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Taylor grins. “You better take me to the after party. There’s no way I’m missing out this time. No offense, Eden, but I’d rather be throwing back shots with Meryl Streep than getting shot at.”
I shrug, laughing. “You and me both.”
“Have you heard any news from the fire department?” Annabeth asks. “Will you be able to go home soon?”
Hunter shakes his head with a sad sigh. “The damage was too extensive. By the time they got the fire under control, the place was burned down to the foundation. What little is left can’t be considered structurally sound.”
“I’m so sorry,” I mumble. “I didn’t know what else to do. You lost everything because of me.”
“Don’t be silly, Eden. Everybody got out safely. That’s all I care about.”
Does this mean we’re moving?Mei-Lee asks.
Maybe, I sign back.Hunter has to pick a place he’s happy with first.
“Actually, I’ve been thinking about downsizing,” he admits. “I think I’m done with Beverly Hills. I’m going to reach out to a couple of my industry contacts. See if anyone can refer me to a good real estate agent. What do you think about moving to the suburbs?”
My chest feels light and bubbly. “Are you serious? What about work? You love being at the studio.”
I see nothing but warmth and certainty in his dark eyes. “It’s true, I love working at the studio, but I’ve been thinking about taking a break. I want to be home with you and Lucas, and if that means taking some time off, so be it. I’m thinking four bedrooms, max.”
Four? Mei-Lee asks, reading his lips.
Well, you need a room, don’t you?
She smiles gratefully.Yes, I suppose I do.
“We’ve got time to work out the details,” I say warmly. “I’m just glad everybody’s going to make a full recovery.”
Taylor glances at me. “What about your bodyguard?”
“The doctors tell me she’s going to be fine,” Hunter says. “I’ve already made sure to cover all her medical expenses and given her a generous bonus for a job well done. Those few precious seconds she managed to buy you made all the difference in the end.”
Annabeth takes a step forward, a big smile on her face. “Would it be alright if I held my grandson?”
“Of course.”
Hunter rises from his seat, gently passing Lucas over. Pride blooms in my chest when I see my mother holding my son. If someone had told me a year ago that I’d find myself in this exact situation, I likely would have laughed. Now, I’m nothing but grateful that Lucas gets to have his grandmother be a part of his life.
“He’s such a handsome boy!” Annabeth exclaims quietly, tears welling. “You know, he really has the perfect face for commercials. A friend of mine is scouting right now for a new Gap Kids commercial.”
“No,” Hunter and I say at the exact same time.
“I want him to grow up away from the spotlight,” I explain. “When he gets older, if he expresses an interest in acting, then I’ll consider it. Until then, I’m going to give him as normal a childhood as possible.”
Annabeth nods. “I understand. You’re going to be an excellent mother, Eden.”
“I sure hope so.”
Charlie clears his throat. “Dude. Are you going to keep us waiting or what?”
I turn to Hunter, a bit confused. “What’s he talking about?”
Hunter scratches behind his ear. “I was really hoping to ask her in private. Do you think we could have a bit of privacy?”
Taylor crosses her arms. “Aw, hell no. I got shot, remember? I think I deserve to be here for this.”
“What are you all talking about?” I ask as everyone in the room gives me knowing smiles. “Come on, don’t keep me hanging. What’s going on?”
