Gee, wonder where she learned that…
“Momma, look!” Beth holds up a crayon drawing of what appears to be a big rectangle with two dots and a curved line in it. “It’s Daddy!”
Keeping my smile to myself, I crouch down and examine the masterpiece. “Gorgeous, sweetie. You really captured his essence.”
“Essence? What’s that?”
Unable to contain my smirk now, I ruffle her hair playfully. “It means you drew his grumpy face perfectly.”
Beth’s adorable giggle makes my heart ache—in a good way, of course. She runs off to show Cassi, who is sprawled out across the living room couch with a glass of red wine, looking not muchdifferent than she did five years ago. Some people just do not age. It’s obnoxious, but I love her for it.
“Aunt Cassi, look! I drew Daddy’s…essence!”
Cassi takes the drawing and gasps with dramatic wonder. “Oh, you sure did, babe. That’s wonderful. You know, I think you might be a famous artist one day.”
I smile from the kitchen doorway, one hand on the counter and one resting on the swell of my pregnant belly. I’m five months along with baby number two—a boy this time.
Dominic almost cried when we found out. Not quite, but his eyes were watering.
I never thought a man like him could show such softness, but that’s the thing about my husband: The world sees a stone-cold billionaire, a titan in the boardroom and an alpha who intimidates everyone around him.
But I see all that and more.
I see a man who draws smiley faces on my coffee cups still to this day, all because I drew one on his five years ago. I see the man who bounces his daughter in his lap and would do anything to make her happy.
The penthouse has changed a bit. It’s warmer now. Beth’s toys are scattered all over the living room floor, and there are photographs everywhere now. Shots from our wedding, Beth’s birth, and even a candid of Dominic sleeping with her lying on his chest.
There are even fictional books on the shelves now. And throw pillows and blankets on the couch. He complained about those for about a day before he realized how awesome they were.
His mom’s photo is still up there on the top shelf, but it’s not turned away anymore. It faces us, our family portraits, like she’s watching over all of us.
Cassi waits until Beth is busy with her crayons before giving methat look—the one that means she’s about to say something she thinks is hilarious.
“So five years later and you’re still married to the man who trapped you with a sex contract.” She tilts her chin down and takes a sip of her wine. “How’s that going?”
“Cassi…”
“What?” she asks, waving her hands. “It’s a valid question. Most people these days meet on dating apps. You met because a billionaire saw your face and built an illegal contract around it.”
“It wasn’t illegal,” I sigh, searching for the right word. “It was…unconventional.”
“It wascrazy,” she laughs. “While simultaneously being the most romantic thing ever. Oh, and have I mentioned I hate you for it?”
I burst out laughing. It’s like warm sunshine in my chest. “Yes, once or twice.”
Cassi was my maid of honor. She gave the toast at the wedding that made the entire staff of Blackwood Capital choke on their champagne. Something about how she always knew I’d end up with a guy who wouldn’t take no for an answer, but she didn’t know I’d be signing paperwork first.
Marcus walked me down the aisle actually. Mom and Dad were both busy, and he knew I’d need a man to do it. We’ve become quite friendly over the last few years. He’s still COO and still the only person, besides me, who isn’t afraid of Dominic.
Beth calls him Uncle Marcus, and he lets her draw on his hands when she’s feeling creative. I never thought I’d see such kindness from him.
“Do you ever think about it still?” Cassi asks. “The contract?”
I shrug. “Sometimes. We keep it framed in his office.”
“Oh my God. He framed it?”
I nod, smiling. “Yup. Right next to the original smiley-face cup.”
