Marrying My Billionaire Boss

I stare, wondering when the last time I heard her sound like that was. And the answer is: never. She’s always been serious. But then, our lives were hard, just one tiny misstep away from missing a meal or even homelessness. We’ve been extraordinarily lucky that neither of us ever got seriously sick or injured.

“Thank you,” I say to Nate as we step into our home. It still amazes me that this beautiful place is mine too.

“For what?”

I turn around and hold his hands in mine. “Making my mother laugh like that. She’s sacrificed so much for me, and I didn’t realize how much until now,” I say quietly, slightly embarrassed at how selfish I’ve been.

He puts a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t make it sound like you’ve failed somehow. She adores you. She lived and worked hard for you, and she’s proud of you. And you know what? How about if we send her and her friend on a nice cruise for Christmas? A suite with a butler, concierge service, the works. They can cruise the Caribbean. And get pampered.”

His offer is generous, and I feel my heart grow warm. Smiling, I hug him. “Thank you. But…” I sigh. “I don’t know if she can. Do you know why she had to leave early?”

“She got tired of the porn studio?” He tilts his chin toward the statue from Barron.

It makes me choke and laugh at the same time. “Ah, no. It’s actually a friend of hers in Dillington. She’s sick with breast cancer. She lives alone, and Mom wants to make sure she’s okay.”

All the light humor leaves his face. “Is her doctor any good? Is she getting the treatment she needs?”

“Yeah. I think so.”

“I don’t want to presume, but you know you and your mom can ask me for anything, right?”

“I know.” I also know that he’ll move heaven and earth to make it happen because he’s just that generous and caring. “Thank you.”

He places a soft kiss on my forehead. “Anytime. It’s about time you get used to being my wife. And none of that six weeks, then get divorced stuff. The baby needs its father.”

I smile at him because that’s the right response, but I don’t miss the fact that he didn’t say anything about love. But it’s clear that he trusts me one hundred percent. Otherwise he would never have told his family the baby was his. I should be happy about that. Love can’t happen without trust. I’m at least ten steps ahead.

“So about your doctor visit…” Nate begins.

“Let’s not do that on a Sunday, even if doctors will come out for a Sterling baby. If they’re working on a Sunday, it’s for emergencies. And I feel fine.”

“Hmm. How about your regular doctor?”

“I, uh, don’t really have one. I haven’t had a chance—or a reason—to go to one.” Besides, gynecologists are right up there with dentists on the list of specialists I’d rather not see. I know I need to do pap smears and all that, but the visits are always so awkward, and the doctor examining me down there with clinical efficiency and a glob of cold lube? I can’t think of anything more embarrassing.

“Well, you have to see somebody. How about someone from the Sterling Medical Center? The doctors there are first-rate, and they can probably fit you in as a favor. And look, no kidding: if I don’t call Barron and give him some news, he’s going to show up with an obstetrician and one of those weird pink medieval sex-torture chairs.”

I snort a laugh at his description of stirrups. He’s seen them at the center, and they do come in pink. “Okay, okay, fine. How about Dr. Wong?” I remember working with her a few times, and I like her. Most importantly, she has a friendly demeanor that never fails to put people at ease. “Tomorrow.”

“Yeah, she’s very good. But are you sure you want to wait until tomorrow? Because—”

“Tomorrow. Monday.”

He doesn’t like it, but finally says, “All right.”

“Let me text her and see when she’s coming in,” I say, grabbing my phone. Thankfully, she’ll be working and she says she can see me, if I drop by on the way to the Sterling & Wilson Los Angeles headquarters. I check Nate’s schedule to make sure he doesn’t have any meetings, then say okay.

Nate insists on coming with me.

“Won’t you have to review some reports or something?” I ask.

“All that other stuff can wait. I want to be with you every step of the way.”

I nod with relief. I’m glad he wants to be as involved as possible. I want our child to know he’s loved by both his parents. He should never have to experience the achy pang of sadness at seeing other kids with their dads while he doesn’t have a dad to talk to or play with.

* * *

Evie