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I wouldn’t get home until midnight, but the multitasking trip back was worth it to be able to see Addison. I’d picked out an engagement and wedding ring set, and couldn’t wait to put them on her left hand.
I looked forward to telling everyone we were married. Once we got home to Vegas, I planned to drive her to Mt. Charleston, forty-five minutes away, and surprise her with the cabin I’d purchased last week, then we’d head to San Diego.
It had been an impulse buy, but I remembered the picture on her desk of the snowy cabin in the woods and how it was her dream vacation. My hope was to get it remodeled and spend a babymoon there, picking out names and planning our future together. There was a lake a mile away, and I could already picture taking the kids fishing there when they got older.
“I appreciate all your hard work this past week. Especially staying for the crisis in Barcelona. Can’t believe we had a breach,” Chance commented. He seemed accustomed to wearing an expensive suit and sipping high-end bourbon.
“Glad I could be there to help. With these new plans, a breach will be damned near impossible in the future.”
He chuckled. “Wish I’d found you sooner. Then I wouldn’t have had to redo anything. Next up will be my clubs in LA if you have the time.”
“You’ve got it.” For the amount of money he was paying me, I’d make the time. But in addition to Chance’s value as a lucrative client, I respected him as a businessman. He was straightforward, hard-working, and honest. Traits I appreciated in the professional world.
“Good, then maybe you can bring your girlfriend and we can host a dinner for you both. My fiancée, Tory, would love to meet her. My sister tells us you’ve met your match.”
I chuckled. “I have indeed.” And I was growingly anxious to see her again.
After pulling into my driveway at twelve thirty a.m., I smiled while unlocking the front door. Home. Such an incredible feeling to be here after the last hectic week and know I had Addison waiting at home for me.
Only it wasn’t Addison who popped up from the sofa where she was watching a television show on low volume. A strange woman faced me.
“Who are you?” I demanded.
She smiled. “I’m Brooke, Addison’s best friend.”
My shoulders relaxed. “Sorry for the abrupt greeting. I wasn’t aware you were visiting.”
She ran a hand through her hair before turning toward a man I now noticed who was in the kitchen at the sink. “It was a last-minute thing for Lucas and me to come over.”
He walked over and shook my hand. “Hi, Leo. I’m Lucas.”
The situation set off alarm bells, especially since both of them were doctors. “Is everything all right?”
She sighed. “Addy is fine, but you should go into the bedroom and talk to her.”
“The baby?” It was out of my mouth before I could remember it was a secret.
But Brooke’s expression confirmed the baby wasn’t a surprise. If there still was a baby. “I know Addy will want to be the one to tell you herself.”
“When?” I squeaked out past the lump in my throat.
“This morning.”
My voice was thick. “I shouldn’t have left—”
She put a hand on my arm in a comforting gesture and used a doctor’s soothing tone. “There’s nothing either of you could’ve done. I know it does nothing to ease your grief at the moment, but this is not uncommon or preventable at this stage in the pregnancy.”
“Thank you for being here.”
“We’ll head to our hotel and give you two some privacy. Tell her I’ll stop by tomorrow before we head back to LA?”
“Yeah, I will.” I saw them both out before flipping the locks and walking into Addison’s bedroom.
She was sitting up with pillows behind her back, spreading chocolate frosting on what appeared to be a graham cracker.
“Hi,” came her small voice.
“Hi. Whatcha doing?” I sat on the bed, putting her feet in my lap, needing to touch her and know she was okay.
