Epilogue
Olivia
3 Weeks Later
My heart raced as the music started up. Finally, it was my time to shine. I had the long, flowing white dress on, the flowers clutched between my fingers, my bridesmaid behind me, but it still was a strange thought that I was actually getting married.
It was fair. I only got engaged three short weeks ago, after all. But since we didn’t want a huge fuss, there wasn’t any point in waiting. We decided to get married quickly in the backyard of Zack’s childhood home before the builders came in and turned the house into a shelter. It was a sweet, beautiful place, and the perfect way for Zack to say goodbye.
“Are you ready, Mommy?” Meghan asked from behind me. She looked adorable in her purple dress with flowers all over it. Of course, she had her Spiderman mask covering her eyes, but I didn’t mind that. It was just so her. “You look like a princess.”
“Oh, thank you, sweetie. I am ready, but I think I’d feel much better if you were holding my hand?”
“But Grandpa’s holding your hand?” Of course, my dad was giving me away; things were slowly getting so much better for us, and now I felt like he could see that while he didn’t agree with every decision I made, he could see that I’d still done well for myself.
Meghan was doing great, I was progressing well in my new managerial position, and I had a wonderful man who wanted to do everything for my child and me. Dad liked Zack, and he could see that we had something special between us. This time, he was very supportive.
“I have another hand.” I extended it out to her. “Come on; I need you to help get me through this.”
I walked slowly in time to the music with a beaming smile on my lips. All the people we loved, all the people that had helped us on our journey, were sitting in the backyard supporting us. Drea, Zack’s father, my mom, Tess… It truly was the perfect celebration.
My eyes finally found my fiancé, soon to be husband, who looked absolutely incredible in his suit. As he spotted me in my elegant, sleek gown, his eyes bugged happily. Having a traditional gown was the one thing I’d insisted on, and now I was really glad. I loved to feel like a princess, if only for one day.
“Hi,” I mouthed at Zack as my dad and Meghan finally let me go. “You look good.”
“So do you.”
“We are gathered here today…” Lark started in a loud, booming voice. When Zack told me we could easily wed quickly because Lark was already ordained, I thought that he was joking. But no, it was real, and actually, it felt good to be married by one of our friends – it made it feel even more personalized before. “To witness the marriage of Olivia Larson and Zack Taylor. For those of you who do not know, these two haven’t always had the easiest ride, but what they’ve always had is love. I’ve never known a couple so suited to each other, and I’m glad that they’re getting married.”
Zack took my hands, and I held onto him tightly. Everything Lark said was the truth: we really did have love, and it was enough to get us through anything that life threw at us in the future.
“So without further ado, let’s get started. Zack Taylor, do you take Olivia Larson to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, until death do you part?”
“Of course I do,” he replied happily. “Are you insane? Of course!”
Lark chuckled. “And do you, Olivia Larson, take Zack Taylor to be your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, until death do you part?”
“I do,” I replied thickly through the emotion.
“So does anyone have any objections?”
“Lark!” we both cried out gleefully. “Stop it will you?”
“Alright then… I guess it’s time to kiss the bride.”
Zack scooped me up into his arms and dipped me low to the ground before he pressed his lips against mine. The action shocked me and made my heart beat rapidly, but in the loveliest way possible.
“Just before we go, I have an announcement to make,” Zack loudly said before we walked back down the aisle. He pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and waved it in front of everyone. “Three weeks ago, I asked this wonderful woman to be my wife.” I smiled at the sweet memory, in a way it felt like forever ago. “And, I also asked her lovely daughter if she would let me adopt her.”
“Me!” Meghan cried out. “That’s me; I said yes.”
A titter of laughter burst out around the room. I squeezed Zack’s hand reassuringly, this was a massive step for all of us, but it was a truly positive one. I hoped that everyone felt the same way about it. “Yes, so I filed for it, and the application has now gone through. I have officially adopted Meghan – she is mine.”
I glanced around as everyone cheered, trying to see if anyone didn’t agree with what we’d done, but all I got back were smiles. Luckily, our loved ones were totally in agreement with our decisions.
“But that’s not all.” A hush fell over the garden as Zack moved onto the next part of his announcement. I was very excited about this part. “This isn’t just my wedding day today.” Eyebrows furrowed and confused sounds burst through people’s lips. “My father is also going to get married today to his beautiful girlfriend, Drea. If you think me and Olivia have moved quickly, then you should look at this pair!” Cue more laughter, but it was a little quieter this time because everyone was stunned. “But seriously, they’re so damn happy; it’s sickening. They deserve one another, and I’m really pleased with them both.”
