Page 52 of His Daughter

"All the more reason. We need to establish the relationship early." Julian was already gathering his jacket. "We'll stop to get her gifts on the way. I saw a place in Madison that sells cashmere baby clothes."

"I'm not buying cashmere for an infant," Nolan said.

"Fine. You can get a stuffed animal."

Nolan closed his eyes. "I’ll give you one hour."

Julian grinned. "That's the spirit."

We stopped at the shop on Madison. Julian disappeared inside and emerged ten minutes later, carrying a gift bag with tissue paper billowing from the top. Nolan walked to the shop next door and came back with a small brown paper bag.

"Don't say a word," Nolan said to Julian.

Julian crossed his hands over his lips.

We climbed into our respective cars and drove to my apartment next. The elevator opened onto the penthouse, and Nolan stepped out last. He looked at the foyer, the hallway, the lack of art or any colorful furniture.

It was then that I realized this was their first time in this apartment.

"Do you actually live here?" he asked.

"It looks like a hotel lobby, doesn’t it?" Julian chimed in.

I shook my head and started walking. "Thank you."

"That wasn't a compliment," Julian called after me.

Mrs. Parrish was in the hallway, coat on, bag in hand. She nodded at me. "Mr. Hale, the baby is with Dominique in the nursery." She glanced at Julian and Nolan. "Gentlemen."

"Mrs. Parrish." Julian gave her his most charming smile. "A pleasure, as always."

She frowned. "You've never met me."

"And yet the pleasure is already immense."

She blinked once, turned, and left.

Julian looked at me. "I like her."

I groaned. This was why I kept Julian as far away from my apartment as possible.

We went to the nursery first. Dominique was in the rocking chair with Lena on her shoulder. She stood when we walked in and transferred the baby to me. I took her with both hands carefully. She looked up at me with those blue eyes and blew a bubble.

Julian leaned in. His face was inches from hers. "My god, she's gorgeous. She looks nothing like you, Dec. Thank God for that."

"Thank you, Julian."

"I mean it. She must take after her mother, because there's no way this face…" He gestured at Lena. "...came from this face." He gestured at me.

I rolled my eyes. "Are you done?"

"Not even close." He reached for her. "Can I hold her?"

I transferred Lena into his arms.

He held her gently. "She's looking at me." He glanced at Nolan. "Is she judging me? She's definitely judging me." Nolan stood near the door. Arms at his sides. He didn't reach for her. He didn't step closer. "Your turn, Reeves," Julian said.

"No."