“Thank you.” He holds my stare. “My son was born the week after your dad passed away…we named him Caldwell.”
“What?” I choke out in a low, tormented voice, pressing my hand to my hurting heart.
His tears finally drop, though he smiles through them. “We call him Cal. After learning why your father left, I had never been prouder to call him my brother. I believe in true love, too, and sticking up for what you believe in. Caldwell represents your father’s freedom, and I hope my son can be as courageous as Reggie one day.”
“That is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. Thank you for getting to know him. I only wish he would have told me about you. I would have liked to see you both together.”
“I promise you, it was always the plan. I think we both needed time to get to know one another. Unfortunately, we didn’t realize time wasn’t on our side.” He looks down at his watch. “Not that I want to cut this short, but I promised mydaughter I would be home for bedtime tonight, and I’m already late.” He passed me a card with his information on it. “I didn’t know how this would go, but I’m so glad I got to meet you, Juliette. You’re a lovely young woman. I can see why your father was so proud of you. I hope you call me because I meant it when I said I want to get to know you better, and I’m excited to meet the infamous Inès.”
I don’t know what comes over me, but I pull him into a hug. “I’m sorry.” I try to pull back, but he releases a deep breath and holds me tighter for a moment longer.
“Don’t be.” He glances over my face one last time, smiling before shaking Harrison’s hand goodbye.
We stand together, hand in hand, and watch him walk away. The second the elevator closes, my knees buckle and a sob breaks loose. Harrison catches me and lifts me in his arms, carrying us over to his chair.
I bury my head into his neck, letting go of all my emotions until, after several minutes, I am finally calm.
“Are you okay?” Harrison rubs my back.
I lean back to look at his gorgeous face. “Yes. I’m more than okay. I’m just being a drama queen.” I smile, running my hands through his hair while I think. “Seriously though, I almost feel relieved that a part of my dad is back in my life. I know I’ve told you about my Aunt Liza, but I’ve never felt any emotional connection toward her. The second I met my uncle Philip, it was almost like I could feel Dad through him. I know you don’t believe in all that mumbo jumbo, but I truly felt it.”
“I believe whatever you tell me.” He leans in and kisses me softly. “So I take it, you’ll call him.”
“Without a doubt.” I nod.There is no question. “I almost can’t believe it, but I look forward to hearing more about their relationship.”
I put my head back onto Harrison’s shoulder and yawn, the long day finally getting the better of me.
“Time to go home, baby.”
“Mmm,” I hum. “Let’s just stay at Nate’s vacant place down here so we don’t have to go all the way uptown.”
“Not happening. I want to go home to our bed.” He stands and walks out with me in his arms, something that is becoming a regular occurrence.
Then it hits me.
Our bed.
24
Juliette
Two Months Later
A dark shadowemerges in the doorway, hanging off the edge of the doorframe, gazing into the room. My pulse picks up, and excitement burns deep in my stomach from only a slight twist of Harrison’s mouth.
I run my tongue along my bottom lip, boldly raking my eyes over his body, appreciating every inch of him.
Dark designer jeans, a crisp baby blue dress shirt perfectly formed to each bulging muscle in his arms, and brown suede Chelsea boots…the man is a dream.
The rest of August flew by, and September followed suit. Now, here I am, still in love, obsessed, and drooling over the man I’m lucky enough to call mine…every single day.
Officially, I haven’t moved in, to Harrison’s dismay, butunofficially, I’ve moved in.
Harrison and Sebastian are still not on speaking terms, and I know it’s killing him on the inside little by little, and it’s all because of our relationship. So, I can’t, in good conscience, move to the next step, knowing that I’m putting a wedge between their tight-knit family.
Every morsel of compassion in my body feels for Sebastian and how he still mourns his sister five years later. How hurt he must feel being ganged up on by all the brothers, but I hope he realizes sooner rather than later that Harrison broke their promise for a good reason.
Me.
