Lucas's POVAs we pulled up to the KISS AND SMILE hotel, I couldn't help but grin at the look of awe on Claire's face. Little did she know, I was the owner of this particular establishment. Just one of the many surprises I had in store for her tonight."Lucas, this place is incredible," she breathed as I helped her from the car, Brian already bouncing with excitement beside us. "Are you sure this isn't too much?"I laced our fingers together, bringing her hand to my lips for a quick kiss. "Nothing's too much for you, sunshine. Besides, wait until you see what I have planned."With a wink, I led them into the opulent lobby, nodding at the staff who greeted me by name. Claire's eyes widened but she didn't comment, just squeezed my hand tighter.Jason met us at the entrance to the private dining room, a knowing smirk on his face. "Everything's arranged just as you requested, sir. Your table is ready.""Excellent. Thanks, Jay." I clapped him on the shoulder as we breezed past, into the in
bond we'd all built. That Lucas's feelings for me...for us...were strong enough to weather the storm.The sudden blare of a car horn jolted me from my anxious musings. Heart leaping into my throat, I hurried out of the bathroom just in time to see Brian dashing out the front door, sketch pad clutched to his chest."Uncle Lucas, Uncle Lucas! Look what I drew for you!"Snatching up my purse, I locked the apartment and turned to see Brian already bouncing around Lucas, chattering a mile a minute as he waved a piece of paper in his face. Lucas, bless him, just grinned and nodded along, squatting down to look at Brian's latest masterpiece. "Wow, buddy, this is fantastic! Is that you and me playing catch in the park?""Uh-huh! And there's Mommy, see, watching us and smiling."My heart turned over in my chest. Tears pricked the backs of my eyes at the sight of them together, so easy and affectionate. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.And that's when it hit me - this was right
Claire's POVThe chirp of my alarm roused me from a deep, contented sleep. I rolled over with a lazy smile, memories of last night's dinner - and Lucas's proposal - washing over me in a warm, giddy rush.My fiancé. God, I loved the sound of that.Grabbing my phone, I saw a text from the man himself. "Good morning, beautiful. Wishing you the sweetest of days. xx"A little thrill went through me at the endearing. It still didn't feel real, him choosing me, loving me. Wanting to build a life and a family together.Grinning like a fool, I sent back a string of heart emojis before dragging myself out of bed. As much as I wanted to spend the day basking in newly-engaged bliss, there was a little boy who needed his breakfast.Speaking of... "Brian? Time to get up, sweetie!"No response. I poked my head into his room, only to find it empty, the sound of water running in the bathroom. "Morning, Mommy!" he chirped, popping his tousled head out. "I woke up early today. Did you sleep okay? You w
Lucas's POVThe second I pulled away from Nova Designs, I felt a pang at the loss of Claire's presence beside me. It was ridiculous, really - we'd only been apart for a minute and already I ached to have her back in my arms.Grinning ruefully, I shook my head at my own foolishness. If this was love, it had well and truly done a number on me.And God help me, I wouldn't have it any other way.Still riding the high of the perfect morning with my fiancée and soon-to-be stepson, I made the drive to Anderson Industries in record time. The roads were clear, the day was bright, and my heart felt lighter than it had in years.I practically bounded into the office, startling poor Jason where he sat hunched over his computer. His head snapped up, eyes going wide behind his glasses."Mr. Anderson ! I...I wasn't expecting you so early...""I had an exceptionally good reason to start the day off right." I clapped him on the shoulder as I breezed by, unable to contain my ear-splitting grin. "Walk w
Claire's POVI practically floated into Nova Designs, my heart still soaring from the perfect morning with my boys. My fiancé and my son. God, I loved the sound of that.Grinning like a fool, I breezed past the reception desk with a wave, too giddy to stop for my usual morning chitchat. I had a feeling my face said it all anyway - I'd caught my reflection in the car window and I was lit up like Times Square on New Year's Eve.The delirious joy lasted all the way to my office...until I pushed open the door and found Anna already at my desk, meticulously sorting files and clearing the surface. She glanced up as I entered, surprise flickering across her face."Good morning, Anna," I said, trying for nonchalance as I hung my purse on the back of my chair."Ms. blakes! You're here early." Her brow furrowed, a sly smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "And you look...different. Good different."I bit my lip, feeling a telltale flush creep up my neck. "Lucas just dropped me off, actuall
Claire's POVI was elbow-deep in fabric swatches and paint chips when my phone buzzed for the umpteenth time that morning. Biting back a giddy grin, I glanced at the screen, already knowing who it would be.Lucas. Of course."Hey there, handsome," I answered, cradling the phone between my ear and shoulder as I continued to rifle through samples. "Miss me already?"His warm chuckle sent shivers down my spine. "Always. Just wanted to make sure you weren't working too hard. I know how you get when you're in the zone."I snorted, even as my heart fluttered at his thoughtfulness. "Lucas, it's barely been three hours since you dropped me off. I think I can manage a morning without you.""Are you sure about that? Because I seem to recall a certain someone clinging pretty tightly to me in the car earlier..."I could hear the smirk in his voice. Laughing, I abandoned my swatches and leaned back in my chair, already picturing his face. "Can you blame me? I'm marrying the most gorgeous, attentiv
Claire’s povI stride into my office at Nova Designs on Monday morning, feeling that delightful buzz of anticipation. The news over the weekend naming us one of the top two interior design firms in New York is still sinking in. This is what I've worked so hard for - true recognition of my talents and the incredible team I've built."Good morning, Ms. Claire ," Anna, my ever-reliable assistant, greets me with a warm smile as I enter. She takes my handbag and briefcase. "Brian got off to school without any fuss this morning.""Wonderful, thank you Anna." I pause to hang up my coat. "And how are things looking for us this week?"Anna launches into her customary rundown, but her tone carries an extra note of pride. "The Matthews estate project is nearly complete - that's the $6 million contract. And I have inquiries from three billionaires hoping to have you redesign their Manhattan residences."I can't help but smile at the awe in her voice. "You're too kind, Anna. It's our whole team th
Claire’s povLucas's eyes were soft but insistent as he said, "Go. I'll be here when you need me." I gave a small, curt nod, then turned and rushed through the hospital's sliding doors before he could see the sheen of tears blurring my vision. My heart felt like it was clenched in a vice as I made my way to the pediatric ward where the nurse said Brian had been admitted. "Where is he? Where's my son?" I demanded as soon as I reached the nurses' station, my voice terse with barely contained panic.The nurse must have seen a thousand worried mothers, but she gentled her tone as she said, "He's right through here, Ms. Claire. The doctor is with him now."I followed her down the corridor with hurried steps, pushing open the door to Brian's room. He looked so small and pale lying there, though his eyes were open and he seemed fully conscious, thank God. "Mummy!" His face broke into a relieved smile when he saw me.In an instant I was at his bedside, stroking his hair. "Brian, sweetheart