All Chapters of Makeshift Love: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Auguste drove until we were finally standing at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. It was the most beautiful place in Paris and was at the top of my wife’s ‘must-see’ list. The light on Hailie’s face when she saw the tower in person made me want to kiss her now, but I know what’s at the top. I had arranged a romantic dinner for us at the top, and let me tell you, getting this organized was not easy. Not in the slightest. As we came to the top, the soft sound of music played, and the smell of the food filled our senses. “Ash?” Hailie asked with a smile as the setup came into view: a table with rose petals and a candelabra. The musicians changed the song from a soft strumming to Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast, her favorite song. “How did you…?” I shrugged as I took her hand and swayed her to the music. “I figured I’d make this special for you.” I told her simply, “I know you didn’t want to marry me when we first started this, but,” I paused, considering my words as I stared into

A week in Paris can fly by faster than one might think. Between the sights of the city and the sight of my husband naked, it has been a trip to remember for sure. We’re flying home tonight, but I’d much rather stay here. Where we know nothing will happen, at least, nothing has since we’ve been here. Ash, however, needs to get back to work, and I need to talk with the Henderson twins about what will happen now that the O’Malley family knows their boss is dead by my order. Ash had something to do in the city before we left for home, so Luz kept me company as I worked on getting our stuff packed. “What are you thinking?” Luz asked, clearly seeing the gears turning in my head. Shaking my head, I continued packing, but Luz, being the stubborn woman she is, was not about to take that for an answer. Luz walked over to the bed, sat down, and placed a hand on mine. I sighed and smiled at her, “I’m nervous about what will happen when we get back home.” I say, folding a pair of Ash’s pants

I sat in the library, reading a book I had begun before Franklin passed away. Due to the craziness of the last few months, I could not read. I had not heard of the author, but the book seemed interesting. The door to the library creaked, and the scent of hot tea and peanut butter filled my senses. I look over the couch to see Ash walking in with a cup of tea, honey, and a plate of apple slices and peanut butter, “Hey, beautiful,” he said softly, “I thought you might want a snack.” I smiled, marking my spot in the book and taking the offering from him, “Thanks!” Ash moved a table closer so I could set everything down, and then he picked up my book. “Citadel, by C.M. Alongi?” He hummed, “Is it any good?” I nodded, unable to answer him since I had some apples in my mouth. Once I had swallowed, I took the book back. “I’m not far into it, but it seems interesting.” I explain, “I had started reading before your grandfather passed away, but when he did and then the engagement and t

Getting the call from Ash, I hurried and got ready and left for the city. I’m starting to wish we already lived in the city so I could get there faster. I pulled into a parking spot and started up the steps of the office. Ethan was in his office and waved at me through the glass, “Hey, Hailie,” Terry said as he met me in the waiting area. “Hey, Terry,” I glance around, “Where’s Ash? Is he in his office?” Before he could answer me, Ash came out of his office with an extremely nervous smile on his face. “Hey, beautiful.” He said anxiously, “Glad you could come by!” Why is he so nervous? “So, I need to talk to you real quick.” “Okay, let’s go to your office.” I tried to walk by him, but he stopped me, “No, let’s talk in Terry’s office.” I saw the terror on Terry’s face when Ash said that. I didn’t think anything of it as Ash led me to Terry’s office; dragging Terry with us. It was strange for us to be talking in Terry’s office, but what was really strange is that Terry lo

I left Hailie alone to get us some food; she was still sleeping when I left so maybe she’ll be hungry when I get back. Deciding on the cafe we went to when she got her wedding dress, the same day she decided to see where things could go with us, I ordered us both some food and then made my way back toward the office. I just hope she’ll accept this peace offering. When I returned, I opened the door to my office and saw Hailie sitting up and crying, “Hailie?” I ask softly, setting down the food and going to her side; what could have happened in the hour I was gone? She mumbled something I didn’t quite catch, so I asked, “Hailie, what’s wrong?” She glanced up at me, smiling, “I’m pregnant.” I felt a weight slam into me when the words left her lips. “How do you know?” I asked; there’s no way she could know this soon, right? She handed me the note that her grandfather had given her. The note was a check for nearly a hundred grand, the note reading:Rayen, We know we weren’t there f