Chapter 31
Chapter Thirty-One
It didn’t take years of being around wealth to recognize it. Paige immediately knew that the building Graham’s son lived in was one of the most expensive in the city. Not just because it had a doorman and a concierge at the front desk.
It also wasn’t because deep espresso-stained wood paneling lined the walls, polished to a soft sheen.
Or the marble inlays that patterned the floor with dark veining running through creamy stone, elegant without showing off.
Also not because of the modern sconces that cast pools of warm light every few feet, illuminating framed black-and-white photos of the city skyline.
If money had a smell, it might be the light, lemon oil of wood polish and the fresh greenery of the topiaries flanking the doors with subtle, deliberate luxury.
But that still wasn’t it. The reason the place spoke of wealth was because of the stillness that transcended the quiet jazz played over hidden speakers. It was as if everyone who worked and lived here had decided that once you came through the front doors, the outside world ceased to exist.
Peter would have loved this place. For all she knew, he owned an apartment here. Wouldn’t have surprised her.
A soft chime accompanied the elevator doors opening. She and Graham stepped on and he pressed the button for Andrew’s floor.
“Nice place,” Paige said.
He nodded. “Nicer than he could afford but one of his clients built this, some investor from Dubai, and he gave Andrew a chance to get in early. Very early. Andrew put money down when all of this was nothing but a roll of blueprints. It’s got to be worth three times that now.”
“Good for him.”
“I’ll say.”
The ride up was smooth and unsurprisingly quiet. She’d have been shocked otherwise. It didn’t seem like any expense had been spared. The quiet jazz still played in the background.
Graham stood beside her, shoulders squared, a bouquet of fresh flowers in one hand.
They’d already checked into their hotel.
Separate rooms. She’d made that clear when they were setting up their flights.
This was moving faster than she’d imagined, so for now, she was going to control at least part of it.
Graham hadn’t minded one bit, nor had she expected him to. He was the iconic English gentleman in all areas.
He looked confident, except for the way his one brow twitched.
“You have a tell,” she said softly. “You’re nervous.”
“I am. Aren’t you?”
“Absolutely. I want them to like me.”
“Of that, I have no concern.” He gave her a wink as the doors opened.
As they stepped out, Paige’s breath caught. The hallway was as luxurious as the lobby, with the same wood panels and inlaid marble floors. A runner of rich burgundy and gold carpet led in either direction, a single door at each end.
Graham glanced at her. “It’s a lot, I know.”
“No, it’s beautiful. Very impressive. I guess corporate law is the specialty to be in,” Paige said, remembering.
He chuckled quietly, but there was a flicker of something protective in his eyes. Maybe he was worried about impressions. Or expectations.
He gestured to the left and they walked to the door. He knocked once.
The door opened almost immediately, and Andrew stood there, tall, sharply dressed even in casual clothes. He wore the exact same shape of a smile as his father, which told her both of them were trying to hide nerves.
“Dad.” His smile morphed into something more genuine.
“Son.” Graham let out a breath. They embraced, a quick but powerful hug that spoke volumes. So much for the stiff upper lip and all that.
“And you must be Paige,” Andrew said as he released his father and extended a hand, his accent less pronounced than his fathers, but still evident. “It’s lovely to meet you. We’re really happy you both came.”
Paige shook his hand, relieved by his sincerity. “Thank you for inviting me. And congratulations. This is such a special time.”
“Speaking of special,” Andrew said, stepping aside. “Come in and meet Nicole.”
The apartment’s interior was wide and bright. Floor-to-ceiling windows framing the gleaming city skyline. Modern art hung on the walls. A polished cello case leaned carefully near a music stand, an elegant bow resting beside marked sheet music.
A woman stood in the kitchen. Paige was immediately struck by her graceful posture, the understated silk tunic dress that hugged her small but growing belly, and how neatly her dark hair was swept into a perfect twist.
Her smile lit her whole face. “Welcome to our home. We’re so happy you’re here.” She kissed Graham’s cheek, then greeted Paige with genuine warmth. “I’m Nicole. It’s lovely to meet you.”
Paige returned the smile. “You, too. Congratulations. I know this must be an exciting time for you both.”
Nicole rested a hand gently on her belly. “It is. And surreal.”
Andrew slipped an arm around her, pride glowing in his expression. “Nicole is a cellist with the Philharmonic,” he told Paige.
“That’s amazing. You must be extremely talented to have landed a spot like that.”
“My parents started me very young.” Nicole blushed lightly. “We’ve just finished rehearsals for next week’s program. I wish you could be here for the performance.”
“Another time, for sure,” Paige said, impressed. They were quite the accomplished pair.
Graham cleared his throat, holding out the bouquet. “These are for you. Thought they might brighten the place up a bit, though you hardly need it.”
Nicole took them. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”
She passed them to Andrew, who dutifully went to find a vase, leaving the three of them in a pleasant, quiet moment.
Paige met Graham’s eyes. He looked proud, relieved, and maybe even hopeful.
