Charlotte heard the beeping, but it seemed far away, like the chiming of a clock when you wake up in a European city. She pressed her lips together, choosing to fall back into sleep for just a little while longer. This wasn’t like her, she knew. She liked to wake up. She liked to run. She liked to see the world. But something within her kept her nestled in her bed, under the waves of slumber.

That is, until the beeping began more insistent. Until she smelled unfamiliar scents and sensed a hard, earnest grip on her left hand. She blinked awake, her eyes searching around her. She saw only white. Then the blurriness snapped into focus, and she felt a sudden, aching knowledge: she was in the hospital. And she didn’t know why.

Beside her, Sean sat, holding her hand. His face was so similar to the one she’d seen in her dreams for ten years that she assumed she must still be dreaming. She gave him that secret smile, the one from all those years ago.

“There’s my girl,” he told her, squeezing her hand. “The blonde I couldn’t quite get to.”

“You had some other stuff to do,” Charlotte said. She could hardly recognize her voice; it came out in a croak. “Like create a billion-dollar company. Or whatever.”

Sean laughed as she closed her eyes again, trying to build her strength. “What are you doing here?” she whispered. “What am I doing here?”

Sean continued to hold her hand, to gaze at her. She could sense it, even with her eyes closed.

“I heard the car accident over the phone,” he said then. “It terrified me. I was calling your name, waiting for you to respond. And then I heard the sirens.”

“That’s sounds pretty dramatic,” Charlotte whispered. “Do I look horrific?”

Sean sounded surprised. “Of course not, baby. You look beautiful. You bumped your head pretty hard, but the doctors said you’ll be just fine.”

Charlotte grinned, even as her head pounded with an angry headache. Did he just call her baby?

“And best of all—Charlotte,” Sean continued, his voice earnest. “The babies are doing absolutely fine.”

Charlotte’s eyes burst open, then. Her pupils turned toward him, like saucers. “What did you say?”

“I know about the babies, now, Charlotte,” he affirmed. “I understand why you wanted to speak to me alone. And I’m sorry I didn’t hear you. I promise, I won’t ever do that to you again.”

“But you said—babies,” Charlotte stuttered. “Plural babies.”

“Yes,” Sean said, searching her face, confused. “Isn’t that what you—”

“I knew I was pregnant,” Charlotte said, trying to lift herself from her reclined position. “But I hadn’t gone to the doctor yet. Holy—twins? I can hardly take care of myself, let alone two babies.”

“Actually, Charlotte, it’s triplets.” Sean’s face broke into a wide, uneven grin. His five o’clock shadow was now bordering on nine o’clock shadow. He looked gruff, weary, and—above all—deliriously happy.

“Wow,” Charlotte murmured. “I’m not sure how to take this.” She cleared her throat, her eyes dancing. “How am I going to manage three?”

Sean didn’t answer this. Instead, he squeezed her hand, stood beside her; it was clear he wasn’t going anywhere.

Charlotte turned to him once more, feeling uncertain. “Why didn’t you react the other day, when I showed you that note?”

Sean frowned, tracing his memory. “When you scribbled something down, right before Lyle came in?” he asked.

“Yes. Exactly then,” Charlotte said. “What happened?”

Sean sighed. “I didn’t even catch what you’d written. Honestly, I just wanted to get out of there. I was fighting my feelings for you every time I saw you. I felt I needed to run to every other corner of the planet to get away from you. But you kept calling me back.”

“You didn’t see it,” Charlotte whispered. “So you’re not heartless after all.”

Sean chuckled. “I wouldn’t ignore a note like that.”

“I’ve been assuming you knew about it. That you’d decided to deny all responsibility to our baby—er, babies—and run away for good. I wanted to hide the pregnancy for as long as possible and continue to work on the case, but my employer eventually discovered it. Because of Katrina and Evan’s plan…” She trailed off, remembering, suddenly, why she’d been out in Chelsea’s car. Her eyes grew wide as the realization trickled back.

“I want to support you,” Sean said, clinging to her hand. “I wouldn’t leave you in a position like that. I hope you know that about me now. When I commit to things—like babies, or companies I start from my college dorm—I commit to them for life.”