Zack took mine and Meghan’s hands as we went to take our seats in the audience to watch the second wedding of the day take place. Zack was actually the one who suggested this idea to his father when we both saw how happy Drea made him, and he was very quick to agree. I didn’t mind sharing my wedding day, at all.
Meghan loved Drea anyway, so this was even better for her. She got to keep everyone that she adored, and our family got to grow bigger. Only a few weeks ago it was just the two of us, and now we had this awesome New York family.
“They look happy,” I whispered quietly to Zack. “Don’t you think?”
“I do, and I know that my mom would approve of Drea. So that’s good.” He had spoken a lot about his mother over the last few days, so it was clear she was on his mind a lot. It all seemed to be very happy memories, though, which suggested to me that he was in a good place. “I think it’s all worked out in the best way.”
“Yeah, me, too.”
The vows were spoken, the emotions were shared, and I found myself feeling all the love for them. I felt like I understood their relationship better than most people because I’d been involved with something of a whirlwind romance myself. I knew what it felt like to fall quickly, and I understood how impatient you felt when you knew that it was right.
Drea and Zack’s father would make it last; I felt certain of it. Even if others weren’t sure, I knew. They were surprisingly made for one another.
As soon as the second wedding was done, a party atmosphere overtook the day. The booze came out, the food began to circle, and everyone fell into a really happy time. It was the most amazing start to the rest of my life that I ever could have hoped for.
“Mommy, I’m tired.” It finally became too much for Meghan, and she tugged on my dress. “Can I go to bed now?”
I leaned down to her level and pulled her in for a hug. “Are you going to be okay here this weekend while Zack and I go away for a couple of days?” We could only make it to Cape Cod for a couple of days because we had too many responsibilities here, but that was enough. Just some alone time to celebrate our new marriage was enough.
“Yeah. I’ll have Grandma and Grandpa. And Drea and other Grandpa.” She looked up at me with wide, inquisitive eyes. “I can call him that now, can’t I? And I can call Zack Daddy, too?”
Tears filled my eyes. Emotions absolutely floored me. “You do whatever feels right for you, sweetie. If you want to call them Daddy and Grandpa, you do that.”
“I do,” she smiled. “And, it’ll be fun having a sleepover with everyone.”
In a bid to get to know one another better, our parents and Drea had agreed to stay in the house over the weekend with Meghan. I also hadn’t ever been away from my daughter before for longer than a few working hours, so it felt better to me to have more people watching her.
“Good; well, I’ll get Grandma now to put you to sleep.” I kissed the top of her head. “Goodnight, baby, and I’ll see you soon, okay?”
“Yes, goodnight, Mommy.”
I watched in happy awe as Meghan made her way over to Zack to say goodnight to him. I loved watching them together – it warmed my heart to see their amazing connection. There was a moment where I assumed she called him Daddy for the very first time because he actually let a happy tear fall out of his eye.
That felt better than a million “I dos” ever could.
Once Meghan went up to bed with my mother looking after her, Zack moved to my side. “Are you ready to get going? I think the party’s winding down, and we need to get checked into the hotel.”
“Yeah sure, I’m ready.” I was growing tired anyway. I needed to rest before it got the better of me. Plus I couldn’t wait to start our very short honeymoon. “Let’s get going.”
As Zack held my hand all the way to the car, I was filled with the sense that this was my husband now, not just my boyfriend. We really were a united front, it was us against the world, and that felt absolutely awesome.
“I really do love you, you know?” I told him spontaneously. “I’ve had a wonderful day with you.”
He spun around and kissed me gently. “I love you, too, very much. I’m so proud to call you my wife.”
I grabbed his hand excitedly and finally moved it down my body. “I have some news to share with you,” I announced as I rested his hand on my belly. “I found out this morning.”
His eyes snapped open, and his face went through a whole range of expressions. It was almost as if he didn’t quite know what to think yet. “Are you saying…”
“Yes,” I giggled. “I’m telling you that our family’s about to get bigger again. I’m pregnant. We’re having a baby.”
“That’s the best news I’ve ever heard!” Zack almost yelled as he lifted me off the ground. “I can’t believe it, you make me so, so happy.”
I felt it, too. Zack and I finally had our happy ever after, and in truth, it was only the beginning of our story. I couldn’t wait to see how the rest of it played out.
