Chapter 245

Howard's POV

Monday evening at seven. Lucy returned to my Long Island mansion after spending the weekend with the Parkers and her friend Penny. I was surprised by how much I had missed the little one after just a weekend apart.

"Daddy!" Lucy ran toward me the moment she spotted me, wrapping her arms around my legs. Her golden head tilted back, blue eyes sparkling with excitement.

I crouched down and lifted her into my arms. "Did you have fun?"

"It was awesome!" She wiggled excitedly. "Penny and I went to the aquarium and saw so many fish! There was a shark this big-" she stretched her small arms wide, "it almost bit me!"

"Really?" I raised an eyebrow, recognizing her childish exaggeration.

Annie emerged from the kitchen wearing simple loungewear that somehow still made my heart skip a beat. Lucy immediately squirmed out of my arms and flew toward Annie like a small bird.

"Mommy!" she cheered, throwing herself into Annie's arms. "I missed you!"

"I missed you too, sweetheart." Annie's voice was velvet-soft as she caught Lucy and kissed her forehead. The sight filled my chest with warmth.

The Parkers-Lucy's maternal grandparents-seemed more relaxed since accepting Annie's presence. They were staying in my guest room

temporarily, which delighted Lucy, giving her more time with her grandparents.

"We took Lucy and Penny to the aquarium," Edward Parker smiled. "The girls had a wonderful timne."

"Yes," Eleanor added gently, "Lucy is such a good child. We enjoy spending time with her."

"We'll head upstairs to unpack," Edward said. "We have some matters to attend to tomorrow."

After they went upstairs. Lucy pulled Annie to the sofa, eager to continue sharing her adventures.

"Then Penny said she wants to be an actress when she grows up!" Lucy chattered while sitting on Annie's lap. "I told her I could draw comics for her! Just like you, Mommy!"

I sat across from them, my heart racing. Tonight was when Annie and I had agreed to talk with Lucy. Looking at them together,I knew I wanted this to be my everyday reality for the rest of my life.

With the Parkers upstairs, only the three of us remained in the living room.

Lucy was still enthusiastically recounting her weekend, but my thoughts had already drifted to our upcoming conversation.

"Lucy," I began when she paused to take a sip of water, "Annie and I have something we'd like to discuss with you."

Lucy immediately quieted, her eyes widening. Children are always sensitive to phrases like "we need to talk."

"Is it something bad?" she asked nervously.

"No. of course not," Annie reassured her gently. "It's just something we'd like your opinion on."

I took a deep breath, held Annie's hand, and drew strength from her gentle squeeze.

"Lucy," I said as calmly as possible, "you know Annie and I love each other very much,right?"

Lucy nodded solemnly, wearing an expression that said this was obvious.

"We're thinking about getting married," I stated directly, "but we wanted to hear your thoughts first. If you don't want us to get married, we won't."

Lucy's brow furrowed immediately, her mouth opening slightly,seemingly surprised by how seriously we were taking her opinion.

"What would be different if you got married?" she asked,sounding confused.

I explained patiently: "Legally, Annie would become my wife and officially your stepmother. You already call her 'Mommy,' but after marriage,this title would be legally recognized."

Lucy fell silent, her small hands nervously fidgeting with the hem of her dress. Her brow furrowed slightly as her eyes moved between Annie and me,considering something important.

"Mommy," Lucy finally spoke, her voice softer than usual, "can I talk to Daddy alone?"

This request surprised both of us. Annie glanced at me, then nodded gently to Lucy: "Of course,sweetheart."

I took Lucy's hand and led her to my study, closing the door softly.She looked nervous, which made my heart clench.

"What is it. angel?" I knelt down to meet her at eye level.

Lucy stared at the floor, her voice almost a whisper: "If you marry Mommy,will you still be nice to me?"

A sharp pain shot through my chest as I immediately understood her concern. "Lucy, look at me," I gently lifted her chin. "I love you. You are my daughter. That will never change."

"You won't take Mommy away from me?" Her straightforward question made me feel both amused and tenderly concerned.

Truthfully, I sometimes secretly "jealous," wishing I could have more of Annie's time. But looking at Lucy's serious little face, I knew what she needed was honesty and reassurance.

"No," I shook my head firmly, a slight smile playing at my lips. "To be honest, sometimes I also want to keep Mommy all to myself. But Annie has enough love for both of us. Getting married will only make the three of us a happier family. But if you're uncomfortable,we can wait-"

"I need to think about it," she interrupted. "It's a big decision."

I couldn't help smiling; her occasional maturity always surprised me. "Of course, little one. Take your time. No one will rush you."

We returned to the living room where Annie looked at us expectantly, but I shook my head slightly to indicate we didn't have an answer yet. Lucy went to Annie and tugged at her sleeve.

"Mommy, can I seep with you tonight?" she asked timidly.

I instinctively tightened my grip on Annie's hand, subtly indicating my objection. Since confirming our relationship, spending each night with Annie had become something I looked forward to. But Annie just smiled gently.ignoring my small gesture.

"Of course, sweetheart." she said. "We'll sleep together."

Lucy's expression immediately brightened, and she skipped upstairs to prepare for her bath. Annie turned to me,her eyes filled with apology and understanding.

"Give her some time," she said softly, squeezing my hand. "She just needs security."

I nodded, pulling Annie closer to feel her warmth. "I know. Her feelings are most important. We're not in a rush." I kissed her forehead. "After all.I've waited this long-what's a little longer?"

Annie raised an eyebrow. "Waited this long?"

I quickly changed the subject: "I mean, after being a single father for so many years, waiting a bit longer is no problem."

Annie looked at me thoughtfully, as if wanting to ask something more, but ultimately just smiled and shook her head. I secretly felt relieved she didn't pursue it-some secrets weren't ready to be shared yet.

Watching Annie go upstairs to be with Lucy, I stood in the center of the living room, my heart full of anticipation for the future. Whatever Lucy decided, the three of us were already a family, and that would never change.