Charlotte felt tears glide down her cheeks. She tried to mop them with a shaky finger, but nothing helped. She was a full-blown waterfall. She was lost in the sea of her emotions.

“And it’s not like we could have covered up a triplets pregnancy for very long, anyway,” Sean joked, winking at her. He leaned toward her and kissed her on the forehead before wrapping her in a warm embrace, one that made her feel tucked away, hidden from all the terrors of the world. One that caused her to forget all of her problems, for a moment. One that made her feel loved, cherished, and valued.

She sighed as they broke the hug, yearning for a kiss, but knowing that they were on uncertain ground. She tilted her back and yanked herself up higher, into a seated position, and felt her stomach growl with hunger. “Do they feed anyone around here?” she giggled. “They know I’m officially four people now, don’t they?”

“Let me see if I can grab you a snack,” Sean laughed. “Maybe something from the vending machine that hopefully isn’t too dusty.”

“Whatever they have, Sean. I’ll eat it. Seriously,” Charlotte laughed.

Sean chuckled. “I’ll be right back. I’ll buy the whole machine if I have to.”

Charlotte listened to Sean’s footfalls as he walked down the hallway. She felt her heart ease, her smile broaden with utter contentment. She’d never been taken care of by a man before, and the feeling of it was like coming home. For a moment, she considered calling her father from her hospital bed. But, after the news she’d given him about the pregnancy, she didn’t want to make him worry any more than he already was.

As Sean ambled back, he flung several snack options onto the bed. Charlotte giggled, noting the Chips Ahoy, the Twizzlers, the Snickers, and the three cracker options that piled around her chest and stomach.

“Oh, man. It’s just so hard to choose, isn’t it?” she smiled up at him.

“That’s how I feel. Whatever you don’t like, I’ll happily inhale. I’ve been at the office all day. I didn’t have a single second to grab food.”

“How terrible for you,” Charlotte said, making a faux-pitying expression. “It’s almost as terrible as getting in a car accident and learning you’re pregnant with triplets. And losing your job!” She tugged open the Chips Ahoy package, smirking toward him. “Can I tell you what I heard Evan and Katrina discussing today at the diner, now? I know I didn’t want to do it over the phone—but…” She crunched into a cookie, suddenly placing her hand over her mouth to collect the crumbs. She’d bitten too early, and she began to laugh.

“You didn’t cue that up quite right, did you?” Sean chuckled. He bit a piece off a Twizzler, assessing her. “No. Please don’t go on.” He began stroking her fine, blond hair, and a sense of ease passed through her once more. “I don’t want you to think about Evan or Katrina right now. Those people don’t deserve to be on your mind when you first learn about your triplets. Nor when you’re eating your second cookie.” He teased her, continuing to stroke her head.

“But—it’s serious,” Charlotte insisted. She dropped her snacks, looking up at him. They exchanged that smile once more.

“The most serious thing we can discuss is getting some vitamins into you and helping you get some rest,” Sean said softly. “And as the father of these three future people, I must insist. No talk about Evan and Katrina. For now, let’s focus on you and our babies, okay?”

Charlotte nodded, realizing the stress of even saying Katrina’s name was making her heartbeat go up, which was blatantly obvious with the machine’s beeping. “Okay,” she whispered. “I trust you.”

At that moment, the door burst open, revealing a balding doctor wearing glasses, fluffing his way through her chart. “Good evening, Miss Waters,” he said brightly. He looked at Sean sternly. “And I suppose you’re—Sean Lawson?”

“That’s me,” Sean said. His voice was confident, and he sent his hand out, ready to shake the doctor’s hand. “Good to meet you. How’s my girl?”

The doctor seemed mystified to meet this famous billionaire, and in such strange circumstances. But he soon refocused, turning his attention back to his patient. “Miss Waters, you sure did hit your head tonight, but you’re not in danger of a concussion, and your babies are absolutely fine. I would suggest you make a gynecologist appointment soon, just for another check-up; with three of them in there, you have to be careful.”

“I understand,” Charlotte said, her voice weak. “Thank you.”

“But other than that. I think you’re free to go. Mr. Lawson, if you can drive the poor girl home? Your car has been towed, Miss Waters. The owner of the vehicle has been informed.”

