Chapter 51
Chapter Fifty-One
GAbrIEL
She was trying to remain composed, but I could see the cracks. Everything she’d built to include her reputation, her sense of control, the foundation of her career had just been detonated, and she was standing amid the wreckage trying to figure out the next step.
“I don’t know what I’ll do yet,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “But that’s not what I’m worried about right now.”
My brow furrowed. “What are you worried about?”
“I owe you an apology for not hearing you out and trusting you, Gabriel. What you did, and what you gave up. I’m sorry.”
I put a finger to her lips, humbled by her apology. “I did exactly what you would do in the same situation. Only I fumbled the ball when it came to keeping my promise. For that, I’m sorry.”
Her hand slid up, fingertips tracing my jaw in a way that nearly unmade me. “Do you think there’s a world where we accept our apologies and move forward?”
My breath left me unevenly, love for her pressing so fiercely against my chest it almost hurt. “There’s nothing I want more.”
I dropped my lips to hers, having missed the freedom to do so over the last few days. “I’ll need a rain check for a proper makeup when our families aren’t downstairs.”
She sighed. “I almost forgot about the chaos downstairs. I should get back.”
I leaned back, framing her face for one last kiss. “Take your time.”
I had my reasons for going downstairs first.
On the ground floor, I spotted Leo, Dominic, Addison, and Kelsey snuggled up with the toddlers watching a Disney movie, while Austin and Samantha helped my mom in the kitchen, the baby happily cooing in her highchair.
Both dogs had claimed a spot next to my father, who was relaxing outside on the porch. From the kitchen, the scent of oregano drifted through the open door, proof that lunch was almost ready. As I stepped outside, I could hear the cartoons keeping the toddlers occupied.
“Hi, Dad,” I greeted.
He glanced up from where he sat with a drink in hand, his posture easy, but his eyes sharp. “How’s it going, son? You and Charlotte doing all right?”
I sank into the chair across from him. “Yes, better now. We finally got to compare stories about what happened.”
He nodded, thoughtful. “What she’s doing in having these kids here and stepping in for her ex during a time of crisis is remarkable.”
I didn’t bother to hide my smile. “I agree. It’s the kind of character that should be leading your company.”
His brow arched, slow and assessing. “What do you mean?”
“From the moment I met Charlotte, her leadership style reminded me of yours. It’s a mix of kindness and steel.
She builds a culture by making everyone feel like they matter, regardless of title.
I get it now. What you meant about needing to have heart to be a good leader.
It wasn’t that you hated my ideas, Dad. It’s that I never stopped to respect what came before I tried to bulldoze my way into your company with all sorts of changes. ”
He studied me for a long moment, his silence heavy until he did something I wasn’t expecting. “I should’ve been more open to your ideas without shutting them down automatically.” Finally, he added, “You think she should be my new COO?”
Since Dominic had left, he’d been without one, carrying the load himself. “She’d be incredible,” I answered without hesitation.
He mulled over my words. “And if she’s in line for CEO once I retire? You’d be…comfortable with that?”
I leaned forward, elbows on my knees. “Yes. I think it’d be the wisest move you could make. She has heart and would make an incredible leader for your company.”
He gave me a long, steady look, as though measuring the truth of my words. “And you? Where does all of this leave you?”
I swallowed hard. “I think I might take a couple months to evaluate what I want to do next, not to mention spend more time with Samantha.”
I’d already made peace with the fact that the title wasn’t the prize I’d once thought it was.
For years, CEO had been the finish line, the proof I’d made something of myself.
But somewhere along the way, the goal had shifted.
What I wanted now was simpler and, somehow, so much bigger.
A career where I made a difference to a company, a full life where I had a close relationship with my daughter, more days with my family, and Charlotte by my side.
My dad swirled his soda glass, the ice clinking with the motion. He studied me with a steady, assessing gaze that used to make me squirm when I was younger. “You sound like a man who knows what he wants.”
Before I could answer, a movement caught my eye. Charlotte stepped out onto the patio, her hair still damp from her shower, her skin fresh and flushed. She smelled like sun-warmed citrus and something softer underneath, and for a second, I forgot how to breathe.
“My sister and mom are on their way over,” she stated, her voice lighter than it had been in days.
My dad smiled, but his tone shifted back to business. “Charlotte, do you have a few minutes to discuss company matters?”
“Of course,” she answered without hesitation.
I started to rise, ready to excuse myself and give them space until her hand brushed mine, stopping me.
“Please stay.”
I froze. “You sure?”
Her eyes found mine, steady and deliberate. “Yeah. I’m sure.”