**I'm so sorry that it's taken so long to write this! But I'm working on these updates as quickly as possible.**
**Hayden's POV**
Dasha had mentioned her grandparents a couple of times before, but I wasn't one hundred percent sure why she seemed so worried about me meeting them. If they had known about her parents situation with how they met technically they should be okay with ours... to an extent that is. Being that this was the twenty-first century this may have been the new norm as well for all we knew.
I had a feeling it was just from nerves with everything we had going on. She was just under a lot more pressure than I was, which was why I had waited so long before proposing. Otherwise I would've married that girl a lot sooner.
And now that there was the possibility of Rosemary being pregnant... things were going to be a whole lot messier. I had no idea what the full extent of the situation was or what Sean thought, but I had a feeling he wasn't aware yet.
Point blank, being an adult is rough.
Sending an email to one of my superiors, I leaned back in my chair for a moment to gather my thoughts. I had a deadline here in the next few weeks to do a presentation at another university just for my department and had yet to gather the information for it. On top of that I still needed to look at PhD programs to get my doctorate, but that would have to wait for now.
I scratched the back of my head and prayed I didn't get white hair anytime soon. That wouldn't look too great for the wedding but at this point I could see myself feeling the effects of everything going on. Perhaps the feeling of being an old man was just mental and not showing physically yet.
'Lets do something for Dasha tonight or this weekend. That'll just be a nice break for the two of you.' I thought to myself and began mentally planning a list of things to look at. I always had to plan something more than just dinner for my girl, she was so much more than any ordinary "college student".
Pulling out my phone, I sent her a quick text, informing her I would be home soon but would have coffee for her. That was always her go to for a pick me up.
'Hey darling, I'm stopping by the cafe down the street before I head home. Want anything specific or your usual? Xo'
Gathering my things, I began to pack up my stuff, completely unaware that someone was standing at my door. A tapping sounded when I looked up and saw one of my students shyly standing halfway in but out of the door.
"Hello... Emma right?" I said and prayed that was her name since there were just so many girls who always took my class.
"Yes," she breathed and held her notebook tightly. "Sorry, I just had a quick question about our next assignment?"
"That's what I'm here for." I chuckled and made sure to put my phone in my pocket before giving my undivided attention to her.
She stepped in, making sure to avoid direct eye contact as I noticed her attire. It seemed to be a bit too... revealing for school, then again it was college. "I know you mentioned something about this paper having specific sources... but I'm having a difficult time trying to find things outside of what is referenced in the textbook."
Grabbing a pen and sticky note, I jotted down two databases I had planned on showing them within the next week. "These will be discussed in class either Monday or Wednesday. I just figured I would give you guys the weekend off before jumping headfirst into more information. I can see you're on top of things though and admire that."
She blushed timidly and rearranged her notebook to expose whatever cleavage she had trying to peek out from her shirt. Fortunately I caught her vibes and ignored it as I handed her the sticky note and gestured for her to follow me out.
"I really appreciate it Professor... I just want to make sure I'm doing everything possible to receive an A in your class."
"I'm pretty sure you'll have that A if you keep up the work you've been doing." I reassured her while locking the door and felt her standing really close to me.
"Pardon me, I have to get home now unless you had another question?" I briefly glanced at her face before trying to see if there were other people in the hallway or not.
"No..." she slowly looked down while I moved quickly to avoid something starting. It had been awhile since a student deliberately had checked me out or tried something so bold.
Thankfully my phone vibrated so I answered without needing to know who it was. "Hey sweetheart, did you decide?"
Emma's face fell as she mouthed "thank you" and left quickly. At least that would make her back off and hopefully everyone else as well.
"Just wanted to call in case you hadn't gotten my text. I'll just take my regular please!"
"Alright love." I couldn't help the grin on my face and walked out to my car. My body was in an adrenaline rush after being in a potential issue. Maybe Dasha was right on me going to a different college... but I personally think it didn't matter where I went, there would always be someone who would try something.
"Babe?" Dasha's voice called me back to reality.
"Sorry, I was a bit distracted."
"It's fine, I know I'm the same way sometimes. I'll see you in a few minutes?"
"Yes, see you soon." Hanging up, I started the radio and pulled out quickly before my mind could think about anything school related once more.
Ordering Dasha's hazelnut macchiato and an espresso for myself managed to calm me down a bit. Knowing that I would be able to continue to do things like this for her after we were married made me feel elated. How lucky was I?
"Babe?" I called once walking in and managing to drop off my things at the table.
"In the study!" She called as I heard Jasper get up and come running to see me.
"Hey buddy, one sec." I moved around him to give Dash her drink so I could pet him.
"Thank you." She smiled affectionately and took a sip while I picked up Jasper.
"What are you working on?"
"A project for marketing."
"Hmm," I mused and kissed her head absentmindedly. "What were you saying about your grandparents?"
"My mom wants you to meet them Sunday. If that's okay with you?"
"Whatever works for you love." I reassured her while she sighed in relief.
"Dasha, can I ask why this is stressing you out so much? Surely your grandparents aren't that... harsh?"
She saved her PowerPoint before minimizing it. "It's... complicated. We've just had a few disagreements in the past so every time I see them I just feel like they're judging me. Like I love them since my mom does and all but they just stress me out. You'll see what I mean when they arrive."
"Well maybe Saturday we could do something before they arrive? I had planned on doing something small for you anyways... but if you're too busy we can reschedule."
"What is it?" Her eyes lit up as she picked Jasper from me and held him tight.
"A surprise." I winked as she just rolled her eyes. "Kidding, well partially, I just decided today that I was going to do this. So I haven't made all the final details yet..." I ended but knew from just looking at her that the fact that I had even planned to come up with something meant the most.
"Daddy is planning a surprise," she whispered to our dog as I felt myself stir from the words leaving her lips. She hadn't said that in a long time.
"It's going to be a good one." I whispered and pretended to cover his eyes and ears while kissing her.
She giggled and pulled away to put Jasper down before standing up and pulling herself around me. Clearly it had been a long day for both of us.
"Is something else wrong?" I tilted her chin to gauge her reaction.
"Not really... there's just a lot going on. I don't know how to help Rosemary if she really is pregnant. And whatever this whole thing is between her and Sean is making me worried that he won't be around much longer."
"Should you talk to him? You are his friend too."
"I will, but I need to figure out for sure about Rose's situation first before going to him. Tyson wasn't sure what was going on either, but there for sure is something. He just isn't telling anyone about it."
"Well I'm here to help in anyway I can." I reassured her and hugged her tightly.
"I know, thank you." She mentally pushed aside all of her worries and stared up at me. "I already have some things planned to make for dinner so I can start on that whenever you're hungry."
"I'll help, but lets go ahead and get started on that. Unless you want to wait, because I have another idea in mind." I teased as she blushed and refrained from looking down to know what I meant.
"Dinner it is." She kissed me quickly and sauntered into the kitchen before I could change her mind.
**I apologize because I thought I was going to reveal in this chapter how Rose tells Sean and all that but I'll do it in the next one. Just wanted another part of Hayden's POV because who doesn't love him! Ideas on what may be going on with Sean and all of that? I tried to make this chapter somewhat long to makeup for the fact that it's been like a month since I've updated! Sorry guys.**