Chapter 88
Alaia
“How?” Nick looked at me, completely puzzled, though a smile seemed to be forming on his lips.
“Well, the papers came back to me before the judge could issue a ruling. Without even
realizing it, my mind and body had already returned to being yours,” I said as his fingers ran through my hair.
To me, our wedding in Las Vegas had been the happiest day of my life, until our children were born.
“You were about to get married,” he said, more of a statement than a question.
I bit my lip, knowing it wasn’t something I had planned for.
“The marriage wouldn’t have lasted long. I have a good group of lawyers,” I said calmly, confident that I would have gotten out of it one way or another. He smiled before placing a few quick kisses on my lips. We stopped kissing and, holding each other, watched our children run and play with other kids in the park.
We stepped out of the car after spending a wonderful week in Seattle. We had to buy clothes for me and the kids since I had thought we would return earlier. My heart swelled seeing Noah and Alana playing near their grandfather, while Nick cared for his father. I wished there was more we could do for Dominic.
But it was time to return. My family was already in town, and I had spoken to Cedric. I knew he had sorted everything out. Apparently, Bart thought Cedric was gay, but that didn’t bother him, according to what my friend told me.
“The others know I’m obsessed with women, regardless of their age, skin color, or height,” he had said, and I was sure he had a grin on his face as he said it. The important thing was that the deal was completely closed. Nick wouldn’t lose the team, and children from less privileged countries would receive their treatments. In the end, this madness turned out well.
I sighed, taking Nick’s hand as he helped the children out of the car.
They ran to the front of the house, and the door opened. Tino and Ash were there to greet us.
“Ohhh, I could just eat you up!” Tino exclaimed as he picked up Alana, and Ash scooped up
Noah, showering them with kisses as my little ones clung to their necks.
“Grandparents!” Noah spotted my parents in the living room, and his little feet hit the floor as he ran toward them. They welcomed him with open arms.
“Handsome!” Tino walked over to my husband and planted a kiss on each of Nick’s cheeks.
“But, seriously, you get more handsome by the day,” he teased, tapping Nick’s chest. Nick let out a soft laugh, shaking his head.
“Thanks,” Nick replied, taking Tino’s hand as if he were greeting a lady. Tino looked confused.
“I know you supported me and were there for me,” Nick added, referencing something I had recently told him. He looked at me with a smile, while Tino puffed out his chest proudly.
“I was the only one, wasn’t I?” Tino said, glancing between Ash and me. We both rolled our eyes.
“It was my pleasure. Don’t hesitate to call me. I love a good love–crazed adventure. Anything to see you two finally happy,” he said, hugging Nick, who enthusiastically returned the embrace. Then he greeted Ash and my parents, who watched the scene with neutral expressions.
Nick said goodbye to everyone and the children. He had to go to the office, just like I did. He approached me, grabbed my waist, and left me breathless with a passionate kiss that made every inch of my skin tingle.
The man I loved gave a gentlemanly nod to my cousin and Tino, who fanned themselves, grinning from ear to ear.
I walked inside to see my parents, who said nothing. They just watched me with affection and pulled me into a hug.
“But come on, you couldn’t look more stunning! It looks like you’ve been getting a nice, big, juicy cock during all this time,” Tino joked the moment we entered my bedroom.
I sighed and smiled.
“Some of the most delicious and heated days I’ve had in a long time,” I admitted happily, recalling the many times Nick and I had made love over the past week.
“Oh my God, oh my God! I can feel it in my bones. I’m getting the chills just thinking about it! Look, look, look!” Tino said, showing his arm and pretending to faint as he collapsed backward onto the bed, making us all laugh.
A week had passed since the wedding chaos, our return from Seattle, and Nick and I being together again. I smiled at the thought. We were still figuring out the logistics of living together, so some days I stayed at his house, and other days he stayed at mine. It was a fun arrangement for the kids. My parents and Nick were slowly getting closer, and the pieces of our lives were finally falling into place.
I got home after a couple of meetings and scooped up my kids into my arms.
“Did you miss Mommy?” I asked, kissing their little necks.
“Yes, Mommy!” My boy nodded eagerly and glanced toward the door.
“Daddy?” Alana asked, looking behind me. Nick and I had been coming home together the days he decided to stay at this house.
“Daddy’s coming later,” I assured her, planting a kiss on her neck to make her giggle. I did the same with Noah, who joined in with laughter.
We went up to my room so I could change, and I frowned when I saw a dress lying on the bed.
I recognized it immediately, remembering where and when I had last seen it.
“Mom?!” I called as I stepped into the hallway overlooking the first floor.
“What is it, sweetheart?” she called from the living room.
“The dress,” I said, holding my kids in my arms.
“It has a note,” she shrugged before walking away.
“Grandma wasn’t much help, huh?” I muttered to my kids, who giggled. Adorable!
I sat them on the bed and picked up the note.
“Although I can’t turn back time, I want to give us back the moments we dreamed of and that were stolen from us. I’ll pick you up at 8. Nick p>
I sighed as I looked at the dress and shoes. I couldn’t believe he had found the shoes. There was also a beautiful set of earrings and a necklace with pink diamonds, elegant and understated, just how I liked my jewelry. He hadn’t forgotten.
“You’re here, but why didn’t you tell us, honey? We would’ve been here in a second to help you get ready!” Tino fussed over my hair while Ash ushered me into the bathroom.
“What are you waiting for, darling?” my cousin gave me a playful smack on the butt, pushing me inside.
“Can’t I just enjoy the moment?” I complained as I started to undress.
“You will enjoy it, oh yes, you will!” Tino shouted from outside.
It took just over an hour to get me ready, but I admit it was worth it. I looked exactly how I had wanted to look that day. I sighed, staring at my reflection in the mirror.
“You look gorgeous!” Tino beamed proudly.
“Looking at you makes me wish I had a man who loved me like Nick loves you,” Ash said, hands on her hips. Tino and I exchanged glances; she had always been resistant to love.
“I’m just saying, that’s all. Don’t read too much into it,” she quickly clarified in a louder voice.
We heard the doorbell ring, and they both widened their eyes, scooping up the kids as they left the room.
“You better have forgotten to wear any underwear,” Ash said, eyeing me from head to toe before winking. I didn’t get the chance to tell her I actually had “forgotten” before they were already gone.