I couldn't believe she came right out and accused Nicholas of buying me. My eyes flitted to the friends beside her, but they didn't really seem to be paying much attention or care about what she was saying. Clara grabbed my hand and held it in a vice grip. "I'm sure Nicholas will throw you out, just as he has for the last many years." Clara picked up a plastic ball and tossed it in her hand. "Are you here for some ball bobbing? I hear you're a champion at it." Rosemary's eyes narrowed, the facade she put on for the public crumbling right before our eyes. She glanced from Clara to me and back again. "Is there a particular reason you're being so rude?" Clara chuckled darkly. Actually, it was almost a cackle, which would have fit perfectly with her outfit. I bit my lip to keep from smiling. "There are many reasons," she said, lowering her voice. "But mostly I just don't care for insufferable bitches. You can move along now. You're in the way and we're here to raise money." I stood
He turned to look at me. "Why are you laughing?" "No reason." I walked over and hugged him. "I just love you." He squeezed me in return, leaning down to kiss me. It felt good, but I had to take care of more important things. I pulled away and tugged on his arm. "Come on. Have some ice cream with me."He laughed and joined me in the kitchen, taking a stool while I grabbed two pints from the freezer. "Guess what?" he asked after I handed him a spoon. "What?" His eyes were dancing as he bounced around. What in the world was he so giddy about? "You're never going to believe it." "What? Tell me." He started laughing again, and I scooped ice cream into my mouth, waiting for him to get the words out. He twirled his spoon through his fingers. "There are two pieces of good news actually. One, Hector held up his end of the bargain. He made the tape and signed the documents, just like I said he would." He wagged his eyebrows and grinned. "And two..." He broke off, laughing again. "I finali
My alarm beeped, and I reached to shut it off before it woke Nicholas up. His arm tightened around me when I tried to get up, but I eventually managed to get out of his grasp.I took a quick shower and headed downstairs to help Laura with the cooking, not surprised to find her already in the kitchen. The countertop was full of pans and bowls."Wow, you've been at it for a while." She looked up and smiled. "I love Thanksgiving. This will be the first one in a long time that we've had so many people around." I put some water in the kettle for tea and set it on the stove to heat. "So Nicholas usually spent his holidays alone?" "Either that or he would take a business trip this time of year." She gave me a sad smile. My heart ached and my gut twisted thinking about him being so lonely. Maybe he'd been even lonelier than me during the holidays. At least I'd had Lory. Laura and I worked together, dressing the turkey, making side dishes and desserts, and chattering away as the morning fl
"So how long is this drive?" Nicholas reached over and took my hand to hold in his. "We're avoiding rush hour, so probably around an hour." He wanted to be alone again today—just the two of us—to check out the house he found for us. So we were in a sedan because he didn't want me or the baby to be cramped in his favorite car. It was the day after his meeting with Simon, and I wasn't quite sure how I felt about it all. Nicholas had gotten home late the night before, looking tired, but relieved. He had pulled me into his arms and told me everything that happened. The problem was: nothing much had happened. It should have been good news. It should have made us happy when Simon basically backed down immediately once Nicholas presented everything he had. That he didn't put up any fight and agreed to cut all ties to the Rowes. As relieved as Nicholas seemed, I couldn't avoid feeling unsettled. It was all way too easy. Nicholas had been geared up for battle, but Simon waved the white f
Nicholas wasn't around a lot, spending extra time at the office. He'd already discussed stepping back from his involvement in the company, and they were all putting in a lot of work to make the transition smoother.Aside from all that, I spent any extra time I had with Courtney and Lory, shopping for Christmas presents and maternity clothes. I was in search of one item in particular. "This one is gorgeous," Lory said, holding a white floor-length gown in her hand. Nicholas and I were expected to attend a Christmas ball with his parents, and I needed to find a dress that didn't make me look like a pumpkin. I shook my head at her selection. "It looks more like a wedding dress. Plus, white will only make me look bigger than I already do."Both of them rolled their eyes. "You aren't fat, you're pregnant," Courtney sniped. "You're still skinny everywhere but your stomach."Courtney turned to me. "Are you still planning to take next semester off?"I nodded. "Yeah." I rubbed my belly. "He
As if I could tell him no. Not when he was charming, sweet, and decked out in formal wear. "Okay."He helped me up and held me close, the orchestra bouncing between classical music and holiday songs. I relaxed against him, content with the warmth of his body next to mine and his humming in my ear. I wasn't sure how long we stayed out there, but each time his hands moved up and down my back and his lips brushed over my skin, the more I wanted him."Have I told you how beautiful you are tonight?" My heart raced from his sweet words."Only about a hundred times."His warm breath fanned over my skin when he chuckled. We were probably holding each other entirely too close to be considered appropriate for the occasion, but I didn't care. I couldn't wait to get him home and out of his tuxedo.He nibbled on my earlobe, just enough to drive me crazy. "Are you ready to get out of here?" "Beyond ready." I was ready to pull him into the bathroom and have my way with him. He must have heard the a