As if on cue, Chelsea burst into the room, arms flailing. Tears rushed down her cheeks as she burst past the doctor and wrapped her arms around her friend. “Oh my God. I told you to borrow my car, not to wreck it! I’m so glad you’re okay.” She held her friend close for several minutes, kissing her cheek before pulling away. Meanwhile, the doctor said a final goodbye to Sean and let himself out.

“What happened?” Chelsea stammered. “You went after that Katrina girl—and then—”

But Sean held up a hand, halting the discussion. “Actually, Chelsea, we think it might be best if Charlotte doesn’t speak about the events leading up to the crash until she’s fully recovered. For the sake of our babies.”

Chelsea’s eyebrows rose high on her forehead. She shifted her weight, looking Sean up and down. Finally, she extended her hand. “And you must be Sean,” she said. Her voice was territorial, singed with the knowledge that only a best friend can have. “You think you can just come in here, and boss us around?” But a smile had stretched across her face, and it was clear as they shook hands, that she was a fan of Sean’s.

How could you not be? Charlotte asked herself, her heart humming as her best friend and the father of her children met for the first time. Meeting both of them had changed her life forever. And now, it seemed they were a team with a single mission: to keep these three babies healthy and safe.

Of course, thoughts of Katrina and Evan still bubbled in the back of her brain. But she dove into happy chatter, explaining to Chelsea that she was having not one, but three babies—which ultimately made her cry harder. Sean laughed as the friends rejoiced, and kept his hand wrapped around Charlotte’s, a constant reminder of his loyalty and care.

* * *

Some time later, the trio realized it was nearly midnight. Charlotte tried to stifle a dramatic yawn, but Chelsea captured the moment, suggesting they all head home soon. Sean helped Charlotte navigate from the hospital bed to the supplied wheelchair, while Chelsea ensured she was comfortable, brushing her hair back so it didn’t tangle in the handles.

“Why are you still crying?” Charlotte asked Chelsea, laughing at her friend’s blubbering tears.

“I don’t know,” Chelsea admitted. “I’m just so glad you’re safe. You’ve had me worried for weeks. Can you please give me a break for a bit?”

Charlotte rolled her eyes playfully. “Sorry for being such a high-maintenance friend,” she said.

Sean interjected. “Actually, Chelsea, I’ve got it from here. You can go home and get some rest. And start planning your life as an aunt to three beautiful babies!” He winked at her, his dark eyes sparkling.

Chelsea wasn’t immune to the billionaire’s charm. She agreed and walked out with Sean and Charlotte, who leaned her head back in the wheelchair until they reached the parking lot. Sean hustled toward his car to drive it to the curbside for her easy entrance, and Chelsea kept Charlotte company at the doors, grinning widely.

“I can’t believe how lovely he is,” she whispered. “He’s going to be such a good dad.”

“I feel like I’m living a dream,” Charlotte admitted. “I didn’t mean to tell him in such a dramatic way. With the car accident and everything.”

“You never used to be the dramatic type,” Chelsea laughed. “Maybe now you’ll find a new hobby in theatrics.”

“I suppose I’ll have to have a better sense of humor,” Charlotte admitted.

In that moment, Sean pulled up in his black Tesla and strode toward the passenger side, opening the door. He helped Charlotte dip into the car, and they said goodbye to Chelsea, receiving kisses from her on both cheeks before Sean crept the Tesla from the parking lot and out onto the late-night city streets. Charlotte’s stomach grumbled with hunger, and she admitted it—saying she’d have to order some food when she arrived back to her place.

“Are you sure?” Sean asked, frowning. “I want to take care of you. I want to make sure you’re all right. I was going to take you to my place.”

Charlotte remembered the penthouse, with its gleaming view of the water and the sparkling downtown buildings, and that massive, king-sized bed. She wondered what would happen on it, if it would be a romantic affair, or if they would simply fall asleep beside each other, not touching. The question of it all turned her brain over.

They arrived at Sean’s penthouse, and Sean pulled out his cellphone, ordering them two large pizzas with all the toppings. Charlotte leaned back on the couch, waiting for him to come to her. She felt she was regaining her strength, that it would be soon time to explain to him the depths of Katrina Ellis’ mission to betray him. Every moment that she didn’t tell him, Katrina and Evan were further along in their plan.

