“Nick.”
She rolls her eyes. “Okay, Nick, why are you doing all of this for me? I don’t understand.”
“Well, Riley, this is all about us.”
“Us? What do you mean, us? What are you talking about?”
“Since I can’t seem to get you out of my system, and I know the feeling is mutual, I had to find a way to make this work. If we no longer work for the same company, then we are free to do what we want with each other.”
Tears form in her eyes and slide down cheeks which have become a pink color. She stumbles on her next words. “Why… why me?”
“Why not you?”
I want to run over and wrap her in my arms, just like I did at the hospital. However, we’re in the office, so I feel it best to keep my distance and composure. My employees have already seen me chase after her once before. Doing it again would not be a good look. Once this business transition is complete, I’ll be free to do what I want with her.
“Just like that, huh?”
“Yep, just like that. We no longer work for the same company. That means we are free to do what we want. So, Ms. Riley Moore, can I take you out for dinner this Saturday?”
With the tears barely dry on her face, Riley lets out a sigh, followed by laughter. I jam the box of Kleenex sitting on the conference table towards her. She grabs a couple sheets out of the box, sniffles a bit, and wipes her nose.
Then she looks over at me. “Yes, I’d love to go out to dinner with you, but I have to tell you something.”
It’s my turn to be worried and confused.
“Go ahead,” I say.
She nibbles on her bottom lip, almost nervously, and I wonder what the hell she could have to say that would make her so nervous.
“I’m, well, actually I mean, we’re pregnant.”
The world shifts. My heart skips a beat, and I’m not sure if I just heard her correctly. “What did you say?”
Her cheeks grow redder. “We’re having a baby.”
I blink, realizing that was in fact what she said. A baby. We’re having a fucking baby. I smile, because fuck me. I’m going to be a dad, and Riley, the woman I’m in love with, is the mother.
“Say something. Anything, please.” Riley’s worried expression forces me to speak.
“I’m excited. Shocked, but excited.”
“You want a baby? You aren’t mad?”
My brows furrow. “Of course, I’m not mad. I could never be mad. I was fucking you without a condom and I knew the consequences of that.”
“You aren’t going to ask me to give it up? Or to get an abortion?” I almost jump out of my chair, but squeeze the arms tightly to keep my anger in check.
“I would never ask you to do something like that. It’s your body, your choice, but please know I want that baby as much as I want you.”
Her eyes shimmer with unshed tears. And I can’t help it. I know I should keep a distance between us, but I push out of the chair and walk over to her. Taking her into my arms, I almost sigh with relief as she wraps her arms around me and burrows her face into my chest.
“I want you too, and I’m grateful to have met you that night in the elevator.”
I pull back a smidge and press my lips to her forehead. “Me too. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Epilogue
Riley
One year later
Wow, who would have thought that Nicholas and I would be living together with a baby? After two months of being officially a couple, Nicholas insisted we move in together. With being pregnant and all, I couldn’t really disagree with him. He purchased us an apartment in a fancy high-rise building with an elevator. I offered to put some of my savings into the purchase of the apartment, but he adamantly refused and told me this is ‘our’ home.
Day after day, Nicholas would go into the office to work, but it seemed to have lost its attraction. Now, he does most of his work from home. I would ask him what was wrong at the office, but he never had an answer. He would tell me he could not put his finger on what he was feeling.
It took him about two months to finally understand why he was no longer interested in being at the office. He eventually told me he discovered being in the office without me seemed to have no purpose.
The city’s once most eligible bachelor is now a one-woman-man and a homebody. I used to hear the rumors about him and his brother’s womanizing ways all the time. Everyone was in love with him and William, but they seemed to not be in love with anyone.
William seemed to have a main lady, though, and we all knew that it was his secretary. Nicholas, on the other hand, seemed like he would never find love. It seemed as if he wasn’t interested, either. He was a true-to-form ladies’ man. Rich, powerful, extremely good-looking, and too self-absorbed to let anyone in his personal space. Nevertheless, here I am.
Tonight, we opened our home for everyone to celebrate the tremendous success of the mental hospital Nick built in honor of his mom. I still designed the inside, but as a contractor instead of an employee. The company Nick bought for me ended up being the most amazing thing he could have done. I love being able to set my own pace, especially during the pregnancy. With Nick’s help, I was able to build a stellar team.
Everyone from both sides of our families is here, along with a few people from the office, and of course, Ross. Even though Ross and Nick had a rough start, they ended up becoming close friends, especially after Ross realized how good Nick is to me.
My life has done a complete three-hundred and sixty degree turn since Nick has been in it. His generosity has been unrivaled. Not only has he kept his promise to make sure the weight of the world is lifted off my shoulders, he’s also extended his generosity to my parents.
He has continued to pay for my father’s medical treatments, and even bought my parents a better house. He made sure that it was a single-story home so my father would not have to strain his heart by dealing with stairs.
I walk through the party, smiling at various guests. I approach my parents with hugs and kisses.
“Are you guys having a good time?”
“Yes, darling,” my mother answers.
My father sits at a table with his wheelchair next to him. “You look good, Daddy. I’m so glad you could make it tonight.”
“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it, princess.”
My mother looks on with a smile on her face as my father and I exchange our love and appreciation for one another.
“Thank you, Mom.”
She smiles as I kiss her on the forehead. I ask her if they need anything.
“No, sweetheart. We are good. The party is beautiful. Go on, enjoy your guests.”
“Okay. I’ll come back and check on you guys soon.”
I walk off and continue working the room. Nick watches me with admiration as I walk around greeting the guests. I approach his father and give him a kiss on the cheek.
“I’m glad you could make it, Mr. Brooks. You know I’ve been meaning to thank you for embracing me into your family and your warm welcome. You’ve been awesome.”
“Oh, you are quite welcome, sweetheart. I am charmed and so glad that my son has you in his life.”