Epilogue
Zahara moved Abigail up her hip as she and Carter, who was carrying Delilah, made their way into the new hotel, which was having its opening. The day had been a busy one. They had a check-up with Dr. Peterson to discuss Zahara’s recent ultrasound and find out the sex of their new child. This time there was only one child inside of her, and it was a boy. They had celebrated in bed first, and that was why they were late to attend the auction that was happening at the hotel, put on by his brothers.
The auction’s big prize was a weekend with a bachelor or bachelorette of the winner’s choice. All proceeds would go to the homeless, runaway teens, and mothers needing homes. The charity they were supporting was being run by Diamond, Ambra’s sister, and it was a fancy black tie and cocktail event.
They hurried to the ballroom where everything had been set up and spotted Elizabeth and Carter Sr. waiting in the back. They approached them and handed Carter’s parents the children and their bags for the overnight stay with their grandparents.
Elizabeth smiled and bestowed kisses on her grandchildren, causing them to giggle.
“How was the check-up? Everything good?”
“Yes, baby and mother are doing great in the hands of Dr. Peterson.”
“Oh, how is he doing? That was rough when the scandal hit about his peculiarities and how he and his wife met.”
“He seemed to be okay, but whatever happened to him isn’t our business, as long as he takes care of my wife and children.” Carter shrugged and then moved to the side when he was approached by one of his staff members. He nodded and then returned to them, putting his arm around Zahara.
Elizabeth nodded. “Well, time to get these two beauties home for their nap.”
They groaned because the children now understood what the word nap meant and didn’t like it.
Zahara watched as Abigail’s silver eyes began to tear up and a pout formed, followed by Delilah mimicking her older sister.
“Yes, and then after you wake up, Grandma and Grandpa will have a treat for you.” The girls perked up after hearing that. They both had a sweet tooth, just like their mother.
Both Zahara and Carter laughed when the girls clapped their chubby hands with happiness.
“Are you going to stay for a bit? I heard Michael is up next to be auctioned off.”
“No, we just called the car, and it is almost here. Besides, we already know who is going to bid for him, and I just wish she would stop stringing him along.”
“He is a grown man, and you would think that after almost two years of being jerked around, he would move away. But who knows, maybe now she is willing to give him a chance if she is bidding on him.”
They turned to the stage when the MC announced that Michael would be up next.
“Okay dears, see you tomorrow. Have a wonderful time tonight. You both deserve it. Proud of the new hotel, Carter.”
Elizabeth leaned over, giving Zahara and Carter a kiss on the cheek each, then she and Carter Sr. left with Abigail and Delilah.
Carter ushed Zahara to one of the chairs for the audience and the people purchasing their dates, and they watched as Michael came out.
He looked handsome in his red tuxedo with its black lapel and matching pants. His hair was longer than it used to be and fell to his shoulders, the dark colour bringing out the silver in his eyes. He had become famous in the past two years after he and Ben had taken over some of the Brooks’ holdings to help their brother out, giving him more time to spend with his family.
Zahara was grateful for that, as it allowed Carter to help her out with taking care of the children and trying to finish school. Three months after the new baby Max was born, she was going to start her internship. At the same time, Carter wanted to get started on the process of building her factory on the land he had purchased for her. It was scheduled to be complete when her internship was over, once she had graduated with her degree.
Zahara’s attention was caught by the announcer introducing Michael and telling the audience what his date would entail: a weekend getaway at their chalet in Switzerland; an all-expenses-paid trip on their jet and then being pampered by Michael all weekend long.
She watched as paddles began to flip up and down, making her dizzy as people tried to win the date. Finally there were only a few paddles left in the race. One of them belonged to the woman Michael had been pining for since meeting her in Switzerland. That’s why he had picked the location. He wanted it to be a romantic gesture that she would never forget.
The announcer began to wrap up the bidding. “Going once, for 100K.” Then another paddle shot into the air. “500K!” a woman’s voice said.
Both Carter and Zahara froze as they recognized the voice, and they watched as Michael’s face tightened, not looking happy.
“We have a new bet! Any more takers for 575K or 600K? For the ultimate bachelor?” the auctioneer said. Everyone turned to look at Summer, who had been outbidding everyone so far. Now the crowd waited to see what she would do next. Michael was about to be the most expensive date at the auction so far.
Summer shook her head no.
“Going once, going twice. Sold! To the lady in red.”
Michael stepped away from the podium and strode angrily towards the woman who had just won the date with him.
Zahara couldn’t see over the crowd of people, so she stood up to spot Ambra, who was sitting in her chair looking shocked and dismayed.
In the deafening silence of the ballroom, she suddenly and loudly blurted out, “Oh boy, this is going to be goooood!”