16. Find a Way
16
FIND A WAY
VIVIAN
After our intimate night together, Richard and I walked hand in hand into the hospital, the sunlight on my face like a new day with him beside me. Once we were riding the purple elevator to the Pediatrics unit, though, I drifted away from him, as reality grew closer.
“We probably need to figure out how to tell Paris about you, about her father,” I said.
“And about us,” he replied. He gave me a puzzled look.
“I think we should wait to say anything.” I peeked up. His face flushed with confusion and hurt. Quickly, I outlined my reasoning. “Paris has been through so much. I worry for her well-being.”
“She’s tougher than you think,” he insisted.
“This has all happened so quickly. I just need time to catch up and decide how to explain this to her.”
“Don’t I get a say about it, too, as her father?”
“Of course you do, but please, let’s hold off for now. We can talk about it later today and figure out how to tell her together.”
“Okay, cupcake. I’ll follow your lead—for now.” He nodded, a skeptical smile touching his lips as he used my new nickname while we stepped off the elevator.
I grinned at the affectionate term, remembering our passion of the night before, yet a pang of guilt hit me for asking him to delay something so important, especially knowing how happy he was at finally having a daughter. I needed to come to terms with everything first, and for her sake think of the best way to do this.
Soon we reached Paris’ room and Dr. Ferguson emerged with a warm greeting. “Ah, there you are. I have more good news.” I peeked into the room where Paris enjoyed breakfast with her Uncle Keaton.
“Okay. Can’t wait to hear,” Richard said on our behalf.
“The test results are in. After consulting with my staff, we’ve determined that your kidney is the ideal match for Paris. As soon as you’re ready, we can begin preparations for the surgery immediately.”
At first, Richard just stared, unblinking, his eyes wide with disbelief at the news. Suddenly, pure joy overtook him; he burst out laughing, clasping his hands together and raising them to the heavens like in prayerful gratitude, while I hesitated. Yet, wasn’t this exactly what I had always secretly wished for—a partner with whom I could share this journey instead of facing it alone?
Richard swept me up in his arms and spun me around. “Hear that, cupcake? It’s me. I can save her.”
“Why did you call Mommy cupcake?” came Paris’ curious question from the doorway. Quickly, Richard set me down as we exchanged a look. When I didn’t reply immediately, he added, “Well, she bakes cupcakes—I thought it was a perfect nickname.”
“Do I have a nickname?”
“Why, yes. How about my little explorer? After all, once this is over, we’re going to take you on a world tour.”
“Okay, yippee,” she beamed and clapped, returning to her breakfast.
Perhaps Richard was right that Paris would take the news well. Out with the old father. In with the new, fun, and better one.
“You know what I think?” Richard said, wrapping an arm around my shoulder as we watched our daughter with tender admiration. “She’s far smarter and more capable of handling things than you give her credit for.”
“Yes, maybe so. Still, let’s talk later, just the two of us. There’s no rush, right?”
“Sure, but we’re moving forward with the operation, aren’t we? I just discovered she’s my daughter, and if I have a chance to save her and help her regain her health, I’ll take it.”
“Are you absolutely sure you’re willing to donate a kidney for her? It’s a major operation—the ultimate sacrifice for a little girl you’re only just beginning to know,” I said, needing reassurance that he truly understood the gravity of his decision.
“Time loses meaning in moments like this. Just like when I first saw you, the moment I met her, there was an unbreakable connection. Even though everything is new and uncertain, I’d fight in a heartbeat for you both to have the life you deserve.” He caressed my cheek as he looked deeply into my eyes. “I’ve never been more certain about anything. She’s my daughter, Vivian. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her—and you.”
“I can’t argue with that, can I? I’m sorry I hesitated for a moment. It’s been such an ordeal?—”
“I know. Come here.” He enveloped me in a comforting embrace. “Let me share your burdens. You’re not alone anymore, remember?”
Tears welled in my eyes as I nuzzled close. “Yes, Richard, let’s go ahead with the operation.”
“Oh, cupcake, you’ve made me the happiest man alive.”
“Are you two going to keep hugging all day or come eat breakfast?” Paris called from inside her room. We both laughed and joined her, and I instantly felt lighter, as though Richard had taken many years of worry off my shoulders.
As we finished breakfast, unexpected visitors arrived. Rex and Chelsea, with her friend Sophie from the city, along with Flora, too.
“Gramma!” Paris lit up at the sight of her and dove into her arms.
“I missed you, my little Paris-girl. I brought your favorite slice of strawberry pie,” Flora said, setting it aside.
“I missed you, too. Mommy, can I show Gramma Flora the playroom?” Paris asked. I nodded, happy to see the two reunited, and they went off to the common area to play.
