Chapter 552

Ross helped Danielle out of her coat and shoes. Before long, her bare feet brushed against his waist, the cool metal of his belt buckle making her flinch.

“Let’s make a baby after we’re legally married,” he said.

Danielle thought for a moment. “Then let’s get our marriage license tomorrow.”

Ross laughed softly. “Let me handle the timing.”

Her feet were cold, so she slipped them under Ross‘ shirt, nudging them against his skin to warm up. “It’s not like we’ll get pregnant the first time.”

Ross caught her ankle. “The house is full tonight. Next time, alright?”

Danielle propped her head up on her hand, her hair brushing against the navy sheets. “Fine. I’ll play by myself. You can rest.”

Ross tried to hold back. Really tried. But after a moment, he gave up and muttered, “Just don’t moan too loud this time. The walls aren’t soundproof.”

Downstairs in the billiard room, Shermaine had taken Henry’s place, stepping in to challenge Joshua.

Joshua looked over at her. “Sheary, maybe we just skip the game and go upstairs?”

She smiled. “We’re already here. Might as well play a couple rounds.”

Henry cheered her on. “Shermaine, you’re our only hope. If anyone can destroy Joshua, it’s you.”

Shermaine stayed calm. “Trust me, I’ve got this.”

The match between husband and wife lit up the room with quiet sparks.

At first, Henry watched with full attention, completely engaged. But after a while, sleep started creeping in. He yawned.

Owen didn’t want to leave either and chose to stay, though he was mildly disappointed that he couldn’t sleep in the same room as Gracie.

Janice had whisked the baby away to her room for the night.

Owen wasn’t thrilled about it, but he consoled himself with the thought that he’d get to see Gracie first thing in the morning. With that, he drifted off to sleep, smiling.

Just before eleven, Henry finally gave in. “I’m going to bed. Joshua, Shermaine, night.”

Once he left, only the two of them remained.

Joshua set down his cue stick. “Sheary, I give up.”

Shermaine still looked energized, probably because her body was still adjusting to the time difference after being in the Kingdom of Xyperia. “You tired?”

“Nope.”

“Then one more game?” When it came to pool, they were evenly matched, which kept things interesting.

Joshua smiled. “If you’re still awake, I can think of something else we could do.” He walked over and effortlessly lifted her onto the edge of the table, his meaning unmistakable. “I like this sport better,” he added.

Shermaine gave him a little shove. “Behave."

“I think this is the perfect spot."

“Well, I don’t.”

He leaned in, brushing the tip of his nose against hers. “Come on, Sheary. Spoil me just a little, will you?”

She grinned. “Not in the mood. Try again later.”

Joshua bit her gently. “Then one last game, and off to bed.”

“Deal.”

They played another quick round, then headed upstairs to shower and get ready for bed. But even once they were lying down, Shermaine couldn’t fall asleep. Joshua pulled her into his arms.

She rested her head against him. “I wonder how Jasmine’s doing.”

“She’s with Damien,” Joshua said, his voice low and steady. “She’ll be okay.”

“She must still be heartbroken.”

“Damien will know how to comfort her.”

“That’s true.”

When she didn’t bring up Jasmine again, Joshua whispered, “Want me to help you fall asleep?”

Shermaine murmured an “mm–hmm,” closing her eyes.

Joshua started humming a lullaby in her ear. It wasn’t long before her breathing slowed and deepened. Once he was sure she was asleep, he finally closed his eyes.

The entire estate fell into a peaceful, quiet sleep. Well, almost the entire estate.

In one room, Danielle lay bonelessly on the bed, her legs completely limp.

Ross was massaging her ankles. “Still sore?” he asked.

Danielle’s voice was soft and sweet, barely above a whisper. “Yeah.” She wiggled her toes. “Your stamina is ridiculous.”

Ross chuckled. “Didn’t you start it?”

Danielle gave a breathy scoff and buried her face in the pillow. “Just keep massaging. I’m not letting you stop.”

The next morning, Logan delivered a stack of documents from York residence to Jean Villa.

Now that Joshua was back, Owen had no intention of dealing with business anymore. He dumped everything back on his grandson, which meant he now had more time to cook for Shermaine and play with Gracie.

Logan also brought a free-range chicken with him, one they’d raised for two years. It was finally time to fulfill its destiny and become soup.

After handing off the files, Joshua headed into the study. “I’ve already asked Bradley to come by,” Logan said.

Joshua nodded. “Thanks. Go catch up with my grandfather.”

“Will do,” Logan replied with a grin.

That morning, Henry and Lily had breakfast and then each went their separate ways.

Shortly after, Ross and Danielle came down as well.

Danielle was still walking a little unsteadily, and Ross had to hold her the whole way.

“Take it slow,” he murmured, “no rush.”

She muttered under her breath, “This is all your fault.”

Ross laughed. “All my fault.”

That made her legs even weaker. She glanced at his smiling face and felt herself practically melt. ‘That massage last night didn’t help at all,‘ she thought, ‘Total waste.‘

As they came downstairs, Janice’s eyes immediately found them.

Danielle’s face flushed pink.

Janice, holding Gracie in her arms, beamed. “Looks like Ross and Danielle might be the next ones in line for a baby.”