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Alexander’s face broke out with a huge smile. “All right. Let Nigel know the details. I’m looking forward to it.” He turned away and walked to the elevators.
“Thank you, Leo,” her father said. “I appreciate you including my wife and me in your dinner plans. It means a lot.”
Leo wrapped his arm around Cassie, pulling her close. It was a perfect moment, full of the promise of a new beginning between Leo and her father.
Leo gave her father a handshake. “It’s an important day for all of us. We have a lot to celebrate and discuss.”
****
Cassie rolled over in bed and reached out for Leo, but he was gone. As soon as they got home, they made love and held each other close while he told her what had happened at the board meeting. It was growing late, and they’d have to leave soon. She put on Leo’s button-down shirt he’d left on the floor. She found him sitting in one of the oversized leather chairs in the library with a glass of scotch and an opened letter on his knee.
“Hey,” she said quietly. “You’re in my favorite chair.”
Without a word, he set his glass down, pulled her into his arms, and tucked his head into the crook of her neck.
For a long moment, she held him. His breathing sounded ragged and shallow. “Leo?” she asked.
He lifted his face and tear-filled eyes to her. He looked so vulnerable.
“What’s going on?” She wiped the tears from his cheeks.
He held up the letter. “I finished reading the letter from my father.” His voice wavered.
Her heart filled with compassion for him. “Can I read it?”
“I want you to.” He handed it to her.
Dear Leo,
Congratulations, I’ve chosen you to be the new chairman and CEO of Sutton Properties.
At the time I write this letter, I have just found out that you are my biological son. This news makes me incredibly happy, and sad because I didn’t have enough time to know you as a child. I loved your mother, but I made mistakes—a lot of them. I wish I could go back and correct every single one, but that’s impossible. You are my biggest success story. I am so proud of you.
I’m asking you to extend a hand to Nikos Papadakis. He was my friend before we became rivals. He is talented and hard-working with much experience to share with you if you let him. It’s time to put all that rivalry nonsense aside. I hope you two will combine talents and accomplish great things together.
You’re a good son, Leo. I wish you much happiness during your life. Make the most of every day, fall in love with a woman you worship, have lots of babies, and be kind to everyone you meet.
All my love,
Dad
She placed the letter aside and curled in beside him without saying a word. Leaning her head against his chest, she listened to his heartbeat for a few moments. It was solid and steady, just like Leo.
He took a deep breath and tightened his hold around her. “All I wanted was to belong to a family.” His voice was barely a whisper.
She wasn’t sure if he’d intended for her to hear him. She could say so much, but she wanted to give him the space he needed to be with his emotions. Growing up, she’d been surrounded by a family that offered her love and support. She wanted to give Leo all of that and more.
“I wish I’d met your father,” she said. “You didn’t have him for long, but he’ll always be in your heart whenever you think of him.”
“Thank you.” Leo kissed the top of her head.
“That was a wonderful letter, especially the advice he gave you.”
“For the record, I’ve already followed some of my father’s advice.” He squeezed her tight. “I’ve fallen in love with a woman I worship.”
She sat up and studied him. She’d broken off their engagement, and now Leo told her he worshiped her. She regretted taking off the ring, and she had no idea how to tell him she wanted it back. “Leo, I—”
“Shh.” He cradled her face and gave her a soft kiss. “You’ll always be my deusa.” Then he whispered, “And I also hope we have lots of babies one day.”
Tears welled in her eyes. She’d never given much thought to having children, but anything was possible with Leo.
“Did I shock you?” Leo grinned and wiped her tears away with his thumbs.
“A little,” she said through a laugh. “I don’t know a lot about kids. I never babysat as a teenager, so a good first step is to spend more time with Grace and Sarah, take copious notes, and ask lots of questions.”
“There’s my brilliant scholar—always eager to dive into her research.” He stood and lifted her to her feet. “Seriously, no rush on the babies.”
She smiled and brushed her finger across his lower lip, lifting her eyes to his. “Well, it’ll be fun to practice making them.”
“No time like the present.” He scooped her up in his arms and rushed to the bedroom.