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BABY BY THE BILLIONAIRE
By Alexa Davis
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2017 Alexa Davis
Chapter One
Terrance
Thursday
“This is the life!” I called out in a singsong voice as I scanned my eyes over the bright blue sparkling ocean. “We really do have it made, don’t we?”
“Well, you do, boss.”
I spun around to look at my friend and bouncer, Braxton, giving me a wide-mouthed smile. I knew what that meant – he thought I was the only one who had the world at my feet. What he didn’t seem to realize was that by working for me, the whole world was his oyster, too. I extended what I had to guys who deserved it, and he was one of the best.
“Braxton.” I threw my arm over his shoulder, which wasn’t easy since he was built like a brick shit house with at least 300 pounds behind him. “Look at this: we’re on a yacht, cruising the ocean in the bright hot sunshine, beers in hand, with women as far as the eye can see. How many jobs would allow you to have this much fun?”
“You’re right, Terrance, don’t think I’m not grateful. It’s just...” I stepped back to stare at him as his eyes fell to the ground. There was something going on in that big beautiful mind of his, and I needed to know what. “You have it all; you’re a good-looking bloke with killer green eyes, height that any guy would want. All the women are throwing themselves at you.”
“Mostly because of my money.” I shrugged wryly, wanting to at least seem modest. “If I was skint, none of these broads would even give me a second look.”
“Oh, I highly doubt that. I’m the one no one looks at because... Well, look at me.”
“Dude, you have an incredible big ass. It’s confidence you lack.” I waved my arms in front of myself as I spoke. “You just need to know what to say!”
Braxton fell into silence. I could tell that he was drinking all of that in, so to give him a moment alone with his thoughts, I sucked back the beer I had in my hands and scanned the crowd of beauties. I didn’t know any of them, really – I had a guy who got gorgeous women to attend my parties on the day I needed some company – but I already knew that every single one of them would be happy to spend some one-on-one time with me.
That was the power that came with the Canton name. I was famous for my cash and, if I was honest with myself, my striking looks, which was why every single one of them was giving me a seductive look back.
They all wanted me – it was just up to me to take my pick.
“I guess,” Braxton started speaking out again, grabbing my attention back to him, “I want more than just a hook up. What I really want is someone to spend the rest of my life with.” He stared intently at me, his dark brown eyes shining with questions. “Don’t you ever feel like that? Don’t you ever want a little bit more?”
“What, like, I want a wife?” I scoffed like the idea was totally ridiculous, which was exactly how I felt about that topic. “Come on, you know me. I don’t want to be tied down to anyone. I’m only thirty three years old. I have all these women wanting me; why would I want to settle with just the one.”
“But... No, it doesn’t matter.” Braxton’s eyes looked everywhere but me. He had something else to say, but it seemed I was going to have to coax it out of him.
“No, go on, please tell me what you’re thinking. You know how much I value your opinion. You’re my closest friend, I hope you realize that.”
Was it sad to be so close to one of my employees? Then again, did I really care? Braxton was an awesome bloke; that was all I cared about.
“Well, it seems to be more than just about that...to me. I think the reason you don’t want to settle down is more than just the women.”
I sighed deeply and stared up at the cloudless sky, needing just a moment to compose myself. It was a good thing Braxton was my friend, but sometimes it made it very challenging to keep up the upbeat, happy version of myself when he could see into the depths of my soul. “Yes, I suppose you’re right.”
“I thought so. Is this to do with Mason?”
Urgh, Mason. My wonderful brother. Okay, so maybe he was a little wild at times, he didn’t always behave in the way that I wanted him to, but he did not deserve what happened to him. It fucked me up over and over again to think about it.
“Yes, I guess so. It just messes me up that the murder still remains unsolved. I put a lot of money into my own investigations and still, nothing has come out of it.” My eyes slid closed for a second, and I could clearly see the image of his ice cold dead beaten and bruised body, as if it only happened yesterday, rather than three whole years ago. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to recover from that.
“I’m sorry, boss. I’m sure you’ll get your answers in the end-”
“And then there’s losing my father, that still hurts,” I interrupted without really meaning to. “I know it was five years ago, but that heart attack came from nowhere and I’m still pretty messed up about it.”
I hadn’t expected to get so deep on this wonderful day, but I did feel a little weight left from my chest. Talking about my issues sucked and felt wonderful all at once. “I don’t want to settle down and end up bringing another life into this fucked up world. It just isn’t right.”
