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I didn’t think I would be this nervous to bring the girls here. I want everything to be perfect for them. I want all three of them to feel welcome and at home. I haven’t talked to my sister about what I asked her to do, but I know I can count on her. Once we get into the elevator to head up to my penthouse, the tension is unbearable. I haven’t made eye contact with Brad yet because I know he’s going to be pissed that I took this huge step with his girls. But they’re my family now, and I don’t feel I overstepped whatsoever.

“Do you own the entire top floor?” Brad asks.

“Yes. It’s totally secure; no one gets up to the penthouse without clearance from myself, and now Laney. The doorman is always on staff, and he has to buzz any visitors to the top floor. They aren’t allowed up if there isn’t a verbal confirmation.”

“And the elevator?”

“My team is coming over first thing in the morning to move the control panels further up. They are also going to install a finger panel. This way the elevator won’t open if the fingerprints don’t match. The girls will not be able to open the elevator and leave without my or Laney’s fingerprints.”

“Brad, you have an elevator and stairs at your building. I’ve never thought the girls would leave your place without you.”

“I know, but they’re getting older.”

“They will be secure here. Don’t worry.” He nods in agreement.

We get off the elevator, and the girls take everything in. I didn’t like the idea of the elevator opening into my home so once I bought the place I had an entryway created and installed a nice front door.

I get my key out but the door swings open and Natalie is standing there. “Well hello, pretty ladies.”

“Auntie Nat!” They scream.

She squats down greeting Amanda and Addie. “Well, Addie, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a pretty patient. How are you feeling, sweetie?”

“I’m okay. Tired.”

“Well let’s get you inside, so you and your sister can take a look around. Nathan has a surprise for you guys.”

We walk inside. Brad, Laney, Amanda and Addie take a look around. Addie struggles a little with her wheelchair, but Laney makes sure to straighten the chair out, pushing Addie. My home is pretty spectacular if I don’t say so myself. This was the first place my realtor showed me a year ago, and I knew as soon as I stepped foot inside that it was meant to be. The entire length of the living room and dining area is floor to ceiling windows. I have a full view of Central Park and the New York skyline. At night when the city is alive with the glimmering lights, it’s absolutely beautiful. I can’t wait to share it with Laney. I’ve never been much for color, so I had each room decorated in grays, whites, blacks, and silvers. Comparing my house to Laney’s home, I know they are complete opposites. Where Laney’s home is bright, warm and welcoming mine is cool, and more like a bachelor’s pad. Definitely doesn’t reflect a man with a family. Seeing the three fiery redheads roaming about my house reflects the great contrast of what my life is now compared to what is was. I know I will forever choose color over the bleakness of my past. “Would you like to see the surprises Nathan did for you guys?”

“Yeah!”

“What did you do, Nathan?” Laney looks at me.

“It wasn’t really me. I had Natalie help me with something over the past couple of days.”

“Nathan, do we have our own rooms now?” Addie asks. Well shit, I didn’t think they wanted their own rooms. I had a wall taken down to give them a really big bedroom. But if they want their own room then I’ll have the wall back up by the weekend. I look at Nat, and she just shrugs.

“No, Bug, I thought you would want to have Amanda close, but if you want your own room then I would be happy to make that happen.”

“No, I want Bear with me, I’m just making sure.”

“Alright, then right this way.”

Natalie ushers the girls toward the hallway where all the rooms are located. The penthouse is about four thousand square feet. I know there will be plenty of room for the four of us, the only downfall is they won’t have a backyard like they have at Laney’s. That’s one good thing about growing up on the family estate like I did. If I wanted to go out and play, I just ran outside. The girls won’t have that luxury. They’ll be cooped up unless we take the time and walk them across the street so they can play at Central Park.

“Alright, girls, I have two different rooms to show you. The first two are your bedroom doors. Amanda, why don’t you open and help Addie in. We grown-ups will stay back while you girls explore.”

Amanda opens the double doors then immediately heads back so she can push her sister through the door. The girls squeal in delight. Amanda is running around looking at everything while Addie is wiggling in her seat. Amanda is touching, lifting and squeezing everything. She keeps telling Addie to look at this and look at that. She brings Addie the things she can carry so Addie can feel and snuggle for herself.

Natalie completely outdid herself. The room’s walls are painted with shiny and matt pink stripes half way up. Darker pink swirls lay on top of the stripes giving the stripes a type of border. The rest of the walls along with the ceiling are decorated with black polka dots. There are pink and crystal mini chandeliers along the ceiling giving the room plenty of light. Each girl has a full-size bed with matching pink plush headboards with the letter “A” etched into the middle. The bedding is classic pink and white with black accents. The furniture throughout the room follows the color pattern of pink, black, and white. Each piece is different and antique looking. “The furniture is from mom’s collection. I had them sanded and repainted. The dressers on the far wall are from when you were little, Nathan.”

I look at her. “Really?” Biting her lip, she nods.

“This is too much, Nathan.” Brad chimes in, making me take my eyes from the girls’ excitement.

“No, it’s not too much. It’s really beautiful. I can’t believe you did all this.” Laney’s eyes are full of unshed tears. I bring her to me and wrap my arms around her.

“I just told Nat that I wanted the girls to have their own room. The decor and everything that went with it was all her.”