Damn. I love red wine. I couldnt think of something better to say.

Try it, Cassandra, he pressured. The bottle was fifty dollars so you better drink it.

Honestly, the wine was cheap and bitter. I could tell her dad didnt know enough about wine even though he acted like he did. And fifty bucks meant the wine was pretty much piss. I didnt know how Cassandra was going to get out of this one.

Im not drinking alcohol at the moment, she said gracefully.

Joey chuckled. Yeah right.

Im not, she said calmly.

Since when? her mother asked. Are you trying to lose weight?

No, Cassandra said.

Maybe shes an alcoholic, Dean teased.

No. Im not drinking alcohol because Im pregnant. She said it simply, like the information wasnt new or interesting. She held her posture and remained calm. I prepared for the attack. I knew they wouldnt be pissed at her. The blame would be put on me, the guy who came inside her.

Her entire family flinched at the words.

Your pregnant? her mother asked. She still held her fork in her hand.

Yes. Cassandra gave me a fond look. And were very excited about it. She squeezed my thigh.

You knocked up my daughter? Dean asked, his face red.

I didnt respond verbally, but I met his gaze like a man.

How far along are you? Jenny asked.

Almost six weeks, Cassandra said happily.

We only got seven and a half more months to go. I wanted to show my excitement.

So, you knock up my daughter then expect me to take you to dinner? Dean asked. This is a really great first impression.

I insist on paying for the meal, I said politely. And Im not going to hide what happened between your daughter and I. I love her and Im very excited about the baby. Its the greatest thing thats ever happened to me.

Jennys eyes softened. How sweet If you dont marry my daughter, Ill kill you, he threatened.

Dad, calm down, Cassandra barked. Well get married because we want to get married.

Which I do, I added. I was hoping to get your permission to ask tonight.

Why should I give you permission? he asked. You clearly dont care for it.

This was not going well.

Dad, knock it off, Cassandra hissed.

Its okay, baby, I said gently.

Hows this guy ever going to take care of you? Dean snapped. He works in investments? What does that even mean?

I held my tongue, not revealing my true identity.

I can take care of myself, Cassandra spat. I dont need anyone to take care of me.

I make plenty of money to support Cassandra, I said. She doesnt have to work if she doesnt want to.

Im sure, he said sarcastically.

This dinner was officially an epic failure. I was ready to leave. I did my best and tried to make a good impression, but her pregnancy threw all that out the window.

Why dont you go back to Zander? Dean snapped. At least he knew the meaning of respect.

I clenched my fists under the table. I cant believe Cassandra didnt tell them the truth.

Cassandra rested her hand on mine. Dont, she whispered. Lets go.

I rose out of the booth and grabbed three hundred dollars out of my wallet. I slapped it on the table then put my business card on the surface, right under his nose. I do a little more than just investments. My estimate worth is half a billion. Google it. I knew I shouldnt have done that but I didnt care. I could fucking take care of my damn girl. I grabbed Cassandra by the hand and pulled her out of the restaurant, not looking back at her pathetic family.

You shouldnt have done that, Cassandra said when we walked into the apartment.

I pulled my jacket off and tossed it on the back of the couch. Well, I did, I snapped.

My dad was just in shock about the whole thing. He would have calmed down in a couple of days and apologized.

I snapped, okay? Nobody tells me I cant take care of my girl. I put my hands on my hips and breathed through the frustration. In case you didnt notice, the Prestons take that very seriously. Theres no worse offense.

But you dont need a billionaire to do that. Being a good father and husband has nothing to do with money.

It has everything to do with it, I snapped. His purpose is to provide, and I will provide for you. I will give you the damn world. How dare he insult me like that?

She put her hands on my arms and rubbed the muscle gently. Mike, calm down.

That dinner was a fucking fiasco.

She shrugged. We tried. We cant beat ourselves up over it. But I do appreciate your effort.

I was still annoyed so I didnt look at her.

Mike?

What?

I dont care what my parents think. I love you and want you for the rest of my life.

Her light voice and tone sheathed the anger and frustration I felt. It was hard to be upset when I had this beautiful woman looking at me with nothing but adoration. I was her whole world, her hero, her idol. And that gave me purpose.

She kissed the corner of my mouth, making my breathing hitch. She could set me on fire no matter how pissed I was. Her hand gripped my tie and she pulled me toward the couch. She pushed me down then moved into my lap. The dress she wore moved up, exposing her upper thighs.

My pants were unbuttoned, and they were yanked down along with my boxers. I knew what was about to happen and I was looking forward to it.

Thank you for trying, she said as she moved to her knees.

My hand fisted her hair, wanting to hold on before her lips sealed around me.

Cassandra kissed the tip then licked her tongue across the surface, making me moan in desire. She gave me a playful look while she did it, driving me wild. I squeezed her hair, wanting to have some control.

She slowly moved me to the back of her throat, taking me all like a pro. I leaned my head back and bit my lip because it felt so good. Cassandra gave the best head in the world. It was like she used to be a man at one point in time, understanding exactly what felt good.

I looked down at her, seeing her sheath me over and over. I could let her do this to me forever, but I had the urge to hold her, to connect to her. When our bodies were combined, everything else faded away. Nothing could stop us from being together.

I pulled her head back gently, removing my cock from her mouth. Then I grabbed her in my arms and carried her to the bedroom we shared. I lay her down then pulled her clothes away. My cock was still wet so I slipped in immediately.

You dont like getting head? she asked with a moan.

I love it. I just love making love to you more. I cupped her face and kissed her, parting her lips slowly. Her long legs wrapped around me and pulled me close. I rocked into her gently, not in any hurry to finish. Her arms hooked around my neck, anchoring me to her.

I never knew what making love was like until Cassandra came into my life, and it was so much better than fucking. All those lonely nights where I met some random girl in a bar and took her back to my place were depressing. I didnt remember their names, and I didnt even remember them most of the time. Now it felt like none of that ever happened. Cassandra was all I knew. Itd been her all along. And I couldnt wait to spend the rest of my life with her"and only her.

The Next Installment of the Forever and Always Series.

Love Conquers All.

end.