Chapter 36
Chapter Thirty-Six
Paige
I lay back against the bed, my body heavy and exhausted in a way no fight had ever made me feel.
Every muscle in my body trembled, but it didn’t matter.
Because I was holding my son, Gabriel Parker Hamilton, in my arms. He was small.
Perfect. He was pulled into this world, and I would make sure he was always protected, whether he liked it or not.
“We did this,” I said to Parker, as my finger trailed down Gabriel’s tiny cheek.
“We sure did. He’s perfect, Paige.”
“He’s perfect like his father.” She smiled.
I handed our son to him, and instantly, the powerful, controlled attorney who could dismantle an entire courtroom disappeared. In his place, something else entirely. A father.
I was in the hospital for two days, and I couldn’t wait to go home. Parker warned me that our family was there waiting to celebrate the birth of our son.
I stepped through the front door with Parker behind me, carrying the car seat and diaper bag. Everyone welcomed us home and put on quite a spread of food. The moms took turns holding Gabriel, and then reluctantly handed him over to Harrison and Love.
I went into the kitchen for a bottle of water. Gabriel wheeled himself behind me.
“He’s beautiful, Paige.”
“Thank you, Gabriel. I’m so happy.”
“I know. And rightfully deserved. I will admit that I’m touched you named him after me.”
“If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here. You saved me, Gabriel, and I will spend the rest of my life thanking you. You’re very special to me, and you will be just as special to Gabriel.”
“Stop.” He wiped his eye.
“Aw. Is the mighty Gabriel getting all emotional?” I smiled.
“Maybe, I am. And you know what? I’m good with it.”
I leaned over and hugged him.
After everyone left, the house was quiet. Too quiet. Gabriel was sleeping in Parker’s arms when I walked into the living room.
“He’s perfect, Paige. Thank you.”
“I know he is. What are you thanking me for?”
“For you. For him. For this new family we have.”
“You’re going soft, Hamilton,” I smirked.
“Maybe I am. But only with you and our son.” He leaned over and kissed my lips. “You do realize he controls the house now, right?”
“I know.” I stared down at my son. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Three Months Later
Paige
It was two a.m. as I sat in the rocking chair, rocking my son back to sleep, as he was cradled in my arms. One of his small fists was wrapped around my nightshirt, refusing to let go.
“You’ve got a grip on me already, little man,” I quietly spoke.
“It didn’t take you long. Can I let you in on a little secret?
I used to think attachment was a weakness.
That it was something that got you hurt.
It was something to be avoided if you wanted to survive.
” Gabriel turned his little head. “Yeah. I was wrong about a lot of things. I didn’t know what any of this was supposed to feel like.
I was made not to feel. But your daddy changed all that.
He showed me what I didn’t think I was capable of.
And then there’s you.” My emotions heightened.
“And somehow, between your daddy and you, you rewired everything. You’re not going to grow up the way I did.
There will be no training, no fear, and no looking over your shoulder, wondering who’s coming for you. I won’t let that happen.”
“Are you negotiating terms with him already?” Parker leaned against the doorway with his arms folded.
“He’s a tough client and doesn’t compromise.” I smiled. “I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“You didn’t. But I did hear your little conversation over the monitor.” He stepped into the room and placed his hand on Gabriel’s back.
“He’s been out for a while. But yet, he refuses to admit it. You know how much he loves to stay awake,” I smirked.
“He’s already stubborn. Definitely yours.” Parker smiled.
“Careful, Hamilton.”
“I meant strong, sweetheart.”
“That’s better.” I stood up and carefully laid Gabriel in his crib.
Parker hooked his arm around me, and we walked out of the room.
“Promise me something,” I said.
“Anything.”
“Promise me that he can make his own decisions in life. If he wants to be a lawyer, great. If not, that’s okay.”
“I promise. But what if he wants to be an assassin?”
“Over my dead body.”
Parker let out a chuckle. “I’m glad we’re on the same page.”
I pulled up across the street from the art gallery/command center for Hearthstone. Taking Gabriel from his car seat, I stepped across the street and stared at the pile of dirt. There was a sign that read, “Future home of Yoga Hut.” As if we needed another yoga joint in this city.
“I did this, little man. I burned it all down. Every room. Every secret they tried to bury. They don’t get to exist anymore.
You won’t remember this. Next time we pass by here, you’ll always remember it as a yoga studio.
You will never know what happened here, who these people were, and what they did.
Maybe one day, I’ll tell you about my life.
Probably when you’re in your 30’s. You have the right to know who your mother was before you were born.
But make no mistake, little man. I’m still that same person.
Just a softer version.” I kissed his cheek, and he laughed.