32 Business Plan

Lisa's P.O.V.

"You look so pretty, Mommy," Calliope flashed me those beautiful white teeth of hers.

She was my flower girl, and would walk in front of me as I made my way to my dream, to my Viking. Her sweet ruffled dress danced around her beautifully as she swayed before me. It was a light blush pink that looked so beautiful on her. I really think it's her favorite color.

"Thank you, but I think you look prettier."

Mom, Liv, and Calliope were all in the room with me getting ready. We had our hair and makeup done, all that was left to do was put the dress on. I never imagined I would be here, marrying a man like Davis, marrying Davis really. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get a man like him. One that loves so unconditionally, so protectively, so intensely. Yet here I stand ready to marry him, so ready, I may run down the aisle.

**Song suggestion: Fall Into Me by Forest Blakk**

The dress slid on my body like a glove, hugging my hips in its silky material. I stared at myself in the full-length mirror, wondering when my luck had turned for the better. There was no way my life could go this well for so long now. I guess with Dad gone, life really could be good.

"I'm ready," I told them all.

My heart was thundering like crazy against my chest with nerves. I knew the moment I laid eyes on my Viking I would feel better, but for some reason, my stomach was swirling with fear. Everyone would watch me as I enter and walk towards my future, and as beautiful as that is, it was also a bit nerve-wracking.

"My Knight, she's ready." Liv poked her head out of the door, calling to Lucas.

He entered the room with his black tux and salmon bowtie. He looked less tired than before as he stared down at his wife first. His hands brushed Liv's baby bump, that seemed to grow larger and larger every week. He bent down and kissed his wife sweetly, showing how much love he still holds for her. His eyes landed on me next, and he paused for a moment.

"You look great, Lisa." He smirked at me, a slight pink in his eyes like he could cry.

"Don't go getting emotional on me. I'm the one who's supposed to cry, not you."

He chuckled, before wiping at his eyes slyly. "I don't know what you're talking about."

We all took our spots, standing behind the glass doors leading out to the ceremony. The sun was bright and beautiful today, with some sparse clouds floating about. The grass looked so green, and when the doors opened, the scent of flowers caught my nose. Mom stepped out first, then Liv, followed by my sweet girl who was grinning ear to ear as she threw flowers.

"Let's get you married, but in no way does this make you Liv's step-mom or my mother-in-law." He held out his bent arm for me to take, and I placed my hand in the crook of his elbow, squeezing tight.

"Gross, don't say that."

We both stepped out into the warm rays of the sun, laughing. Lucas had calmed me with his comment, but the moment my eyes landed on my Viking, it was like the rest of the world faded. Davis wore a salmon pink shirt, no blazer, because good luck containing those muscles. He had on a pair of crisp white slacks and white dress shoes.

His hair was tied at the top, but left loose on the bottom, so it flowed in the wind as I walked towards him. I would forever remember this moment, this image of him would live rent free in my mind for all my life. I walked faster towards him, almost pulling Lucas with me.

"I'll race you there," Lucas whispered in my ear, picking up the pace so that he was dragging me now.

I smirked playfully, loving the way my brother plays around. It was unconventional, but we both practically sprinted down the aisle, laughing. When we met Davis at the end, under the arch, which was beautifully decorated with hanging white and pink flowers, Lucas gave him my hand.

"She's yours now. Take good care of her," Lucas told him, giving me a wink and a kiss on the cheek, before he went to sit.

The moment was more than I could handle, allowing my eyes to water and blur my vision for a moment before I blinked and let the tears fall. Davis' large thumb wiped them away with a kiss on my forehead. He led me to the priest who conducted our ceremony beautifully.

"The bride and groom will now share the vows they have written to one another."

"My dearest Viking, I can't believe we're finally here. It feels like just yesterday we were meeting for the first time, and now we're about to spend the rest of our lives together. You saved me from a dark and abusive relationship, and you taught me how to be strong again. You showed me I am capable of anything I set my mind to, and you always believe in me, even when I don't believe in myself." My voice shook with emotions and cracked at times as I fought against the tears.

