Lucas's POV I couldn't stop grinning like a fool after I hung up with Claire. My cheeks ached from smiling so hard but I didn't care. I felt like I'd just won the lottery, my whole body buzzing with excitement and anticipation.I tossed my phone on the bed, already thinking about our dinner plans. I wanted everything to be perfect - the food, the ambiance, the company. My two favorite people in the world, all to myself for the whole evening. Shrugging out of my shirt and pants, I grabbed my cell again and dialed Jason, my personal assistant. He picked up on the first ring, efficient as always."Jason, hey. I need you to book a private dining room at the Ritz for tonight. 7pm sharp."I could hear him typing rapidly in the background. "Of course, Mr. Brookes. For how many?"My smile widened. "Three. And Jay? Make it the Windsor Suite. I want the works - champagne, roses, the best menu they've got.""Absolutely sir. Anything else?"I bit my lip, thoughts turning serious for a moment. "
Claire's POVI rushed into the office, my heart still racing from the phone call with Lucas. A dinner date. Tonight. The thought made my stomach flip with nerves and excitement."Well don't you look happy," Anna said as I walked in, a big smile on her face. "Good news?"I couldn't stop the grin that spread across my face. "Lucas asked me out tonight. To someplace really nice."Anna jumped up and hugged me tight. "Claire, that's great! You so deserve this after everything with that awful Chloe."My smile slipped a bit at her name. I still couldn't forget how she ruined our last date, all the terrible things she said.Anna squeezed my hand. "Hey, tonight will be different. I know it. She wouldn't try anything like that again.""I really hope so." I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. "Actually...I was hoping you could watch Brian tonight? I don't want to bring him, just in case...""Of course!" Anna said right away. "You know I love spending time with the little guy. We'll hav
Lucas's POVI practically bounced down the stairs, my excitement building with every step. This was it. The night I'd been waiting for. A chance to show Claire how much she meant to me, to take our relationship to the next level."I'm heading out, Margaret," I called my housekeeper as I grabbed my keys. "Don't wait up. And make sure to set the alarm when you leave.""Of course, Mr.Anderson ," she replied with a knowing smile. "Have a wonderful evening."I flashed her a grin and a wink before dashing out the door to my car. The engine roared to life as I slid behind the wheel, the stereo automatically blasting my favorite feel-good playlist.With the music thumping and my heart soaring, I pulled out of the drive and pointed the car towards Claire's apartment. Towards my future, if I had anything to say about it.The drive seemed to fly by, my mind filled with visions of how the night would go. The romantic dinner, the heartfelt conversation, the kiss I planned to lay on her that would
Lucas's POVAs we pulled up to the KISS AND SMILE hotel, I couldn't help but grin at the look of awe on Claire's face. Little did she know, I was the owner of this particular establishment. Just one of the many surprises I had in store for her tonight."Lucas, this place is incredible," she breathed as I helped her from the car, Brian already bouncing with excitement beside us. "Are you sure this isn't too much?"I laced our fingers together, bringing her hand to my lips for a quick kiss. "Nothing's too much for you, sunshine. Besides, wait until you see what I have planned."With a wink, I led them into the opulent lobby, nodding at the staff who greeted me by name. Claire's eyes widened but she didn't comment, just squeezed my hand tighter.Jason met us at the entrance to the private dining room, a knowing smirk on his face. "Everything's arranged just as you requested, sir. Your table is ready.""Excellent. Thanks, Jay." I clapped him on the shoulder as we breezed past, into the in
bond we'd all built. That Lucas's feelings for me...for us...were strong enough to weather the storm.The sudden blare of a car horn jolted me from my anxious musings. Heart leaping into my throat, I hurried out of the bathroom just in time to see Brian dashing out the front door, sketch pad clutched to his chest."Uncle Lucas, Uncle Lucas! Look what I drew for you!"Snatching up my purse, I locked the apartment and turned to see Brian already bouncing around Lucas, chattering a mile a minute as he waved a piece of paper in his face. Lucas, bless him, just grinned and nodded along, squatting down to look at Brian's latest masterpiece. "Wow, buddy, this is fantastic! Is that you and me playing catch in the park?""Uh-huh! And there's Mommy, see, watching us and smiling."My heart turned over in my chest. Tears pricked the backs of my eyes at the sight of them together, so easy and affectionate. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.And that's when it hit me - this was right
Claire's POVThe chirp of my alarm roused me from a deep, contented sleep. I rolled over with a lazy smile, memories of last night's dinner - and Lucas's proposal - washing over me in a warm, giddy rush.My fiancé. God, I loved the sound of that.Grabbing my phone, I saw a text from the man himself. "Good morning, beautiful. Wishing you the sweetest of days. xx"A little thrill went through me at the endearing. It still didn't feel real, him choosing me, loving me. Wanting to build a life and a family together.Grinning like a fool, I sent back a string of heart emojis before dragging myself out of bed. As much as I wanted to spend the day basking in newly-engaged bliss, there was a little boy who needed his breakfast.Speaking of... "Brian? Time to get up, sweetie!"No response. I poked my head into his room, only to find it empty, the sound of water running in the bathroom. "Morning, Mommy!" he chirped, popping his tousled head out. "I woke up early today. Did you sleep okay? You w
Lucas's POVThe second I pulled away from Nova Designs, I felt a pang at the loss of Claire's presence beside me. It was ridiculous, really - we'd only been apart for a minute and already I ached to have her back in my arms.Grinning ruefully, I shook my head at my own foolishness. If this was love, it had well and truly done a number on me.And God help me, I wouldn't have it any other way.Still riding the high of the perfect morning with my fiancée and soon-to-be stepson, I made the drive to Anderson Industries in record time. The roads were clear, the day was bright, and my heart felt lighter than it had in years.I practically bounded into the office, startling poor Jason where he sat hunched over his computer. His head snapped up, eyes going wide behind his glasses."Mr. Anderson ! I...I wasn't expecting you so early...""I had an exceptionally good reason to start the day off right." I clapped him on the shoulder as I breezed by, unable to contain my ear-splitting grin. "Walk w
Claire's POVI practically floated into Nova Designs, my heart still soaring from the perfect morning with my boys. My fiancé and my son. God, I loved the sound of that.Grinning like a fool, I breezed past the reception desk with a wave, too giddy to stop for my usual morning chitchat. I had a feeling my face said it all anyway - I'd caught my reflection in the car window and I was lit up like Times Square on New Year's Eve.The delirious joy lasted all the way to my office...until I pushed open the door and found Anna already at my desk, meticulously sorting files and clearing the surface. She glanced up as I entered, surprise flickering across her face."Good morning, Anna," I said, trying for nonchalance as I hung my purse on the back of my chair."Ms. blakes! You're here early." Her brow furrowed, a sly smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "And you look...different. Good different."I bit my lip, feeling a telltale flush creep up my neck. "Lucas just dropped me off, actuall