It was a joyful reunion, and I missed Chelsea terribly, hugging her tightly. “How were the Maldives?”
“Wonderful, of course. But that’s not important right now. Tell us everything. How is Paris? She seemed so happy to see us. What’s her current condition?” Chelsea asked as Rex helped her take off her coat. I couldn’t help but envy the glow on her face, fresh off their Maldivian honeymoon.
Under his breath, Richard whispered, “Should we share everything?”
“Share what?” Rex heard and raised an eyebrow at his brother.
I melted at the gleam in Richard’s eyes and the uncontrollable smile he wore—eager to announce to everyone that he had a daughter and was ready to save her life. Though I still needed time to prepare for the conversation we’d have with Paris, I nodded, approving this like it could be a practice round.
Together, we recounted every detail—from our first meeting in Paris, the situation with Adrien and the confrontation over the paternity test, to Richard’s suitability as her kidney donor.
When we finished, Rex remarked, “That is one hell of a story, brother. Miriam’s going to flip over having a granddaughter to spoil.”
My eyes widened; I’d completely forgotten Miriam was part of the package with Richard.
“She’s going to adore you both,” Rex quickly added, noticing my reaction.
“That’s right. She will,” Richard confirmed.
“Don’t worry about Miriam at all. I’m just happy to see the two of you together. I had a feeling things might work out,” Chelsea admitted with a sly smile.
“I must say, for the first time in a long time, I have a good feeling about things too,” I confessed, stealing a sideways glance at Richard. “But we’re still figuring it all out. So for now, please, let’s keep these details quiet. We’re planning how to tell Paris about her real father and the operation soon.”
His steady blue gaze assured me, whispering, “I think this is the beginning of something great.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” I glanced around at our supportive friends and family, everything falling into place—like not a thing could go wrong now.
“I just have one question,” Sophie piped up from the corner. “Aren’t you Keaton Kingston from Brewed for Love?” She gestured toward my brother, who flashed a smoldering smile in her direction.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” I laughed. “There’s been so much news, I forgot the two of you hadn’t met. Keaton, Sophie is Chelsea’s friend from the city, and she works at an exclusive advertising firm there.”
“Oh really? Impressive.” Keaton’s smile hinted at a possible interest in her. I kept a chuckle to myself about my bachelor brother.
“Actually, I’m currently unemployed,” Sophie sighed. “I spent a fortune on my marketing degree from Columbia, jumped into the brutal world of New York advertising, only to find the most unscrupulous companies—even if they were prestigious. So I left, and now I have about thirty days until my rent is due to find another job.”
“Oh honey, why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Chelsea said, placing an arm around her.
“And spoil your honeymoon? No chance. I’ll find something,” Sophie shrugged.
“Or I could whisk my wife away on another extended honeymoon sailing the world, and you could continue house sitting for us, saving you the hassle of your apartment,” Rex teased as he pulled Chelsea close.
“Another honeymoon?” Chelsea’s eyebrows lifted in surprise.
“Sweetness, I’d take a million honeymoons with you,” he flirted as he cuddled her.
The way Rex looked at Chelsea… I recognized the same intensity that Richard showed me. I always believed Chelsea was fortunate to have Rex—and perhaps now was my turn with Richard.
Richard’s hand drifted to the small of my back, sending a thrill that reached deep into my heart and soul. In that moment, my emotional walls crumbled. He could be the best thing in my life, right alongside our daughter, but I constantly pushed him away or second guessed or hesitated to go all in.
What if he was right about this being our second chance? Here we were, working together for Paris to survive. With a second chance, we could be so much more. If I didn’t take this chance now, another might never appear.
As the day wore on, Keaton eventually left for Holly Creek to tend to his business, although I noticed he exchanged numbers with Sophie—an interesting detail I’d follow up on the next time I saw him.
Richard spoke with the medical staff and made several calls and arrangements that included having his personal physician and a renowned pediatric surgeon fly in for the transplant surgeries, which was so like him given his money and power to make it happen. But I understood how much comfort it brought him to know that only the best care would be provided for both him and Paris.
There were still a few days of pre-op testing before the operation could be scheduled. All of our friends and family wanted to pitch in, so Chelsea created a group calendar where they could each take turns to help watch over Paris. Richard and I wouldn’t be overwhelmed on our own through this. Of course, with recovery for both father and daughter post-surgery, I’d be caring for two people, which made the calendar of helpers even more meaningful to me.
