

“And?” His brow raised.

“You’re already being annoying.”

“Get used to it.” He pointed at me, and I smiled. “A year ago, if someone had told me we’d be sitting here having this conversation, I would’ve told them they were out of their mind.”

“I want an apology from you,” I said.

“For what?” My father’s brows furrowed.

“For your reaction when I came back from Los Angeles two months early. If I hadn’t, there would be no grandchild on the way for you,” I smirked.

“Fine. I apologize, son.”

“And?” I stared at him.

“You were right in coming back early. You have proven to me that you’re more than ready to take over the company.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I smiled.

“Now, there is something I want to talk to you about. But I’m not sure that with all of your exciting news you can handle it.”

I immediately became suspicious.

“What is it?” I asked.

He looked at Mary first and then turned his attention to Bella and me.

“I’ve decided to retire.”

“What?” I stared at him.