Chapter 27
Claire
I lay wrapped in his arms, my head against his chest, as happiness soared through me—a happiness I hadn’t felt in a long time.
“Tell me about your new house,” Nick said, his lips pressing against the top of my head.
“It’s absolutely amazing, and I can’t wait to show you.” I smiled as I lifted my head and stared into his eyes. “Stefan said it will be finished next week. I’ve been working with Ava on the interior. She’s awesome and has great ideas.”
“I can’t wait to see it.” A smile crossed his lips. “How do you like working at Sterling Capital?”
“I love it.” I grinned. “We’re all going on the boat this weekend, and I want you to come.”
“Already planned on it.” He winked. “Christian asked me the other day.”
My phone dinged, and when I looked at it, I saw a text from Simon.
“Where are you?”
“Out. Why?”
“Because it’s eleven o’clock, and you’re not home.”
“Are you my father?” I sent the laughing emoji.
“I’m your big brother, and it’s my job to worry about my sister.”
“I’m with Nick.”
“Is everything good?”
“Everything is great. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“That was Simon checking up on me.” I set my phone down on the nightstand.
“Your brothers love you very much,” Nick said. “And they’ll stop at nothing to protect you.”
“I love them too. I know I haven’t known them that long, but I feel this connection with them that I can’t describe. I feel like I’ve known them my entire life.”
“That’s because you’re right where you belong, Claire.” He pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. “You’re a Kind, and that connection is very strong.”
I cocked my head at him. “I am a Kind, aren’t I?”
“You have Henry’s blood running through you. So, yes, you are.” He smiled.
“I think I want to change my last name. How would you feel about that?” I asked.
“Claire Kind. I love it. It suits you.”
“Don’t say anything to my brothers. I want it to be a surprise.”
“I promise I won’t.” He rolled me on my back and hovered over me. “How about we go for round two before going to sleep?”
“Round two sounds amazing.” I smiled as our lips met.
When I stepped into Simon’s house at six-thirty a.m. to get ready for work, he stood there holding a cup of coffee with a smile.
“Well?” he asked.
“I’m in love.” I grinned as I grabbed the cup from his hands and took it upstairs.
“Hey, that’s mine.” He followed me.
“I need to get ready for work. I can’t be late.”
“Sure, you can. Our brother owns the place. He doesn’t care,” Simon said. “I want details on last night.” He followed me into the bathroom.
“And you’ll get them later.” I placed my hand on his chest and pushed him out of the bathroom. “I have to shower,” I said, shutting the door.
“You’re a mean sister, Claire,” he said.
I laughed as I started the shower and got ready for work. I went downstairs and saw Grace feeding Milo while Nora ate breakfast at the table.
“Good morning.” I kissed the top of Nora’s head.
“Everything good?” Grace smiled.
“Everything’s great.” I walked over and kissed Milo’s head. “Did Simon leave already?”
“Yeah. He had to get to the station.”
I glanced at my watch. “Shit. I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.”
When I stepped outside, I glanced down the street and saw all the work trucks at my house. I smiled because soon, I could move in and call it my forever home.
I was sitting at my desk when my phone rang. Glancing at it, I saw Richard was calling.
“Hi, Richard.”
“Claire, sweetheart. How are you?”
“I’m good. I was going to call you later.”
“How’s the family?” he asked.
“They’re wonderful. I’m in a relationship now.”
“I’m hoping it’s with Dr. Russo.”
“It is.” I laughed. “I love him, Richard.”
“I’m happy for you, Claire. I know your mother would be as well.”
“I need your advice on something,” I said.
“What is it?”
“I’m changing my last name to Kind. Thoughts?”
“If that’s what you want to do, then I say do it. Do you know how to?”
“I’ll have our attorney here handle it for me.”
“I think Claire Kind has a nice ring to it.”
After talking for a while, I ended the call and had Tessa call our attorney up to my office.
“What can I do for you, Claire?”
“I want to officially change my legal name from Claire Marie Monet to Claire Marie Kind.”
“Okay. I can file the paperwork for you.” He smiled.
“Thank you. Please don’t mention this to Shaun or Carter. I want it to be a surprise.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t. I’ll keep you updated.”
Picking up my phone, I texted Nick.
“Hello, my handsome doctor. What time do you get off work?”
“Hey, beautiful. I get off at six.”
“Can you come by Simon’s after work? I want to show you the house.”
“You bet. I miss you.”
“I miss you too.” A smile crossed my lips. “I’ll see you after work. I love you.”
“I love you, too, babe.”
“Claire, someone is here to see you,” Tessa said, popping her head through the door.
“Send them in.”
“Hello, Claire.” Barb walked in.
“Barb, it’s nice to see you. Have a seat.” I gestured. “What brings you by?”
“I was just visiting with Shaun and Carter, and I thought I’d drop by to see your office. This is very nice,” she spoke, scanning the space.
“Thank you. I’m happy here.”
“I see your new home is coming along,” she said.
“It’ll be done next week. I plan on having a housewarming party when I move in, so I expect you and Curtis to be there.” I smiled.
“We wouldn’t miss it. I know we didn’t get off on the right foot, but I’d like to fix that.”
“It’s okay, Barb. I honestly don’t blame you. I’ve put it all behind me.”
“Thank you, Claire.” She stood from her seat. “Maybe we can have lunch sometime soon.”
“I’d like that.”
She gave me a slight nod and left my office.