CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 282

Chapter 282: Chapter 282 A Family Day Out

Serena’s POV

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows as I dressed Vivian in her little denim overalls. The sight of her kicking her legs excitedly and cooing made my heart swell with joy.

"Someone’s in a good mood today," Ryan remarked, leaning against the doorframe of the nursery. His hair was still slightly damp from his shower, and the casual button-down shirt he wore was a refreshing change from his usual business attire.

"She knows we’re going out," I replied, scooping our daughter up. "Don’t you, sweetie? You know Mommy and Daddy are taking you shopping today."

Ryan approached us, his expression softening as Vivian immediately reached for him. "I still can’t believe how much she’s grown in just these few months," he said, taking her from my arms with practiced ease. "None of her clothes fit properly anymore."

I smiled, watching them together. "That’s what happens when you have a healthy, growing baby. Though I suspect Margaret has been sneaking her extra servings of that organic baby food you special ordered."

"Only the best for our princess," Ryan responded without a hint of apology, placing a gentle kiss on Vivian’s forehead.

"The car’s ready whenever we are," Ryan said, bouncing Vivian gently in his arms. "I’ve cleared my schedule until three."

I raised an eyebrow. "Ryan Blackwood taking a morning off work for a family shopping trip? The board would have a collective heart attack if they knew."

His lips curved into that half-smile that never failed to quicken my pulse. "Let them. Some things are more important than quarterly reports."

An hour later, we were walking through an exclusive children’s boutique on Fifth Avenue, with Vivian perched comfortably in her stroller.

"What about this one?" I held up a pale yellow sundress with delicate embroidered flowers along the hem.

"Beautiful," Ryan nodded approvingly. "Though she’ll probably wear it once before outgrowing it."

"Then we’d better take photos," I laughed, adding it to our growing collection.

As I moved through the racks of children’s clothing, I felt Ryan’s eyes on me, his gaze warming my skin even from across the store. When I glanced up, he was watching me with an intensity that made my cheeks flush.

"What?" I asked softly, moving back to his side.

"Nothing," he murmured, but his fingers brushed mine as I reached for the stroller handle. "Just enjoying the view."

The saleswoman approached us with a professional smile. "Finding everything alright, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood?"

"Yes, thank you," I replied.

"Your daughter is absolutely gorgeous," the woman continued, bending slightly to smile at Vivian, who responded with a happy gurgle. "She has your eyes, Mrs. Blackwood, and her father’s smile."

I felt a surge of pride that surprised me with its intensity. "Thank you."

After selecting what seemed like enough clothing to dress ten babies, we paused at the store’s small café area for refreshments. Vivian sat contentedly on Ryan’s lap, fascinated by the silver spoon he let her hold.

"We should take a photo," I suggested, pulling out my phone. "To commemorate Vivian’s first proper shopping spree."

Ryan nodded, shifting Vivian in his arms as I prepared to snap the picture. Just as I was about to take it, a passing shopper offered to take one of all three of us.

"That would be lovely, thank you," I said, handing over my phone.

Ryan’s arm slid around my waist, drawing me closer as Vivian sat between us, her tiny hands clapping together in delight. The stranger took several shots, capturing not just our poses but the spontaneous moments—Ryan tickling Vivian’s chin, my laughter as she grabbed for my necklace, the three of us looking at each other rather than the camera.

A delicious shiver ran down my spine as his fingers trailed down my arms. "Ryan—"

Before I could finish my sentence, he turned me to face him, his eyes dark with an emotion I recognized immediately. My breath hitched as his gaze dropped to my lips.

"I’ve been wanting to do this all morning," he confessed, his voice low and rough with desire. "Watching you with Vivian, seeing you smile... do you have any idea what you do to me, Serena?"

Without waiting for my response, he swept me into his arms in one fluid motion, cradling me against his chest as if I weighed nothing at all. I gasped, my arms instinctively circling his neck.

"Ryan! What are you doing?" I laughed breathlessly.

"Taking my wife to our bedroom," he answered simply, already striding up the grand staircase. "Unless you have objections?"

The heat in his gaze sent warmth flooding through me. "No objections," I whispered, tightening my arms around his neck.

The journey to our bedroom seemed both endless and too brief. When he finally kicked the door shut behind us and set me gently on my feet, his hands remained at my waist, drawing me closer.

"Do you know how difficult it’s been," he murmured, his lips brushing my temple, "having you back home, sharing our bed, and trying to be a gentleman?"

I smiled up at him, trailing my fingers along the line of his jaw. "I wasn’t aware you were trying to be a gentleman, Mr. Blackwood."

His answering laugh was low and sensual. "I’ve been patient, Serena. I wanted to give you time after your trip. But seeing you today with our daughter, watching you laugh..." His fingers traced my cheek with reverence. "I can’t wait any longer."

"Then don’t," I whispered, rising on my tiptoes to press my lips to his.