Love & Secrets (Unedited)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Rosemary

Our first week being a family of four was pretty rough. Not going to say it's sunshine and rainbows now because it's not. But it's better. Rome still hasn't mentioned the baby being born or how he has custody of Josh, to his family. That is why I talked to him about it last night and he agreed to invite them all over for dinner tonight.

Is he upset?
Yes.
Has he been avoiding his mother?
Big yes.

It's Saturday so Rome is home. He said while I prep for dinner tonight, he will tend to the children. Josh has taken being a big brother, pretty well. He helps us with diaper changes and bath time. And when I do give Emy a bottle he loves feeding her. He gives her hugs and kisses all the time and gets so protective over her.

  His mother did contact us and Rome had a conversation with her but it wasn't much. Rome's lawyer told us not to mention any private details with her that her own lawyer will tell her anything she needs to know.

  She only called once so far though.

I'm taken from my thoughts when the timer goes off. I take the baked pasta out of the oven and add the apple pie Rome requested. I set the table with plates and utensils along with napkins. Then I cover the pasta to keep it hot and make sure we have drinks.

  The doorbell rings and Rome heads to the door after handing me Emersyn. I add her into my baby wrap against my body and set out the cups. "Oh what's this? Why is he here?" I hear Becca say with disgust in her voice. I roll my eyes and continue with prepping while I listen in on their conversation.

  "He's here because he's my son. The son you kept away from me by lying about the dna test." I hear a couple gasps which means his sisters came with their parents. "You deserve better than to be connected to that lowlife wench. She lied to you about being pregnant until she couldn't deliver the pretend baby. I want better for you. I'm only protecting you." Becca says with annoyance in her voice.

  "This is pointless I don't see why you came to this dinner. You will never be happy for me." Rome says trying to hide the pain in his voice. My heart feels for him. While I envy he has his parents in his life I feel sorry he has to deal with the negativity. A child no matter their age should have a loving and supportive parent.

  Since I can't help him with that I'll always try my best to be a loving and supportive wife. I take in a deep breath and release it before heading closer to them. "Son, we are happy as long as you are happy." His father, Albert, speaks up this time. He has sincerity in his voice like he truly means it.

  "You have an amazing way of showing it, dad." Rome says and the girls agree in the background. "You are right. We do need to be better. I think your mother just needs time to adjust and accept you are a father. She shouldn't have lied to you and I shouldn't have went along with it." He says honestly and Rome laughs. "I'm not surprised that you knew. The both of you are meant for each other."

  "Rome, I'm trying to change and be the father you deserve. I'm saying I'm sorry." Albert says and Rome just laughs again. "This is why you want me to accept it? So he can be a disrespectful snot?" Becca says. "Can you stop? Seriously Becca, do you want to lose our son? You're being so ignorant! My mother didn't like you and you're still in the picture! Stop acting like the women you hate, the women who tried to keep us apart once upon a time." Albert says, annoyed and frustrated with his wife.

  Becca doesn't say anything in return. "Where's Rosemary? I want to see her cute belly!" Lily says breaking the silence and changing the subject. "Right, let me go get her." Rome says and walks into the hallway and sees me. He looks tense and unhappy. When he reaches me I wrap my arms around him, carful not to squish our daughter in between us. His shoulders relax and I pull back and take his face into my hands. "Are you okay baby?" His light hazel eyes bore into mine, sucking me in.