He Wants An Open Marriage? Done!

Richard slowly lifted his right hand toward her, but he hesitated halfway, his fingers hovering in the air between them. He searched her eyes for permission.

Roxanne looked back at him, a gentle smile curving her lips as she offered a nod.

Taking a quiet breath, Richard placed his broad palm gently against her stomach, the warmth of his skin seeping through the soft fabric of her dress. He leaned in close and whispered, "Hello."

Roxanne felt her heart swell in her chest. This tender moment was the last thing she had anticipated when they set out for the weekend, but standing here in his hold, a deep wave of gratitude washed over her.

Before she could process the emotion between them, Richard slid one arm beneath her knees and scooped her up into his arms. A surprised giggle escaped her throat as he carried her across the room and set her down with care onto the plush mattress.

"I am pregnant, Richard, not sick," Roxanne said, looking up at him as she adjusted her robe.

"I am well aware," Richard replied, leaning down to press a soft kiss against her forehead. "However, you need to rest." He straightened up, letting out a sharp exhale as he rolled up his sleeves. "Now, I am going downstairs to make you something to eat."

Roxanne broke into a warm laugh. "Do you even know how to turn on a gas stove?" she teased.

Richard pressed his hand over his heart, a chuckle rumbling in his chest. "You underestimate me," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I happen to make the absolute best toast in the city."

Roxanne pushed herself off the mattress and slid her feet to the floor. "In that case, that is something I refuse to miss. Let us go."

Richard smiled, stepping toward her. "I would love for you to see me cook, but I genuinely think you should stay in bed and—"

"No, Richard. I am completely fine, I promise," Roxanne insisted, wrapping her fingers around his hand.

Richard studied her stubborn expression for a second before yielding with a quiet nod.

Together, they made their way down the grand staircase toward the spacious kitchen on the ground floor. As they approached the door, the rich aroma of freshly baked bread drifted through the hallway.

Roxanne closed her eyes for a beat, inhaling the warm air. It had been years since she smelled that comforting scent of a real home.

"What are the two of you doing down here?" Mercedes asked as they stepped into the bright space. She paused from her prep table, wiping her hands on a cloth. "You should be resting upstairs, Roxanne. And Richard—" She stopped short, her eyes narrowing playfully. "What business do you have in my kitchen?"

Richard did not miss a beat. He grabbed a linen apron hanging by the counter and moved directly toward the gas cooktop. "We are expecting a baby, Mercedes, and I am going to prepare my wife’s— Roxanne’s very first meal."

A chorus of shocked gasps echoed from the kitchen staff. Mercedes dropped her cloth, her face lighting up with pure joy as she rushed over to wrap Roxanne in a warm, tight hug. "Congratulations to both of you! Oh, my goodness, I could not be happier!"

Richard paused, turning his head to look at Mercedes and the rest of the staff. "I must ask that this news remains strictly within these walls for now," he said as his gaze swept the room.

Every member of the staff nodded in immediate understanding.

"Good then," Richard said, turning his attention back to the counter. He looked around the stainless-steel prep station, his brows pulling together. "Now, I need this burner lit. I need to get the toast started. Roxanne is hungry."

Roxanne leaned against the island counter, a small smile playing on her lips as she watched him navigate the kitchen with earnest determination.

Richard dipped the first thick slice of bread into a bowl of whisked eggs, laid it into the hot skillet, and turned to look at Roxanne. Leaving the pan on the heat, he stepped over to her side, leaning in to press a tender kiss against her temple.

"I know you are feeling overwhelmed right now," Richard murmured, his voice dropping. "I want you to know that I am right here with you. Always." He lowered his hand to rest against her belly, his touch feather-light. "Both of you."

Roxanne nodded, leaning her cheek slightly into his hand. Then her nose twitched, her brows scrunching up as a sharp scent hit her lungs.

Richard frowned at her sudden reaction. "What is it?"

"Something is burning," Roxanne said.

Richard’s eyes widened in sudden panic, and he spun around, rushing back to the stove. "Oh, no," he muttered, grabbing a spatula to flip the blackened slice of bread out of the skillet.

Roxanne and Mercedes both burst into laughter. The next twenty minutes flew by in lighthearted chatter as Richard successfully made a fresh batch of golden toast with Mercedes subtly guiding his hand.

A short while later, Richard and Roxanne sat out on the sunlit terrace overlooking the estate garden. Roxanne lifted a small piece of the French toast to her lips, but the moment the rich flavor hit her tongue, her stomach turned, threatening to reject it instantly.

"Are you alright?" Richard asked immediately, setting his fork down as he watched her face pale.

Roxanne shook her head, setting the fork aside and reaching for the mug of hot chocolate he had prepared instead. She took a slow sip, letting the warm sweetness settle in her gut. "Now, this is wonderful," she said, offering him a faint smile.

Richard let out a relieved breath and nodded.

Roxanne set the mug down, leaning back against her woven chair with a soft sigh. She looked across the small glass table at his handsome face. "How do you truly feel about me being pregnant?" she asked softly.

Richard rested his elbows on the table, setting his fork down as he looked at her. His gaze drifted slowly from her eyes down to her stomach, then back up to meet her look.

"I don’t think I’ve found the right word yet," he admitted, his deep voice thoughtful. "Peace, maybe. I’ve spent most of my life chasing success." He paused, searching her face. "This is the first time I’ve wanted time to slow down."

Roxanne let out a long breath. "To be completely honest, I am terrified," she confessed. "I am terrified that I might fail our child, or that I won’t be present enough, like my mother was with me."

Richard reached across the table, wrapping his hand around hers and squeezing firmly. "I understand," he said softly. "But I can assure you without a doubt that you will be an extraordinary mother."

He offered a gentle smile, though it dimmed slightly as a thought crossed his mind. Roxanne raised her brows. "My only real concern is that you will end up being the strict parent."

Roxanne let out a light laugh. "Well, time will tell," she teased, tilting her head. "What kind of father do you think you will be?"

Richard leaned back in his seat, his dark eyes fixing on the rolling green hills beyond the terrace wall as he contemplated the question. "The kind who shows up," he answered simply.

Roxanne’s expression softened. "I like that very much."

Richard nodded, his jaw setting as he reflected on his past. "My father was far from perfect. He did what he could within his means, but he made several mistakes with us that I refuse to repeat with my own family. I want a close-knit family. I never want our home to feel like an extension of the office."

"I love that vision, Richard," Roxanne said gently. "They say our past traumas shape us, but I believe we have the power to decide how they define our future."

Richard looked back at her, the muscles along his jaw ticking as he fought against the tears threatening to spill. He swallowed. "I just want to be the best father I can possibly be."

Roxanne reached out, gently covering his hand with her own. "You are going to be wonderful," she said, her tone filled with absolute conviction.

Richard gave a single nod. He reached over, laying his warm palm against her belly once more, his gaze lingering on her body as a single tear escaped his lash line and traced down his cheek.

"I will give everything I have to ensure it," he whispered. He lifted his eyes, locking his gaze directly onto hers. "I have one request to ask of you."

Roxanne’s brows pulled together in curiosity, her heart skipping a quick beat. What is he thinking?

"Come home with me, Roxanne," Richard blurted out, holding her stare with intense sincerity, his hand still resting on her belly.

Roxanne swallowed hard, her throat bobbing as the weight of his request hung between them in the quiet morning air.

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