Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty Two - Our Daughter

Our luncheon continued with our table being the center of attention, because of the video that's circurlating staring, the daughter-in-law of the Knight's family threatening to 'kick a dry ass,' woman for discriminating against her daughter.

Throwing behind my back for the time being any negative backlashes that may result from this incident, in order to have an outing with my family, which is long overdue.

Anthony will be meeting us at home for some PR work but what I really need to do, is inform Hailey about Emmy's adoption and it's completion.

Bas, much to Mel and Hailey's irritation keep reading comments but by his smiles and reaction, I sense that it's all good, so far.

"Be right back," standing up, kissing Hailey on the head before walking towards the washroom and to order drinks for a toast, when I give her, the good news.

Emerging from the washroom, I bumped into my anxious wife.

Grabbing my hand, "we have to talk," she informs me nervously, pulling me into a secluded corner in the corridor.

Aware that she's concern about the video, I held her and stared down into her beautiful grays, which were her second most captivating feature.

"Relax," smiling, I hugged her, caressing her back affectionately. "It's fine and we're together in this okay?" I asked drawing her away to stare into her eyes, that's full of fear.

The last thing I want is for Hailey to have a panic attack right now, to add attention to herself.

"Adian, I want to ask for a favor," Hailey says staring at my chest. "I know it's sudden and we just lost..." her voice trails off, lifting her tearfilled eyes to mines once again.

I knew she was about to mention the loss of our baby.

It hurts that she suppresses our loss and I wait for the day, we can discuss it and never forget our first child.

Lowering her eyes to my chest once again, "This has nothing to do with our loss," Hailey whispers, her voice breaking up but I am interested in hearing her out because it's definitely important enough, for her to follow me to the washroom.

Reassuring her with another brief hug, "I'm listening," I said, coaxing her to continue.

Breathing in deeply, "I promised Emmy to adopt her but the court," pausing to take another deep breath, "didn't approve because I was young and single so I told her when I get married I would but then so many things happened in between that I just kept putting it off and then you bought her into our home so I was going to ask you and then we lost.." her mouthful of words was suddenly lost when she leaned her head against my chest.

Kissing the top of her head, "okay," I whispered sensing her body tensing up.

Drawing away, she frowns, lifting her eyes to mines once again.

"What?" She asks softly.

Nodding, "yes, she's already part of our family, so yes," I told her but now she turns away with a wistful smile.

"Hailey?" I whispered wondering what's happening in that complicated head of hers. "It's okay you know. You can tell me." I pushed her backwards to make room for a lady and her daughter to have access to the ladies room.

Looking back to me, "wouldn't it be a betrayal to our baby?" She frowns and I shook my head understanding her concern.

"No it won't." I responded quickly. Now was the time but not the place, but definitely the time. "Actually Emmy is already our legally adopted daughter," I smile watching her go from shock to a see a small smile on her lips and a light gleam in her eyes. "She's ours but..." it was mine turn to pause waiting, hoping for her to understand why I didn't share this before.

Nodding, Hailey draws away slowly and turns, making short quick strides back to our table.

Following quickly behind her, unaware once again of her train of thoughts but it was leading her to our table and Emmy!

We both arrived at the same time and took our seats and in silence continued eating the food in front us.

I wait for Hailey to say something but all she did was pick at her spaghetti, keeping her focus downwards.

Bas tries speaking to me in sign language concern Hailey's mood but I shrugged because I had not idea what she was thinking.

Adopting Emmy isn't betraying our child.

If it's anything, it's more like Emmy's our child's gift to us, for us to continue building our future as a family and encouragement to start again.

Hailey nudges me and when I look at her, she frowns, whispering softly. "So if the video gets bad reviews, would they take her back?" Raising her eyebrows, she wait for me to answer.

Since my thoughts didn't go in that direction, I shook my head, determined to fight for her, come what may!

"She's already ours, I promise you! No one will ever call her theirs, except us." Leaning closer I whisper back.

Pushing her plate aside, Hailey nods. "I'm ready to officially be her mom." Giggling softly, Hailey hugs my arm.

"Come on guys, keep it PG," Bas whines when I leaned to kiss Hailey's upturned lips.

Nodding to the waiter who hovered on the side with the bottle of sparking water I ordered on my way to the bathroom.

The waiter give us champagne glasses and started pouring, with my almost drunken friend is the only one to stare at the sparkling water in disgust.

"Seriously man?" He complains, shaking his head in disbelief.

Curling her lips in a mischievous smirk.

"We're taking your advise and keeping it PG," Hailey mocks him only to result in him glaring at us all except Emmy, who didn't understand.

Hailey lifts her glass motioning for Emmy to lift hers, "welcome to our family, Emmy!" She toasts, clinking a surprise Emmy's glass.