The pizza arrived quickly, alerting Charlotte that Sean clearly had a finger on the pulse of the pizza delivery industry. “We all do,” he affirmed cryptically, alluding to the other tech moguls. “Steve Jobs received his pizzas in like five minutes. They had an algorithm that told when he’d want it, and what he’d want. He usually ordered mushrooms on Thursdays.”

“That’s just a rumor,” Charlotte laughed, placing the triangular end into her mouth. The warmth of it relaxed her, causing her to dip her head closer to his shoulder.

“I haven’t validated the claims myself. But it seems plausible,” Sean said, teasing her. “Anyway. If you feel up for it, I’d love to hear more about Evan.” He blinked toward her, expectant.

Charlotte’s expression hardened, growing serious. “Well. I followed Katrina to this diner on the outside of town, where I saw her kissing Evan.”

“But he’s married…”

“I know,” Charlotte said, her eyes dark. “Katrina mentioned to him that she’d had me suspended from the case, due to my pregnancy by Sean. And they celebrated this, given that she now had the complete ability to tank your case and allow Evan to win. He mentioned something about a payout of a couple million dollars.”

Sean placed his pizza back on his plate, rubbing his palms together. “This is quite a tale,” he said. “It’s actually quite fascinating, if I’m being honest. They want to drag my name through the mud and take something I’ve been building my entire life and claim it as their own. Impressive, really. The stuff of comic book evil.”

“You’re being quite calm about this,” Charlotte admitted. “What do you think we should do? I’ve lost my job. I’m not on the inside anymore.”

Sean thought for a moment, scratching at his growing beard. He looked gruff, but still unfairly sexy. “I think I’ll call a meeting. But we need to ensure that both Katrina and Evan are there. We need to blindside them.”

Charlotte thought for a moment, her mind still hazy from the terror of the car accident and the shock of her triplet pregnancy. As she did, a few choice words ran through her head. She snapped her fingers. “Right before I left the diner, I heard Katrina mention something about the Excelsior. They planned to meet there. On Sunday, at five. I’m sure of it.”

Sean clapped his hands just once, excitement brimming. “You’re a glorious spy, Miss Waters,” he said. He looked as if he might kiss her in that moment, but he held himself back. Tension brewed between them. “We have to arrange a meeting,” he said. “We’ll invite her father. And Lyle. And of course, you’ll have to attend.”

“They won’t take kindly to me being there,” Charlotte admitted. She still felt chills when she remembered what Lyle had said to her, spewing such parental disappointment and anger. She swallowed, shoving her pizza to the side. Exhaustion had taken hold.

Seeing this, Sean wrapped his arms around her and helped her to her feet, stroking lightly at the bandage wrapped around her head. “Let’s not talk about this any longer. Not tonight,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “This accessory you’re wearing these days is especially beautiful, by the way.”

“The bandage? I know. I only had to risk my life to get it,” Charlotte giggled.

“Well, I’m glad you can make light of it already,” Sean joked. He lifted her onto the bed and helped her remove her clothes. He glanced at her body but didn’t say anything, handing her one of his old T-shirts. “I, for one, am still riddled with anxiety about it. When I heard the impact and the screeching tires, I got this flashback to when I first saw you at Yale. How young and hopeful you were. I thought—perhaps—that I’d been the last person to ever speak to you. And that terrified me.” He looked at her sheepishly, clearly still in shock.

Charlotte reached her hands around his neck and hugged him, unable to find the right words. She was grateful for the past, and she was grateful for that day, when a series of unfortunate events had led her to sleep in his bed, to soak in the warmth of it.

“Warning,” Charlotte whispered, draping her head over the pillow. “I’m going to sleep till at least noon tomorrow. There’s four of me, now. And we’re all exhausted.”

Sean gave her a final laugh, pushing her hair behind her ear. “Have safe and sweet dreams, my Charlotte. I’ll stay up worrying about how we’re going to send all these kids to Yale. Three of them? What kind of tuition is that?”

“Good thing you’re a billionaire,” Charlotte murmured, moments before drifting off.

The pair of them slept long into the morning, preparing for the days ahead, during which they’d take on their enemies as a united force. This would be their first test as a team, before adjusting to a life together—romantic or not. Charlotte could hardly wait.