Clara sighed, shook her head, and then leaned in my direction. "Please pardon my sons and spouse for their actions. The drawback of being surrounded by men is just that." She grinned pleasantly, and I started to relax right away. "I also married Jefferson when I was young, which is what Geoffrey was so rudely referring to," she informed. Geoffrey said "cradle snatcher" while making a false cough. As Jefferson's cheeks started to slightly flush, Clara shot her son a stern look. Nicholas whispered in my ear as he leaned in close. "Dad was 35, Mom was 18, and I was the tiny delight that hurried their wedding along." I made an effort to hide my surprise, but I struggled. Clara grinned, Jefferson scowled, and Geoffrey just carried on laughing. "I think that sounds lovely and romantic, though. I'm glad to see my baby smiling." Even though we were deceiving them about our real connection, I had to grin when I saw the affection with which Clara gazed at Nicholas. She again turned to face m

Virgil's phone rang as the lift reached our floor. After leaving, we stopped to wait for him to conclude his conversation. "I'm sorry, ladies. I have a task that needs completing. His office is straight ahead. He asked you to walk in without concern." He appeared regretful, so I dismissed his worry. "No issue. Virgil, it was good to see you again." "You as well, Miss Ta...er... Mrs. Rowe." At his error, I flushed. He gave a wink before getting back on the elevator. Courtney nudged my arm and giggled. "Mrs. Rowe, get moving. Let's meet your man now." We had just begun to walk together and were appreciating how Nicholas' office was decorated when we were abruptly stopped. "Excuse me. You can't just walk in here. This is not a shopping mall." A tall, platinum-blonde woman was staring at the two of us like we were insects. I turned around, surprised by the smug female voice. I couldn't figure out why she was acting so upset as she stalked over with her fists on her hips. I answer

All I knew was that Courtney would find it difficult to say no if Geoffrey possessed even a minuscule bit of Nicholas' persuasive abilities. I changed into some shorts and a tank top after putting away all of my things, then I hurried downstairs to meet Lory. Laura was in the kitchen when I reached downstairs. "Lory has just arrived at Quentin and is headed here, Laura. She will be arriving shortly, so I wanted to let you know. Sorry for the short notice." Despite how absurd that notion was, I couldn't help but feel like I was asking for permission. She smiled at me and nodded. "All of her favorites are already prepared. She will arrive a little earlier than you anticipated." I gasped because she knew. "Yes." I tried to hide my grin by biting my lip. "Nicholas flew her in early." I pondered whether she and Nicholas might have been involved in this covert scheme as she had a knowing smirk on her face. Laura asked me to share all of Lory's favorite things with her when I informed he

"God, modern cable television is so dull. Nothing worth watching is on." "Our business is attempting to get away from that model for a reason. Variety stories have clearly made way for more stereotype-based content, but as I've already mentioned, I'm not really as connected with that network. You must discuss this with Francis. He excels at conducting market research." Nicholas smiled while raising his hands. I just sat back and saw my closest friend and husband conversing with great happiness during and after dinner. Not only did Lory seem to like him right away, but they had a steady stream of divergent viewpoints on everything was fascinating to watch as an outsider. Their conversation was almost sibling-like, each one trying to get the last word. At one point, I made an attempt to conceal my laughter at their antics. "What are you laughing about? Huh?" I was pulled onto Nicholas' lap and engulfed in his arms as he tickled my sides. After my cries for help subsided, Lory drew m

I called Courtney and asked her to meet us here in an hour after Lory enthusiastically nodded. The three of us opted against going shopping again and instead chose to unwind by the pool. While Lory was still experiencing jet lag, I needed a break from all the shopping. A few hours later, Lory was holding a chilly beverage in her hand and floating around the pool in a tube. "This is the life," she sighed. Courtney and I were laughing as we dried off in the sun after our swim. Sunscreen, bikinis, girl talk, and sunshine made for the ideal day. "Willow, you're a lucky girl," Courtney said. I shook my head and put my sunglasses back on. It was nice to have all of that, but it was hard to believe how much had changed in my life in the past few weeks. But I hadn't sought it out myself. I had never lavished myself with things, only working hard to take care of myself. It wasn't my fault that Nicholas swooped in and handed me everything on a silver platter. "It was more likely fate than p