A thick pregnant pause filled the air. Braxton didn’t know what to say to me, and I had nothing left, either. It’d happened, it was horrible, but I had to remember that I was still alive. Sometimes I got so lost in all my thoughts that I completely forgot about that. I was here – it was my duty to live because they didn’t get to.
It was time to change the subject.
“Okay, Braxton, you want some tips on speaking to the ladies? Here it is.”
I could hear him protesting beside me, but I paid absolutely no attention. I leaned forwards onto my knees and indicated to the two nearest women to come over. One of them had long blonde hair cascading down her back and a tiny red bikini that left nothing to the imagination, the other one had a black flowing top over her swimwear, which only served to highlight her impossibly long legs, and a very adorable Mediterranean look about her. “Right, Braxton, take notes.”
“Hey,” blondie purred. “How are you today, Terrance?” Of course, I didn’t have to introduce myself, I never did. Any self respecting gold digger would’ve seen my pictures in all the society pages.
“I’m good, and how are you two?” I smirked at winked.
They glanced at each other and giggled, enjoying my focus. “Yeah, we’re fine. I’m Sandi by the way, and this is my friend, Maria.”
I shook both of their hands far too slowly, maintaining intense eye contact with each woman as I did. Neither of them minded me taking time with the other girl, as long as they could glean some of my attention. “So, are you enjoying the party? It’s fun, isn’t it?”
“Oh, it’s amazing; thank you so much for inviting us. This is wonderful.”
“All the more wonderful for having you two to look at.”
I glanced towards Braxton, trying to get him to say something. He’d seen me complimentary and flirtatious with my body, he could at least try to emulate that. There was no reason to be nervous – these were practice women.
“So, what do you girls do for a living?”
It took all I had not to throw my head into my hands. Blondie began to ramble on about her beauty salon, chatting excitedly about make up and hair products in a very boring way. This was such a mistake. Learning more about the women left them open to ask questions, too, and I wanted to remain a mystery. I didn’t want anyone to know anything about me. It was all supposed to be physical, a moment of carnal fun.
“Right, girls,” I finally felt compelled to interject. “We need to have a chat, so do you mind going back to the bar for some drinks? I will come over and grab you in a bit.”
Blondie looked put out, but her friend didn’t seem to care. I liked that attitude, it was quite nice.
“What did you just do?” Braxton exclaimed as the girls left. “That was going so well, she was actually talking to me.”
“She was talking at you, and you asked her too many questions.”
“I asked her one.” His expression of utter bewilderment make me chuckle. He really didn’t get it, did he?
“One is too many. You don’t want to find out too much about her before you hook up.”
“Why not?”
I leant back and smiled at my friend. “I have so much to teach you. You need to come to the Lights Out Club at the weekend. I can show you more then. The VIP section is filled with women desperate for some fun.”
His lips curled up, and his eyebrows furrowed. “This weekend? Actually, I was going to ask you if you minded me taking off this weekend. It’s my sister’s kids’ christening and I promised I’d be there. I did ask you a while back...”
“Of course, you did, don’t worry about it. I vaguely remember you asking me now, and you do deserve some time off. You go and have fun. I will show you how to get with the ladies the weekend after.”
Maria was still giving me a look, one that was clawing at my chest. She seemed just like me: unwilling to share personal details, up for some serious fun, plus she was absolutely gorgeous. I was going to have to wrap this up so I could take her below deck.
“Thanks, boss, I really appreciate it.” Braxton gave me a very grateful grin. “And the weekend after, I’ll do whatever the hell you want me to.”
I stood up and clapped him happily on the back before stretching my arms up to allow my tee shirt to rise. I worked hard for my body, so I liked to show it off at every available opportunity. If there wasn’t such a strong breeze, I would’ve had it off already. “Right, buddy, I’m going to go and give Maria a tour of the boat, if you know what I mean?” I winked at him, and he laughed. “I’ll see you in a while, okay?”
I didn’t even need to talk to Maria, I just raised my eyebrows at her and she was by my side in a heartbeat. I flung my arm over her shoulder, protectively claiming her as my own, just for a moment. She swung her hips as she walked, but kept her lips firmly squeezed shut. She was my kind of woman: quiet, sexy, and up for a good time.
I indicated towards the stairs and watched her walk in front of me, a stirring occurring in my pants. This really was the life, I had it totally made. Why the hell would I want to settle down? In fact, why would I want to change anything about my life when it was so perfect? It was absolute insanity.
I had a life that others were jealous of, why would I want to even think about anything more?