Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
But as I stare down, I’m frightfully aware that it’s something I should’ve done sooner, or perhaps it would’ve never happened until I met Alina, who pushed me to live again. I’d forgotten my hopes and dreams when Hayley died. But more than anything, I couldn’t wait to be a father and a loving husband who devoted myself to his wife like my dad to my mom in my own childhood.
I thought when Hayley died, I couldn’t have any of that. That I was betraying her if I ever sought it out elsewhere. But when Alina almost perished in that fire… I was reliving the panic all over again, and a rude awakening snapped me into action.
Alina’s been patient with me, even when I didn’t deserve it. I don’t deserve her, but I’d give everything, including my life, to have her by my side.
I realize now it doesn’t take away the love I had for Hayley and that there was a reason I didn’t die with her. I look at Alina, who’s staring down at Hayley’s grave, and I brush my thumb over hers.
From the past to the future, no matter what it brings. Most likely a spitfire of a child who’s as much of an asshole as they are fiercely independent. A small smile curves my lips as I look at the woman who’s beautiful in every way and soon to be the mother of my child. It’s early days, but without a doubt, I know I’ll live the rest of my life by her side.
“What is it?” Alina asks quietly.
“I was just thinking about how lucky I am to have you.”
A small smile flicks up the corner of her mouth as she leans over and presses a kiss to my cheek in reply, and we both look down at the grave.
Thank you, Hayley, for loving me. Thank you for letting me go.
CHAPTER 55
Alina
“We’re not having a shotgun wedding,” I say adamantly to Will as I do up his shirt buttons. We’d just had another fucking marathon, and had I not already been pregnant; I’d most likely be pregnant from the acts we just performed in his new penthouse.
“But you said you loved the ring I bought you,” he says arrogantly because he does have good taste. It’s been sitting on the tableside ever since he showed it to me.
“It’s beautiful, Will, but right now, there’s a lot happening, and we need to focus on those things first. I’m opening a storefront here in New York and in London. We’re here for Honey and Dawson’s baby shower, and I’m starting on a new project in Manchester. Engagement and weddings can wait.”
He pulls me in by the waist. “I thought you wanted marriage.”
“I do. But it doesn’t have to be today. And besides, I’d hate to take away from your sister’s enjoyment of turning into a bridezilla on my behalf.”
He chuckles as he squats down and straps my heels on for me. His hand grazes up my calf, and I slap him away. “Will, we’re already late. We’re not fucking again,” I grit out. He looks depressed as he sighs and stands. He takes my hand and leads me outside.
When we’re in the car, I flick through emails and contracts. Because we didn’t know where we wanted to live yet, Will bought an apartment in New York, and I bought a bigger one in London. We now also own a private plane, which is rather handy despite how grand it feels. I’ve only used it when traveling with Will, but he insists anything that’s his is now mine.
Turns out, among all the push and pull, he’s a lovesick puppy and a fool at that. It feels like I’m the only one resistant to how quickly everything is changing, yet I’m so happy. Genuinely happy. Because no matter how much I fought it and called it sexual attraction, Will has been the only man I’ve been utterly captivated by, as much as I hate his arrogant male pride.
But I also love him because of it.
Maria was surprised to hear we were officially dating and almost passed out when we told her about the pregnancy. I was nervous it would tarnish our friendship, but she broke down into tears, celebrating that she’d finally get a sister.
I felt that so deeply.
The same goes for my newly found family here in New York.
We arrive at Honey and Dawson’s lavish mansion, where only a few cars are parked. A house attendant greets us as we walk in, and Honey squeals in excitement when she sees me.
“I was wondering what was taking you so long,” she says as she stares daggers at Will accusingly, and he puts his hands up in defense.
My eyes bulge at the massive, wrapped present in the hallway. “What on earth is that?” I ask.