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Chapter Twenty-Four
Olivia
I awoke late again the next morning, and I felt like I was floating on a cloud. Happiness seeped into every pore of my being. I don’t think I’d ever felt this way. It was such a new feeling for me, but for once I wasn’t waiting for the other shoe to drop.
We were heading back to Santa Barbara today. Although I loved the little home I was making with Emmett and Charlie, I almost wished we could stay here. Wayborough Shores was a beautiful place filled with beautiful people—Emmett’s people. They welcomed Charlie and me with open arms and loved us instantly. They were all so easy to get along with, and it would be nice for Charlie to grow up around some people he’d be able to call family.
Wow. I was so happy, I was thinking about life plans!
With a sigh, I got out of bed and had a shower before pulling on my trusty jeans and a tank top. I couldn’t wait to start working again so I could buy myself some new clothes.
I was packing my suitcase when I felt his strong arms wrap around me from behind.
“Good morning,” he murmured into my hair.
“Morning.” I leaned back against him and cherished the feel of him. Then I realised something. “You’re half naked, and you’re damp.”
“I took Charlie for a swim,” Emmett replied. “His waterproof boot held up well.”
I gasped and spun around. “But Charlie can’t swim. He’s never had lessons.”
“It’s alright. Sammy and I had his six.”
Charlie came charging into the room wrapped in a colourful beach towel “Mom! I went in the pool with Emmett and Aunt Samantha! It was so much fun!”
“I’m glad.”
“And I got to eat some cake!”
“Mom thought since we’re going to the airport soon and it’s our last day here, she could spoil him with cake for breakfast.” Emmett grimaced. “I hope that’s okay.”
“It’s fine. But I hope he got something else in his belly. I don’t want him to get sick.”
“I had cereal with Brian, Mom,” Charlie said.
“Okay,” I said with a laugh. “I guess you’ve got your bases covered.”
“Come on, Charlie. Let’s go and wash off the chlorine.” Emmett led Charlie into our ensuite. “We have to leave in an hour, babe.”
“Okay,” I answered. I continued to gather up our things and accidentally bumped Emmett’s work file off the small side table. “Oops.”
I bent down to gather up the papers that had fallen. I wasn’t sure what order they were supposed to go in. I searched for page numbers at the top and bottom of the pages, and in doing so, spotted a name that sent fear up my spine.
Miguel Cortez.
“Go on, then, Charlie. You go and find Samantha and see if she’s opening her presents yet,” Emmett said as he ushered Charlie from our room.
Charlie whooped as he ran out.
“Okay, now it’s my turn for a shower.” Emmett paused when he saw me on the floor. “Hey, sweetheart, are you alright?”
My hands began to tremble. “Wh-what is this?”
“What is . . .?”
“This file that you have on my ex-husband?”
Emmett’s mouth hung open uselessly.