Nicole gestured toward the living room. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. My parents will be here shortly, and we’ve got a little time until dinner, so we can all get acquainted.” She smiled knowingly at Graham. “We want this to be easy. No stress.”
“Marvelous,” Graham said.
Andrew returned. “Would you like a tour of the place?”
“Love one,” Graham said.
Paige nodded.
Andrew and Nicole guided them down a wide hallway where soft lighting glowed from recessed fixtures above.
The artwork lining the walls made Paige pause for a closer look.
There were framed concert posters from orchestras all over the world, and candid photos of musicians mid-performance along with shots of Andrew and Nicole at various functions, some with famous dignitaries.
Their lives were amazing. Paige wondered if they realized how much a child could change it.
“This is the study,” Nicole said, stopping at the first open door.
Inside, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves were lined with leather-bound legal volumes and travel guides. A sleek desk overlooked a different view of the skyline. Obviously, Andrew’s domain.
Across the hall, Nicole pushed open another door. “Guest room,” she said with a small smile. “My mother will be staying with us for the first month after the baby arrives, to help out.”
“That’s such a good thing,” Paige said. “I did the same thing with my daughter after her son was born.”
The room was airy and peaceful with soft blue walls and fresh white bedding, some beautifully framed Monet prints, and an area rug with colors to match.
“And this,” Nicole said, her voice filled with excitement. “Is the nursery.” She opened the door slowly, like a spokesmodel revealing the grand prize on a game show.
The room wasn’t finished yet, but the love that had gone into it was unmistakable. A round white crib waited near the window, bathed in city light. On the opposite wall, watercolor elephants, giraffes, little foxes, raccoons, and a bear marched across a strip of a mural-in-progress.
Fabric swatches in greens, pinks, and blues were clipped to the curtains, ready for a final decision. A short bookcase, partially filled, sat next to a white rocking chair.
Paige stepped in, fingertips brushing the carved edge of the crib. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered. “All of it. I love it.”
Nicole touched her belly, smiling in that quiet, expectant way only mothers truly understood. “We wanted something that felt like a storybook.”
Andrew’s hand slid to Nicole’s back. “And plenty of space for the baby to grow.”
Graham appeared next to Paige, eyes glistening faintly as he took it all in. Pride radiated from him. It seemed that regardless of Andrew and Nicole’s marital status, he approved of the future his grandchild was going to have.
Paige reached lightly for his hand, their fingers brushing as they exchanged a glance. She felt honored to be a part of this.
A soft chime sounded from the front door.
Nicole’s eyes lit up. “Perfect timing. That should be my parents. They wanted a chance to say hello before we all head to dinner.”
Andrew chuckled and hooked a thumb into his pocket as he looked at his dad. “Her mom’s been buzzing about tonight like she’s the one having the baby.”
“Both of them have been,” Nicole corrected with affection.
They all returned to the foyer, where Nicole opened the door to a happy couple around Graham’s age.
Nicole’s mother wore a tailored green wrap dress, her father was in a crisp navy blazer with a dress shirt and charcoal trousers.
They carried themselves like people deeply comfortable in cultured rooms.
Nicole embraced her parents as they came in. Andrew shook hands with her father.
Nicole’s mother beamed and stepped toward Paige. “Nicole told us you were coming,” she said as she took Paige’s hands. “Ken and I are thrilled to meet you both. I’m Joann, by the way.”
“Wonderful to meet you, Joann.” Paige detected a slight Midwestern accent.
Her father shook Graham’s hand with a firm, welcoming grip. “So glad you could come. Family milestones deserve to be celebrated properly. And it’s high time we met.”
Graham straightened. “I agree. Your daughter is everything Andrew said she was, and more.”
Nicole glanced at the wall clock. “We have time for a glass of wine, if anyone wants one, then we can head to the restaurant. Our reservation is in forty-five minutes. If I’m being honest, I could skip straight to dessert.
” Her grin widened. “The cake will reveal if we’re having a boy or a girl and I’m desperate to know. ”
“Won’t be long now,” Andrew said, though the anxious glint in his eyes suggested he was just as eager. “Actually, why don’t we head over early. If the table’s not ready, we can have a drink in the bar.”
“Sounds good to me,” Nicole’s father said.
Paige exchanged a smile with Nicole. It felt warm and a little conspiratorial, like they were united in the chaotic delight that came with family excitement.
As they gathered their things and moved toward the door, the city skyline beyond the windows glowed with a golden light. It was as if the entire city was about to celebrate the news with them.
Paige took Graham’s hand as they stepped into the elevator together, her heart beating a little faster. Tonight wasn’t just dinner. It wasn’t just meeting Graham’s son.
It was the kind of night people remembered. A family night. A night full of hope and future and belonging. The sort of evening that would become part of Andrew and Nicole’s history.
She had been invited into that.
As a woman who had spent years putting everyone else first, and being put last by her husband, to be suddenly included in a night like this felt big.
Paige glanced at Graham as the elevator doors slid shut. He gave her a small, private smile meant only for her.
And she smiled back, heart fluttering with possibility, very glad she’d agreed to this trip.