The problem with determining my baby's injuries was that I couldn't quite get the right words to come out. I tried to communicate but wasn't doing a very good job. The doctors and Nicholas kept telling me it would take a little more time and to not get discouraged, but to me, it was another form of being trapped. When talking didn't work, I tried writing down my questions, but I couldn't even draw a straight line, let alone form words on the paper.It was more frustrating than anything I'd ever experienced.Aside from all the regular doctors and nurses, it seemed like I had different therapists coming in at all hours, working with me on my movement and speech recovery. It was like I had to learn how to do the most basic things all over again.I was told the fact my memory seemed mostly intact was a great sign, but it didn't help me in figuring out how to express my need to know about our child. After a few minutes of one of the therapists coercing me through a puzzle, I pushed it away
Nicholas POV:"Jefferson! Nicholas!"I glanced over and grimaced at the waving mayor, debating in my head whether it would be too insulting to pretend I hadn't heard him. When my father started making his way over, I kissed Willow's cheek in resignation."It's the mayor. Give me just a second." She nodded with an understanding smile. "It's okay. Go ahead." My mother responded and I paused, an unsettled feeling in the pit of my stomach. Flakes of snow were falling and it was freezing cold out here. It wouldn't be good for Willow to stand around in this weather. But I hated letting her out of my reach.I glanced over to my father and the mayor and then back to Willow, her cheeks rosy from the cold. I squeezed her hand and nodded. "I'll be right behind you."I hurried over to shake the mayor's hand and oblige him with a bit of small talk."Nicholas!" His hand gripped mine in an enthusiastic shake. "It's been too long since we've talked.""Yes, I've been quite busy." He laughed. "I hear
Nicholas POV:"What's the bad news?" Willow asked, squeezing my hand."We're going to keep you here. You're going to spend the rest of your pregnancy in this bed. I'm sorry. I know it's the holidays, but it's safer to keep you on complete bed rest and under observation. We're going to give you injections, which will help mature the babies' lungs. This blood pressure monitor will take measurements every ten minutes, and we'll continue taking daily blood and urine samples, along with daily ultrasounds."Willow and I were both quiet for a minute. "How long do you think I'll be here?" she finally asked."It's always best for the babies to mature as long as possible inside you, but at the first sign your health is being compromised, I'll deliver them." Dr. Whitney marked something off on Willow's chart before looking back over at us. "It could be hours, days, a week. It's difficult to give a firm timeline right now. But we want to keep you hear until the C-section is due."As soon as Dr. W
Nicholas POV:I'd always been a deconstructionist, breaking down complex issues into simpler parts to understand the whole better. I supposed the same could be said when I analyzed my life. It could be broken down into two basic parts: before Willow and after Willow.When I really looked at it, the truth was that I never lived much of a life before Willow. I was accomplished, admired, and even desired and envied by almost everyone around me. I'd once thought that was enough. But I was wrong. I'd never been more wrong.The last four and a half years had brought me so much more than I ever imagined possible. Much more than the decades preceding combined. More happiness. More fulfillment. More meaning. Before Willow, I was content with being successful in business, even at the expense of personal relationships. After Willow, my satisfaction was found nowhere near the billions of dollars at my fingertips.It was in her smile. Her laughter. The way her eyes lit up when I told her how beaut
Three Years Later:I glanced down, straightening my robe. My stomach was in knots as I waited for my name to be called. It was a big day not only for me but also for those I loved. My eyes drifted over the crowd, my heart stuttering at the glimpse of familiar faces. "Yo, Willow! Are you going to come out with us tonight for some celebratory drinks?" I turned to smile and shake my head at my fellow graduates. "Sorry, guys. I have plans with my family." My family. I wanted to wrap myself up with those two words. It was four years to the day that I'd crossed a similar stage and received another diploma. But my life couldn't have been more different than it was back in Atkins.This time there was no dread from wondering if I'd have anyone present to cheer for my success. This time I didn't have any longing in my heart for my own loved ones in the crowd. This time I didn't have the uncertainty of what tomorrow would bring. This time my family was there. All of them. After William's bi
