Chapter 314
In the hotel room, Latham leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to the corner of her lips. “Did you rush over because you couldn’t wait to share the good news with me p>
Dorothea shook her head, then nodded, a little unsure.
He laughed softly. “So which is it p>
His handsome face was so close, Dorothea couldn’t help but kiss his cheek. “You have to promise you won’t get upset. Albert came to see me today. He brought some files p>
“There were some voice recordings and a picture of us together from when I was in elementary school. Latham, did you really start liking me back then p>
Her eyes shimmered, bright and watery.
How could he have liked her when she was just a kid? Dorothea had to ask.
Latham’s gaze turned serious, making a mental note to have a word with Albert later.
“Thank you for trusting me and letting me explain. Do you remember that time you got cornered by some troublemakers behind your school? You were in your uniform, tiny and skinny, but you pulled a fountain pen from your backpack and threatened them. Told them if they messed with you, you wouldn’t let it slide p>
Back then, Latham was in that rebellious stage where he couldn’t stand anyone, not even his dad or Scott. Schoolwork was a breeze, running the family business felt pointless, and he didn’t care about college at all. But that day, as the sun set and colored your face red, he did something out of character. For someone who never cared much about justice or getting involved, he called the police for her.
Dorothea thought back, her eyes lighting up. “That was you who called the cops that day p>
“Yeah. So our first meeting probably counts from then p>
Latham’s lips curled into a small smile as he spoke. “Ever since that day, it seems like I kept running into you when you were at your messiest p>
“Like when you clutched your ripped-up sheet music, crying your eyes out, but then somehow managed to put on a brave face for the group photo p>
“I knew you lived with your grandparents and a mom who acted more like a stepmother p>
“I knew you loved piano, and that you always slowed down when you walked past the music store p>
Latham gave a soft, self-mocking laugh. “And I knew you used to sneak up to the high school fence, hoping for a glimpse of someone special p>
Dorothea felt her face heat up. Back then, she was six grades below them, and she really did have a silly crush on Albert. She’d sneak over to the old school grounds, looking for any sign of him.
He wasn’t trying to bring up the past to embarrass her. “Every time I ran into you, you were tangled up in some kind of trouble p>
“I figured, this little troublemaker needs someone to keep her safe. And I wanted to be that person p>
Latham’s eyes were bright and intense. “Dorothea, I honestly don’t know when I started caring about you so much p>
“Maybe it was in high school. Maybe in college. Maybe even earlier p>
“But I swear, I’m not some creep. I just waited for you to grow up p>
Dorothea’s nose stung. “I know. I really do p>
“I’m sorry. I might’ve doubted you for, like, a second. Really, just a second.” She looked at him, a little sheepish.
Latham moved closer and whispered in her ear. “It’s fine
Pregnant ladies are the boss
Thank you, baby. “We’re goingto have a daughter.” fo
Dorothea wiped her tears, laughing. “Who told you it’s a girl p>
“I just know, okay? Trust me, it’s definitely a girl p>
After Latham quickly wrapped up his work, the two of them took his private jet home.
As soon as they landed, Latham seemed determined to be extra sure, so he took her straight to the hospital again.
Dorothea had to get her blood drawn twice, for no real reason, by the same OB doctor.
“Sir, are you questioning our hospital’s technology?” the doctor asked.
“No, not at all. I just want to know—this baby’s a girl, right p>
Dorothea stared at him, speechless.
The doctor was equally lost for words.
Dorothea ended up dragging Latham out of the hospital.
Her whole mood had flipped from sweet to fierce. She put her hands on her hips and scolded him No. one check’s the gender at four weeks, and anyway, we’re not allowed to p>
“Enough. Let’s go home p>
Latham let out a disappointed sigh. “Really? They can’t tell? Must be their tech isn’t good enough p>
“Don’t get mad, honey. Getting mad isn’t good for you or the baby p>
Sitting in the car, Dorothea thought about all those stories she’d read online about clueless dads messing up during pregnancy checkups.
Well, it looked like they’d managed to become a joke themselves, and it was only day one.
Latham and Dorothea didn’t plan to
keep the pregnancy a secret. In fact,
Latham was already typing out a
message to the family
techa p>
while they were still in the car.