“Yeah, I was really impressed when I took a tour, so I decided to purchase the estate.It’s a good investment,” he says, “but it’s not just for investment purposes because now, I’ve decided to move in myself.”
My eyes go wide because I’ve always loved that property like it was my own, and my pulse races.Calm down, the voice in my head warns.Nick is coming to town, but it doesn’t really matter where he stays.It’s his willingness to build a family that counts.
But it’s as if the billionaire can read my mind because he nods slowly.
“I want to be a family, Ella.I’m not saying that you have to be my girlfriend or my wife, but I’d like us to spend more time together.I’m not saying you have to move into Lakeview either.You and Marty are clearly happy at the cottage, and I’m not looking to disrupt this idyll.I just want us all to be happy, together if possible.I want more time with you, and more time with the baby.”
I stare at the billionaire.
Girlfriend?Wife?How did we get here?I’m so overwhelmed that my head spins.
“I’m confused,” I say in a low tone.“I don’t understand how just yesterday, you were living in New York and Facetiming with Marty sporadically.And now, you want to move out to Minnesota and play house?Be a full time daddy?How did this all come about?”
To his credit, Nick looks a little uncomfortable.
“I’ve been thinking about it for a while,” he confesses.“After you left, I figured my life would go back to the way it was.But it didn’t.The apartment was quiet and depressing, when it never was before, and I realized that it wasyouwho made the difference.I missedyou, and I missed your presence in my life, and in my bed.I craved you Ella, and the hunger grew so intense that I’ve decided to relocate.Because of you.”
I stare at him.
“You couldn’t tell me this over Facetime?”
“No, I couldn’t,” he says in a determined voice.“The realization hit like a ton of rocks, and once I resurfaced, I wanted to come out immediately.For Christmas, to spend the holiday with you and the baby.I didn’t want to miss out on being a father to Marty, and maybe for something to develop between us.”
I continue to stare at him, my heart thrumming.
“But what about Hadassah?”I ask.“And your other son, Hollister?They’re your family too.”
“Theyaremy family, but in a different way,” he says in an even tone.“Again, I’ve never been in a relationship with Hadassah.She’s an intelligent and kind woman, and a great mother to Hollister, but that’s all there is between us.”
“Except she’s your employee too.”
“Right, and I was getting to that,” Nick says in a slow tone.“Hadassah works at Rocket X, and she’s chosen to relocate to Texas with Hollister.She’s an incredible engineer, and she wants to be there as we launch new rockets into the stratosphere.Of course, I’ve supported her move, and I Facetime with Hollister on a regular basis.”
“So you’re not moving to Texas to be with them.”
“No, I’m not,” Nick says.“I’m moving here to be withyou, Ella.I want a relationship with you, and I want it to be a romantic one,” he clarifies forcefully.“I want to be a hands-on father to our son, and maybe even to have more children together, if you’re willing.”
My heart explodes then because this is too much news in one sitting.
“I don’t know,” I say in a slow tone.“There’s been a lot of hurt, anxiety, and a lot of change in the air all at once, Nick.Can I have some time to think about it?”
The billionaire looks disappointed, but then he cocks his head and smiles at me.
“Of course,” he says quietly.“I wasn’t expecting you to do a turnabout with so little warning.You can have as long as you like, Ells.I’ll be at Lakeview Manor, and?—”
But that’s when I drop all pretense of being hard-to-get because I’ve missed Nick for so long, and so much, that this is the answer to my dreams.He’s reappeared in my life like Prince Charming with the missing slipper, and suddenly, my ballgown reallyisa ballgown, and my chariot isn’t going to turn into a pumpkin at midnight.
With a cry, I launch myself at the billionaire, circling my arms around his neck and peppering him with kisses while sobbing at the same time.
“Yes,” I say through tearful gasps.“Yes, we should try for a relationship.I’ve missed you so much, Nick, and this is what I want too.”
He holds me close as best he can with one arm, while cradling our child with the other.
“I’m so glad, Ella,” he says in a deep, quivering voice.“I was so afraid you’d say no, or give me the cold shoulder, or show total disinterest, which would have been the worst.I can’t promise that things will be perfect, but I want to try.I love you, Ella, and I appreciate you so much for bringing our son into the world, and for struggling so hard on your own for such a long time.But I’m here now, baby girl, and I want this to work.”
“I love you too,” I say as tears pour down my cheeks.“And I’m not looking for perfection, Nick.I’m looking for happiness, joy, and family, and with you, I think it can really come true.”
With that, Nick seizes my mouth in a kiss, his blue eyes blazing as he claims me as his woman.I’m left breathless, my heart racing when Marty wails, unhappy that he’s not the center of attention.Our son grabs at my hair while also pounding against the solid chest of his father.