After dinner, Paris was so happy when her Gramma Flora agreed to stay overnight for a “slumber party” with just the two of them, giving us a break. Richard informed the nurses, and we prepared to leave, saying good night to our daughter together. Only I noticed Richard holding onto Paris a little longer than usual, the sight of them twisting my heart. I shouldn’t keep Richard from telling her she’s his daughter much longer. It wasn’t fair to either of them; he missed out on her first six years of life. I wouldn’t want him missing more.
Back in the quiet space of the hotel suite, we settled onto the couch to talk, side by side, our thighs touching.
“Are you nervous about the operation? I’ve never been under. I had Paris naturally—a grueling four-hour labor,” I inquired, and I laced our fingers together, giving his hand a squeeze.
He shifted sideways to me, his other hand caressing the back of my neck. “I regret missing out on so many moments, like watching your baby belly grow and talking to our baby in the womb. I know I might have dreaded seeing you in pain during labor, but when our baby was born, it would have been the proudest time of my life.” He exhaled deeply. “Yes, I’m nervous. Going under anesthesia always carries a risk. Speaking of which…” he trailed off.
“What is it? Tell me.” I gently cupped his face, the worry wearing there. He rarely showed vulnerability like this.
“Vivian, what if something happens to me on the table?” he confided. “The thought of losing you and Paris terrifies me. I want to tell her everything before the surgery, so she understands who her real father is—should anything go wrong.”
“Stop. Nothing bad will happen.” My stomach churned at the very idea of losing him or her, but he was right. Paris needed to be told the truth.
“There’s more. I also need to call Miriam. I’m her son, so she’s bound to want to be there for my surgery. We can’t keep the news that I’m Paris’ father from her, either.”
I chuckled and rolled my eyes at his practicality. “As a mother, I’d expect to be there, no matter what. And I know how much Miriam loves her boys; I saw it throughout the wedding. You’re right. I know we have to tell her.”
“Good. Thank you for understanding.” He pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Now come here.”
I giggled as he lifted me onto his lap. “Big strong man. Showing off how you can handle me?”
“I’ll do more than that. I’ll take care of you in every way. Tell me what bills you have.”
“What?” I asked, shifting myself slightly from him in surprise.
“You and Paris will never have to struggle again. I swear it. Give me all your bills—expenses for the shop, anything you need. Whether it’s a remodel, an expansion, or that project you’ve always dreamed of; consider it done.”
“Richard, I can’t let you do that.”
His eyes studied my face in earnest. Then a smile grew slowly, ear to ear. “Every single time, you pass my test, Vivian.”
“Test? What do you mean?”
With tender fingers, he brushed through my hair. “My ex was only interested in my money. That made me wary of falling for anyone again. But here you are, and here I am, offering you my kidney, my unwavering devotion, all of my money—only for you to fuss about it. I practically have to coax you into accepting anything I want to give you. And that, my sweet little cupcake, means you’ve passed my test.”
He held my hands and squeezed. “Vivian, I’m falling for you.”
My heart melted at his sincerity. “Oh, Richard. I—” I started to echo him, but a deep-seated fear of repeating past mistakes held me back. Not that I thought he could be like Adrien and hurt me; it just wasn’t easy to trust again. Would I ever be able to let him in completely?
“It’s okay if you can’t say it yet, Vivian. I’ll wait for you. But while I do, know that I’m going to pay every bill of yours and spoil both you and Paris every chance I get. And you don’t have to keep thanking me. Just—find a way to fall for me, too. That’s all I want.”
Tears welled up again as the whirlwind of the week overpowered me. “Richard,” I whispered, wrapping my arms around his neck. “I never expected you to come into my life, but I’m so glad you did.”
“Me, too. God bless that beat-up van of yours for breaking down. I should have kept it after all, and gold plated that thing to keep around as a prized symbol of the second time we met.”
He had me in stitches with that.
“Oh, and cupcake? I have one more thing I’d like from you tonight.”
I smiled sweetly. “What could that be?” I teased, even though a playful hint in his demeanor suggested it was something more intimate—and I could feel it growing in his pants.
“I want to kiss you… Want to make love with you… Want to hear you come with my name on your lips…” He nuzzled my neck and softly grazed my earlobe, sending delightful shivers along my skin.
“I’m not stopping you from taking what you want,” I moaned, and probably never would. Talk about spoiled—the billionaire was used to getting his way.
“You’re mine, good girl.” He stood and carried me off to bed, laying me out gently, taking my breath away by the intensity of his eyes gazing deep into mine the entire way. “There my sweet. Did I fulfill my promise, doubling down on the suave moves?” He asked with a smoldering gaze while undressing me.
“Oh yes, Mr. Buchanan. You did very well.” All night long, I surrendered myself to him—believing each thrust of his cock like a fierce vow of loyalty for me, each passionate kiss a plea that we’d never let each other go.