Epilogue - Dorian
Four months later
The boardroom smells like coffee and baby powder. An unlikely combination for a multibillion-dollar company, but that’s what happens when Knox Vale decides his three-month-old son belongs in a board meeting.
Knox is sitting at the head of the table with the baby sprawled across his chest. One massive hand cradles the back of his son’s head while the other flips through the latest contract.
My nephew is out cold, completely unbothered by the fact that he’s lying on top of a man who could buy a small island before lunch.
I lean back in my chair and watch them for a moment. My brother, sitting here with his son sleeping against his heartbeat like it’s the safest place in the world.
It probably is.
And it’s a good sight. I already know I’m going to be even worse when my time comes.
I’ll be having a son, too. And a daughter.
Elodie and I are having twins.
We’ve never had twins in our family. Aunt Maureen is convinced a ghost at the English manor put a spell on us. She lit three candles, said a prayer, and told me to thank ‘the spirit responsible.’
"You know we have a nursery downstairs," Levi says.
Knox doesn't look up. "Dominic is fine where he is."
"He's in a board meeting," Locke chimes in.
The funny thing is, he and Levi have positioned themselves on either side of Knox in the hope of holding the baby when he wakes.
They’ve been like that since Dominic was born. Neither willing to admit that they’re no longer allergic to the word baby.
Unfortunately for them, I’m already the favorite uncle. And since my kids won’t be that much younger than him, I’m pretty much set to be the favorite for life.
“Right, this is pretty much done,” Knox announces. “I think we can sign off. What about the Lockdales?” He looks at Levi.
Levi stifles a groan. “I’m working on it.”
Knox and I both frown.
“What does that mean?” I ask. With Levi you have to be extra specific.
“It means Arthur Lockdale won’t sign with us until he’s convinced I’m a good fit to handle his investments.”
And that’s what I mean.
“We need Arthur for the credibility. He’ll bring in more clients,” Knox says.
“I know, so I’m working on it.”
“Doing what? Has he said something?”
“He thinks I’m young and frivolous and he’d prefer to deal with a man who was either in a long-term relationship or married. Can you believe that guy? It must be a southern gentleman thing.”
Knox and I look at each other.
“What are you going to do?”
“Find a woman. Anyone will do. Don’t worry, I got this in the bag.”
I laugh quietly to myself. I remember saying similar things. Look what happened to me.
I found the love of my life and now she’s carrying my babies.
With Levi, though, I think we might be in for one hell of a ride.
But I hope his journey is just as interesting as mine.
Here we go again.