"You are my best friend, my lover, and my soulmate. I love you more than words can say, and I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with you. I promise to always be there for you, to love you unconditionally, and to always put you first. You are my everything, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for us. I love you always and forever, My Viking."

"My Warrior, my love, my life. I never thought I would find love again after my first wife passed away. But then you came, and you brought me back from the darkness. You showed me that there is still joy in the world, and that love is possible even after loss." I think this was the first time I was seeing Davis cry. A single tear dared to defy him as it slowly slid down his cheek, caught somewhere in his facial hair.

"You are the strongest person I know, having faced so much in your life, but you have never given up. Let's not forget you are a fighter, always have been, even before I came into your life. I am so happy you can see that now. But you are also the most gentle and loving person I know. You have brought so much happiness into my life, and I am so grateful to have you as my wife. I love you more than words can express. I love the way you make me feel, and the way you make me laugh and I love the way you make me want to be a better man. I will love you forever and always, my warrior."

Our eyes shimmered, and our tears would sometimes slip as we looked into each other's eyes. The priest continued until I heard those beautiful words.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

And kiss me he did! I kiss so passionate, so full of love that I felt I would die unable to contain it. Calliope and Izzy both ran up to us and hugged us tightly when our lips finally parted. Our girls. Izzy was now mine too, and although I was less than a decade older than her, I would fight for her the same way I fight for Calliope. Whether either of us wanted to call me her step-mother, the fact was I was now.

I was married.

We walked like a family, with Davis and I leading the way towards the enclosed reception area inside. We snuck away to take pictures, including Izzy and Calliope. They were pictures I planned to adorn the walls of our home with. Izzy looked great in her suit with Calliope in her pink frilly dress. They were opposites, but looked so good beside one another. We laughed and acted stupid as a family and it was all captured on camera. These were some of the happiest moments of my life.

"Let's give a warm welcome to the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Havard."

"Ready to dance with me?" Davis asked with a playful smirk. He said he was to pick our song, and that it would be a surprise. I let him do it, because I was really curious what he would pick for us.

"As ready as ever."

He led me out to the dance floor, standing us right in the center. I waited for the music to start, half expecting him to have chosen a country song. It surprised me when I heard violins play instead.

"What song is this?" I asked him, amused, as we danced slowly.

"If Only My Heart Could Speak" by Cody Fry. I heard it on one of Liv's playlists and it spoke a little too well about the way I feel about you. It's hard to express how much I love you in words, only my heart knows. Too bad it can't talk."

I giggled as we danced, letting him twirl me about. Everyone watched us share this moment, yet it felt like it was only Davis and me in this large room, alone with the music. When it suddenly stopped, I snapped back to reality. Davis danced with Izzy next, and I happily danced with Calliope. Others joined us slowly as there were no parent dances to be had. Davis' parents died long ago, leaving Izzy with only her mother's mother as a grandparent. There was no father and bride dance to be had here. No, it's the groom and daughter instead, and I was just fine with that.

There's nothing more I could ask for than this moment here.

Davis' P.O.V.

"Good morning, my beautiful wife." I woke Lisa, brushing that long beautiful hair of hers back. We'd just gotten back from our week-long honeymoon, where we stayed in our room for almost the entire trip. We couldn't seem to break apart long enough to enjoy a lot of the things in Hawaii, but I wouldn't change how it went.

"Good morning, my handsome husband."

It was no longer a Viking and his Warrior. No, it was now a husband and his wife. Although, the Viking and Warrior were still there, just hidden for a moment.

"Do you think she's awake?" Lisa asked about our princess.

"Probably, she's missed us, even though she had fun with Izzy." I was surprised that Izzy offered to watch Calliope. At first Lisa's mother was going to, but I couldn't deny this sister bonding moment. Lisa's mom watched Calliope while Izzy worked, but our princess was with her sister most of the time.

"Then let's go greet her." Lisa beamed at me with that bright smile of hers. I kissed her tenderly, unable to hold back any longer.

The moment we stepped out of the room, Calliope collided against us with a big hug. She'd done the same when we had first picked her up from Izzy's yesterday.

"Good morning, Princess."

"Good morning, Daddy!"

