Zane's entire face lit up with enthusiasm. "Yes," he cried, bouncing slightly in his seat. "My friend said his mommy has a baby in her tummy. Does Mommy have one too?"
Nathaniel's lips curved into a faint smile. "Not yet. But if you really want it, maybe I'll talk to Mommy."
Hope flickered inside him. If he approached Zara the right way, if she saw how serious he was about building a real family, maybe she would reconsider. Maybe she would forgive him and stay.
"But it'll be our secret," he added, cautioning Zane. "You won't tell anyone, alright?"
Zane nodded solemnly, mimicking his serious tone. "Secret. I promise."
Nathaniel wiped his hands with a napkin and stood up, checking his watch. "Alright, time to go. The driver will take you back to the mansion. I have to leave for a business trip and will be back on Sunday. You stay with Grandma for now, okay? Once I'm back… I'll bring you home. The three of us – you, me, and your mommy – will stay together. Like before."
