Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
Willa
I was in the bedroom when I heard the elevator ding. Running to the foyer, I hugged Matt and James.
“Ah, you’re back. I’ve missed you two.”
“We missed you, too, darling.” Matt kissed my cheek.
I hadn’t told them about the baby yet because I wanted to do it in person and not over the phone.
“Have you been to the apartment yet?” I asked.
“We just came from there. There’s a lot of smoke damage. The whole place needs a deep clean,” James said.
“And it still has an odor. We’re staying in a hotel for the next week while it’s being cleaned,” Matt said.
I led them to the table where lunch was waiting for us: chicken salad stuffed into half a pineapple, fresh fruit salad, and freshly baked bread.
“Now, I know you didn’t make all this.” Matt smirked.
“You’re right.” I grinned. “I have something to tell you two. I’m pregnant.”
As Matt lifted his fork, he stopped and stared at me.
“Excuse me? Did you say you’re having a baby?”
“I did.” I smiled.
“Wow. Congrats, darling.” James smiled. “That is fantastic.”
“I agree,” Matt said. “How does Damien feel about it?”
“He’s happy. I think we might be a thing.”
“Of course you are. You’re married,” James said.
“Remember, it’s a fake marriage. But, now, it seems very real.”
“Have either of you said those three magic words yet?” Matt asked.
“No. Not yet.”
“Are you sure Damien is happy about the baby?” James asked.
“Yes, he’s very happy. Although the day we found out, he did have a panic attack.” My face twisted.
“I’m not surprised,” Matt said. “It must have been a shock for a man like him. I mean, first, an accidental marriage, and now an accidental baby. His entire world is spinning off its axis.”
“Have you told your mom yet?” James asked.
“No.” I sighed. “How am I going to tell her that I married a stranger and now I’m pregnant?”
“Don’t tell her about the Vegas nuptials,” Matt said. “Just announce your pregnancy and tell her in a couple of months that the two of you got hitched in Vegas.”
“Maybe I will. Since the two of you are here, and you’re both not working today, you can help me fulfil some breakup boxes.” I grinned.
* * *
Damien
I picked up my phone from my desk and called Grant.
“Grant Roman.”
“Grant, it’s Damien Blackwood.”
“Damien, how are you?”
“I’m good. Listen. I need you to try to find me a building.”
“For Blackwood Holdings?” he asked.
“No. For my wife’s business.”
“What type of business?”
“It’s called Curated Chaos. It’s a breakup box business.”
“A what?” He chuckled.
“It’s hard to explain. Anyway, she needs a space with plenty of room for displays and storage.”
“I’ll get to work on it now and call you when I find something.”
“Thanks, Grant.”
“Why were you talking to Grant?” Uncle Kroy walked into my office.
“I asked him to look for a building for Willa’s breakup box business.”
“Why? Listen, Damien. We need to discuss something.”
“Okay. Sit down.” I gestured.
“I’ve been thinking about this lately. What are we going to tell Theodore when you annul your marriage? I know the merger will be finalized and there’s nothing he can do about it, but he’s going to be pissed and feel like you tricked him. Things are going to be tense around here.”
“I’m not getting the marriage annulled, Uncle Kroy.”
“What?” His brows furrowed.
“Willa’s pregnant.”
“I’ll be damned.” He grinned. “Congratulations.” He extended his hand.
“Thank you.”
“So, you’re staying together for the sake of the child?”
“No. We’re staying together because I’m in love with her.”
“Have you told her that you love her?”
“Not yet.” I sighed.
“Why?” His brows furrowed.
“I don’t know. It never seems like the right time.” I leaned back in my chair, knowing it was an excuse.
“Well, you better do it fast. She deserves to know how much you love her.”
“I know she does.”
My phone rang. Picking it up, I saw Grant was calling.
“Hello, Grant.”
“Damien, I think I found the perfect building for Curated Chaos. Can you meet me there in about twenty minutes?”
“Yes. Text me the address.”
“I’ll do it now. See you soon.”
“Grant thinks he found the perfect building for Willa’s shop. I have to go.” I stood up.
“I’m proud of you, Damien.” Uncle Kroy hugged me. “Congrats on the baby.”
“Thanks, Uncle Kroy.”
I had Louis drive me to 321 Greenwich Street.
“This must be it.” I climbed out of the car and saw Roman walking down the street.
“You made it.” He smiled, inserting the key into the lock. “This used to be a dentist’s office.” We stepped inside, and I looked around. “This is ‘the property,’ Damien. It just went on the market two days ago, and I know it’ll go fast. It’s one of the highly sought-after properties in the Tribeca sub-market. The area is filled with restaurants, health centers, and shopping. It’s the perfect location for your wife’s business. You can knock down all these walls back here and make one large storage space.”
“I like it. How much to buy the building?”
“The owner of the building is renting it.”
“No.” I shook my head. “I want to own the building. Contact him and ask how much he’ll sell it for.”
“I know the owner, and I don’t think he’ll sell.”
“Then it’s your job to convince him to.” I smiled, patting his shoulder. “Let me know.” I walked out of the shop.
Later that afternoon, as I was getting ready to head home, my phone rang, and Grant was calling.
“Grant, did you contact the owner?”
“I did. He said if you want to purchase the building, he’ll sell it to you for twenty million.”
“Jesus. Did you run comps in the area?”
“I did, and it’s a fair price. He told me to tell you that twenty million is the price and he’s not going a penny lower.”
“I have to take Willa to see it first. Can we meet there tomorrow?”
“Sure. What time?”
“I have a meeting in the morning. We can meet around one o’clock. Will that work?”
“I just put it in my calendar. I’ll see you tomorrow.”