Then another contraction hit, and I was cursing Nicholas and his sperm. He had me in his arms and inside the car in a flash, the others piling in behind us."Squeeze my hand if it hurts. Breathe with me." Nicholas was holding me close, murmuring in my ear while the car zoomed through traffic. "Where's your father?" Clara asked him. He shrugged. "I don't know. Probably in a cab somewhere. I ran and didn't wait for them to catch up." I giggled a little at Clara, who shook her head and pulled out her phone to call Jefferson. Then I remembered where he had been and turned to face him. "What happened? What did they say?" "She's out of our lives now." "What does that mean?" His eyes hardened and he frowned. "Let's concentrate on this now. I don't want you thinking about that nonsense." I huffed. "Just tell me."He looked around at everyone before meeting my gaze again. "Okay. They're pleading her out. Evidently, Simon talked her out of going to trial, wanting to avoid the media circ
Since my release from the hospital, we had weekly appointments with Dr. Whitney, our last one being the day before. I was already two centimeters dilated, and she suggested I could go into labor at any time. I had worried it was too early, but she assured both me and Nicholas that our son was full-term and healthy. It was a difficult decision, but I had agreed to have a C-section. It was scheduled to happen in another week and a half... if I didn't go into labor before that time. When she explained the intracranial pressure from bearing down and possible complications from my recent concussion and ensuing brain swelling, Nicholas pleaded with me to choose the surgery. I could actually feel the fear rolling off of him. The choice to go with the doctor's advice made sense on all fronts and calmed him down significantly, even if I was still a little nervous. "I'd rather stay here today."I kept brushing my teeth, my eyes meeting his in the mirror as I shook my head. I spit and rinsed,
I scanned around the room, noting each of those who were most important to me. Lory exchanged silent smiles with Francis. Courtney and Geoffrey laughed and tickled each other. Laura gushed over Virgil and John. Sarah chatted with Clara and Jefferson.Each of them was special to me in their own way, and my heart felt so full knowing they were here at this moment to celebrate with me and Nicholas. That they shared our sorrows and our joys. None of them were blood-related, but they were all my family.Clara was seated next to us and took my hand, breaking me out of my thoughts. "Before opening all the gifts, I did want to talk to you about your baby shower." I'd forgotten all about that. I cringed, remembering her wanting to give me a huge party. "I'm not really sure..." She stopped me. "I was thinking—considering everything—that maybe you'd prefer something small? Maybe we could even do it here? Just us girls?" I nodded. "That would be great." She grinned. "I have the perfect plan i
His lips were back at my ear again. "Relax, Willow. Here..." he broke off, massaging my thigh a little before lifting my leg and nudging his knee between mine. "Open up for me." It had been so long, and I was too tensed with excitement that I was inadvertently making it difficult for him to get it in. I focused on his chest rising and falling against my back, calming with each breath I took in time with his. With his caution and trying to be tender, it took longer than normal. But finally, he filled me, and I bit my lip, moaning from the feeling. One of his arms was nestled under my neck, his hand on my breast, while the other gripped my hip as he pumped slowly in and out of me. "Is this okay?" he asked. "Does your head hurt? Anything?" "No. It’s fine. This feels good." And it did. It felt great. Yet... something was off.I tried to twist around enough to kiss him, but it wasn't the easiest task. Twisting my body was the one thing that still hurt my ribs. His lips met mine briefl
“You got the short end of the stick as you were growing up, but you didn’t let that stop you. You weren’t bitter about it or trodden down. And I remember thinking how strong you were when I met you.” He leaned in and brushed my lips with his. "It's the same now. If I were you, I would be so angry. But you're smiling and beautiful and happy about the snow..." He broke off and shook his head.I threaded my fingers with his, not needing him to say another word. I knew what he was trying to say, and it meant the world to me that he felt that way. Suddenly the baby kicked hard, and both of our mouths fell open, our eyes widening in surprise. "You felt that, right?" I asked, knowing he hadn't been able to feel the baby move much at all up to this point.He nodded slowly, his eyes glancing down at our hands. "He's going to be a soccer player." I giggled when he bent over to place his head on my belly. "Kick for Daddy. Kick me." It took a few pleas for him to get his wish, but he sat back
Willow POV:He looked like he would explode if he didn’t get time to relax. Finally, his shoulders fell and his lips curved slightly into a smile of resignation. This was a sign that he was giving in.He stood up and hovered over me for a moment, surprising me when he buried his head in the crook of my neck, nuzzling and kissing. It bit back a gasp.Nicholas was far from shy when it came to public display of affection, but it was awkward for him to be so forward, even if it was only in front of Virgil."Maybe I should leave..." Virgil said slowly.Nicholas mumbled 'yes' as I said 'no' at the same time. I laughed and put my hands on his cheeks, to push his face away, taking pleasure in the sight of his small smile."I'll be right back," he said. "Please take a shower." I ran my fingers through his much longer-than-normal hair. "And maybe sneak in a trim."He laughed, and it was the first time I'd heard that sound since my fall. I liked his laugh. It was infectious. It made everything