"Let's go have some breakfast."

Lisa led the way down to the kitchen, and we all shared a meal together. Calliope told us all about how much fun she'd had at Izzy's house and how great Jared was. She clued me in that Jared had not been spending the night at all. Apparently, the kid showed up early in the morning, and came back in the afternoon. Izzy had just been pulling my leg this whole time, knowing I would think they were sleeping together. That little shit.

"I think I know what I am going to do with the money that comes from liquidating my dad's business," Lisa randomly told us after breakfast.

"I'm all ears."

"I was thinking about making tasers, and pepper sprays that don't look like it. I want to make them small, easy to use, and easily accessible to women. Not all of them have a Viking to teach them to fight. These things could help them if they were ever in a bad spot," she said, looking down at her hands, as if she was too shy to admit her plan.

"I was also thinking of opening a children's center. I want to have a place kids can go to play safely and I would hire trained workers there who can keep an eye on the children. They can look for signs of neglect or abuse and help the kids they feel may need it. I'll keep the place stocked with snacks and food for them. It'll sort of be like a Boys and Girls Club, but it'll be free. I'll try to get donations and claim it as a charity. I just never want to think of a kid on the streets like our Calliope was."

"I think it sounds perfect, Lisa. It's a great idea."

"Thank you." She blushed, but there was a wide smile on her face that showed me she was proud of herself, too.

"I'll help wherever you need me to."

"I know you will."

"How is she?" I asked Lucas as we watched Liv and Lisa chatting away.

"She's tired all the time, more than just pregnancy tired. She forces herself to eat for the baby, but she's still not eating very much. Thankfully, it's not any worse than that. The doctors are keeping a close eye on her, and they said we could try to deliver the baby early if needed. We'll know more when she hits her third trimester. They can start giving our baby boy steroids to help him grow in case they have to deliver him early."

"Baby boy? You're having a boy?" I smiled real wide. Those kids were going to be tough as nails.

"Yeah. We found out yesterday, but I don't know if I was supposed to tell you that or not, so you know nothing." I laughed at the fear that was clear in his eyes. Liv was a scary woman, so I completely understand him not wanting her to be mad.

"My lips are sealed. She'll get through this and the two of you will raise those kids together. I am sure of it." I nodded as if I could command the universe myself with just my words. If only.

"Thanks. I know she's got a fighting spirit from hell. Nothing can keep my girl down."

I know Lucas wanted desperately to believe my and his words, but it was hard to push those doubts and fears down. She has cancer, and it's scary as hell. But it wasn't a death sentence. She could beat this.

"Hey, I know you guys adopted Calliope already, but are you still looking into IVF or getting a surrogate?" He changed the subject quickly, trying to get his mind off it, I guess.

"Lisa said she still wanted to try IVF. She just wanted to give Calliope time to adjust."

"Well, it takes a while to do, so I set up an appointment for her already to see a great fertility doctor to get the process started. She can hit me if she wants, but I know she wants a little baby to hold. Not that Calliope isn't enough." Lucas surprised me with his words as he looked at his sister now. "I've never seen her so loved and so happy. Thank you, Davis. You've done something I couldn't. You've kept her safe and happy."

"No, it's me that should thank her. She's saved me, too. I am just glad we found each other. She'll probably be mad at first, but then I am sure she'll go to the appointment, anyway." I chuckled, thinking of the face she would make.

"Get a picture of that scowl when you tell her." Lucas laughed beside me.

Calliope joined us later with Izzy, who she has been spending a crap ton of time with here lately. I love it, but I also miss my princess. We all ate lunch, enjoying each other's company. Hell, I even enjoyed Jared's company when he came ten minutes after Izzy had arrived. Now that I knew that he hadn't slept with my daughter yet, I could tolerate him better.

"Can I speak with you, sir?" Jared's timid voice came from behind me as I loaded my plate into the dishwasher.

"I'm listening," I said, not turning around until after I dried my hands. He waited for me to look at him before he started, earning him some points in my book.

