Chapter 42
Chapter Forty-Two
Adalyn
“We could always do what people used to before all the modern-day technology. Before cell phones, computers, tablets, and video games.”
“And what was that?”
“Talk.”
“Talk, you say? What such a word is that?” I smiled.
We talked a lot about our families, childhoods, and college days. He shared some of his funniest stories; I shared mine, and we laughed for what seemed like hours.
“What did you do for New Year’s Eve?” I asked.
“Nothing much. Got drunk and passed out before midnight.”
“You didn’t celebrate with anyone?”
“Are you asking if I was with a woman?”
“Yeah. I guess I am.”
“No. I was alone. Athena tried her hardest to get me to go out and party with them, but I didn’t feel like it. What about you? What did you do?”
“Same thing minus the alcohol. I was at my parent’s house in California, and they throw this huge New Year’s Eve bash every year. I mingled with their friends for a while, and then went up to my room.”
“I’m sorry we couldn’t spend New Year’s Eve together,” he said.
“Me too.” I gave him a small smile as I stared into his eyes.
He brought his finger up and softly traced my jawline.
“Shall we go to a warmer part of the house?” he asked.
“Which part are you thinking?”
“The third floor.” The corners of his mouth slightly curved upward.
“I think that’s a great idea.”
We both got up from the couch, and he grabbed my hand and led me toward the stairs. Our lips locked, and we barely made it to the bedroom while leaving a trail of clothes behind us.
“You know what one perk is?” He smiled as he hovered over me.
“What?”
“I don’t have to worry about getting you pregnant.”
I smiled as I pulled his lips down on mine, and we made love, keeping ourselves warm on this blustery, snowy day.
I lay there, wrapped in his arms, as he held me tight, keeping me safe and warm. His hand moved down to my belly, and he softly stroked it.
“You’ve changed me, Adalyn. This, how we are right here, is how it’s supposed to be. I’m done running from myself. When I first saw you that night in the restaurant, I felt something I’d never felt before. Just by looking at you, I felt it. It wasn’t just physical. It scared me because I didn’t know what the hell was going on. I knew it all along, and the more time I spent with you, the stronger it became. That’s why I pulled away like I did. That’s why I wanted you to go back to Seattle. Because I knew that if you stayed, I’d be happy, which was something I didn’t deserve to be.”
“Harrison,” I softly spoke as I lifted my head from his chest.
“Let me finish. When you left, I was a mess. I barely slept. The holidays made it worse because I knew I should have been spending them with you. Athena made it her daily mission to keep reminding that I’d made my bed, and now I’d have to lie in it. That night when I told you I couldn’t give you what you needed, it was the truth. I didn’t like who I was because I didn’t truly know the person I was. After my mother died, I created this other man. I created myself to be everything you said I was. I wanted to come to you in Seattle. I thought about it almost every day and knew it was the right thing to do. But I was too afraid, for I had hurt you so badly. It scared me that you’d still see the same man you left. The same man who told you he felt nothing for you and to leave. So, I stayed away.”
Tears started to fall down my face as my head rested on his chest.
“I’m happy, Adalyn. I’m happy you’re here, and I’m happy you’re having my baby. I’m truly happy for the first time in fifteen years and want to stay that way. I don’t want you to go back to Seattle, and I don’t want you to move to California. I want you and our child here with me, in this city and this house—the house you made a home. You may have thought you finished the house, but you didn’t. It would never truly be a hundred percent complete until you’re in it permanently.”
I lifted my head from his chest and stared into his eyes. He brought his finger up and gently wiped the tears from my cheeks.
“Why are you crying?”
“Because I’m staying. I’m staying in New York and with you in this house, so it’ll be complete.” I brought my hand up to his face and smiled. “This is where I was meant to be all along.”
Suddenly, we heard the furnace kick on, and the sun came out and shone brightly through the windows.
“The power's back on.” I smiled.
“That’s good, but we’re not leaving this bed anytime soon.” He smirked.
Harrison
The next morning, I stepped inside my office with a smile on my face.
“Good morning, Jeremy.”
“Good morning, Mr. Grant.” He grinned.
“Step into my office for a moment and have a seat.”
“Sure. Can I get you some coffee first?”
“No. I’m good for now. I just wanted to tell you that you are an exceptional personal assistant, and now that I have a baby on the way, I will need some extra help from you. So, I’m doubling your pay.”
“Oh my gosh, Mr. Grant. I don’t know what to say except thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Guess what?” I grinned.
“What?”
“Adalyn is staying in New York and moving in with me.”
“That’s great news, Mr. Grant. I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you, Jeremy. I’ll take that cup of coffee now.”
“Right away!”
Just as he walked out, Athena walked in.
“What a storm yesterday. I tried calling you, and you didn’t answer. Why were you ignoring me?” She pouted.
“Good morning, my beautiful sister,” I spoke as I got up and kissed her cheek.
“What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing is wrong with me. This is me being happy. Happy, Athena.”
“I can see that. Why?” Her eye narrowed at me.
“Why not? I’m going to be a father, and Adalyn is staying in New York and moving in with me.”
“So, you finally did it. You opened up your heart to her.” She smiled.
“I did. Yesterday’s storm was a blessing.”
“I’m so happy for you. I have some news of my own.”
“And what is that?”
“Pete and I are moving in together, and I don’t want to hear one negative word from you about it.”
“I think it’s great. I like Pete a lot. He’s a good man, Athena.”
“Really?” She grinned.
“Yes.” I kissed her cheek. “Congratulations. He’s a saint to put up with you.” I smirked, and she smacked me on the chest.