Against the Odds (Fighting to Survive #2)(39)

“Okay, I’m listening.”

“First of all, I wanted to get the mother of my children something special.” He carefully hands me the black velvet box and adds, “I hope you like it.”

“The mother of your children. I like the way that sounds.” I kiss him.

“Me, too.”

“I have no idea what it is, but I love it.” I lean up and kiss him again. “Should we talk first, or should I open this first?” I'm not sure what to do.

“There’s a press conference scheduled in two weeks in Vegas.”

“Kennedy will be there?” I ask. I fear that man, and I’m frightened for Robert to fight him.

“Yes, and his team. They’ll be more people in attendance this time.”

Hold it together, Leah. “Good. Now’s a good time. With Grace being born, there isn’t anything holding you back. Will Dad, Gus, and your dad go with you?”

“Yes, they all will be there.”

“Good, then it’s time your start training seriously. Everyday. I want you training like a warrior,” I say honestly and sincerely.

“That’s the plan.”

“And on May 2nd you’ll retire?”

“No more boxing,” he confirms.

“Win or lose?” I want him to say it.

“Win or lose.” He looks at me and says, “There’s one more thing.”

“You have my undivided attention.”

“I thought I would. We also have a court date for custody of Madison a few days before the press conference.”

“Custody? I thought we would be arguing over visitation?”

Robert inhales and then exhales slowly. “When several attempts from Bruce trying to contact the Sinclairs’ attorney have failed, I told Bruce to file for full custody.”

“When were you going to tell me?” I ask.

“I didn’t want to tell you while you were pregnant. I knew how upset the baby got whenever you were stressed,” he says and it’s the truth. He adds, “Now we have leverage, Leah. Now we have something to work with. If they deny us custody, we’ll ask for visitation.”


“And what if we don’t get either?”

“What if we do?” He looks from one eye to the other. “I want you to trust me, Leah. I’ve been working very closely with Bruce on this. We have so much going for us.”

“I trust you, Robert.” I don’t stutter and I speak calmly, although I’m scared that this plan may not work. “If you think this is what’s right for our family, I trust you to do what you think is best. I’m ready to move forward with Madison in our family, and I’m also prepared to get this fight with Kennedy over with and put that chapter behind us.”

“Thank you, Leah.”

“Did you buy me this as a peace offering?” I ask, shaking the black velvet box.

“I wish I were that smart,” he laughs. “I bought it because I thought you would love it.” I watch him and he nods to the box, “Please open it, Sweets.”

I look at the box and open it slowly. Inside is a platinum infinity heart with five colored stones that adorn the right side of the heart symbol. I lightly touch the necklace and the stone. I don’t have to ask what the stones mean. I know the stones are birthstones. One is mine, one is Robert's, one is Gracie’s and since Jamie and Madison are born on the same day and month, their stones match and are side by side. “Thank you, I love it.” I lean in and kiss him sweetly.

“You understand what it is, right?”

“It’s a necklace with each of our birthstones are on it. Mine and yours, and one each of our three daughters.” He smiles and I say, “And the infinity heart means that you’ll love us forever.”

Robert

I kiss Leah softly and passionately. “I love you,” I say in between kisses.” I cup her cheeks with my hands and search her eyes. When I say I love her, it just isn’t enough. She is my world. What do you tell someone who you would die for? I would give my life for hers without any hesitation.

“I love you, too.”

Leah pulls me on top of her as she lays back on the bed. As I keep my weight off of her, I stare into her eyes. God, I love her. She wraps her hands into my hair and pulls me closer to her. My dick instantly becomes hard and I release a low growl. It’s been so long since I’ve been buried deep inside her, it’s all I want to do. It’s all I can think about. I grind slowly in rhythm to hers and she moans louder. “Do you have any condoms?” she whispers so softly and sensually into my ear.

I lick the shell of Leah’s ear and whisper, “Why would I need a condom?” I slide my tongue along her jawline to her other ear. I just want to taste her and lose myself in her.

She kisses me and moans, “I’m not on the pill yet. Remember?”

My mind shifts back to the here and now. Gracie, premature, sex, too soon, a six-week checkup. I stop kissing her and lean further up off the bed. I blink a few times and will my hard-on to go down. “We can’t.” I stutter.

“Yes, we can. I feel fine. I want this, Robert,” she begs.

“It’s too soon,” I say with a hard cock. I wish my dick would listen to the words I am speaking. I try to get up from the bed, but Leah wraps her legs around my hips.