"I would like to start a serious relationship with your daughter. Iz is an amazing and strong woman, with the most caring heart. She's sweet and funny, and she makes me extremely happy and I hope that I make her happy too. I think I do, but I'll make sure to do an even better job. I know you don't want her to see anyone who isn't willing to talk to you first. So here I am, give me what you got. I can take it." He said, scared but determined. I stared down at him for a long while, waiting to see if he'd squirm. When he didn't, I smiled and let out the deep chuckle I'd been holding back.

"You're a good guy, Jared. You may date my daughter, but know if you ever hurt her, if you ever break her heart, I'll be coming for you. Not only would you be beaten half to death, I'd cut your balls right off. Don't think I'm kidding." I got serious again, seeing him register my threat before I smiled again. "You got my blessing, kid. Just keep my warning in mind."

With that, Jared skidded off back to Izzy's side. He didn't say a word to her, which was smart. She would be mad at him for even asking. She didn't think anyone should ask for permission to date her as she was her own woman. Too bad she was my daughter, and I say otherwise.

"What was that about?" Lisa asked, bringing me more plates.

"Just Jared being a smart man." I winked at her. "He's going to date my Izzy, and you're going to start IVF treatments so we can have our own baby."

"Wait, what?" Lisa stared at me, a bit dumbfounded.

"You heard me, woman. I want to have a little baby with you, so I will stick your ass with a needle and deal with your crazy hormones so that we can make that happen. You have an appointment set up by Lucas." Oh, the face she made was priceless, and I somehow captured it on camera even with my wet hands.

"I didn't even say I was ready. Calliope has only been with us for a few months. What if having the baby makes her feel like we're trying to replace her or something?" She seemed worried, angry, and excited all at once. Her face kept changing with each emotion.

"Don't worry, we'll talk to her about it. She will understand. She seems to enjoy having a sister. I am sure she won't mind another sibling."

I hugged her, trying not to touch her with my wet hands, but holding her tightly against me with my arms. She rested her head against my chest and gave me a small smile.

"Okay. We talk to her first, and if she's okay with it, then I'll go to the appointment."

"Deal."

It was getting dark by the time everyone left, having stayed for dinner as well. Lisa and I seem to have a welcoming house, since no one wanted to leave. Our attention was now on our princess and the conversation we needed to have with her. We sat her on the couch between us and got ready to have a serious conversation. I had to remember that she was a child even if she was a super genius. She was still learning how to name and deal with her emotions, and this was going to bring up emotions she may be unsure of.

"We wanted to talk to you about us having a baby." I got right to the point.

"You will always be our child, no matter whether we have babies of our own. You are the daughter that made me a mother first, and nothing will change that." Lisa held Calliope's hands as she spoke, seeming teary eyed.

"You are special, and amazing, and although we didn't create you, you were made for us. We want you to keep that mind through all this," I added.

"I may not be able to carry my baby, but I want to try. If I can't carry it, I can have someone else do it for me and your daddy. These women are called surrogates. Your father and I would get a surrogate, if my IVF treatments don't work, and have her carry the embryo we would make. It doesn't always work, but we are hoping it will for us. That baby will have Davis and my blood running through them, but they would be just as much our child as you are. There will be no difference between the two of you except how you look. Do you understand?" Lisa tackled the delicate subject graciously.

"I understand, Mommy.. I really thought you were going to tell me you were pregnant. I am sorry you can't carry the baby yourself, Mommy." Calliope gave Lisa a big hug, honestly feeling upset for her mother.

"Thank you, sweetheart. Are you sure you're okay with us having a baby? We can wait until you are ready, Calliope. You are a big part of this family and having a baby is a big deal, one that can't be taken back."

"I know, Mommy. I am sure that I want you and Daddy to have a baby." She nodded her head.

"Thank you, princess." I rubbed her curly hair, frizzing it the same way I do Liv's. She just smiled up at me without a care in the world.

Seems I was going to have two adoptive daughters, my first-born girl, and now a new baby. I would be a father of four, and I could not wait to see what Lisa and my baby would look like. Starting late in life would make things better. I knew what I was getting myself into, and I could be here to better support Lisa through it.

My family would always be my top priority. Thank you, Lisa, for bringing love and happiness back into my life.