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I can’t argue with him because he’s right, so I nod.
“One of my granddaughters thought she might have a chance with you.” He shakes his head. “Something about a drink in a pool in Las Vegas?”
Chuckling, I nod. “Elowen came over to say hello when I happened to have an extra drink in my hand.”
He doesn’t ask why the hell I was holding two drinks in a hotel pool. Instead, he glances at the watch on his wrist. “Since their parents died, I’ve taken on the task of raising them. Ensley and Evangeline are in college now, too. Elowen graduates next spring with a business degree.”
“You must be proud,” I say.
I know his backstory. Paul dove deep into it when I was in Vegas. The death of Everest’s son and daughter-in-law left him devastated. He stepped down from the helm of his business to devote himself to being a full-time grandfather.
Now, his focus is on rearranging his impressive portfolio to work its magic so he can stay retired and his granddaughters can pursue their dreams without any financial worries.
“I told the girls that your father died, too,” he admits, to my surprise.
“He did.”
“You turned out to be a fine young man.” He smiles. “I’m leaning toward trusting you with my fortune, Daniel, but I have one issue.”
“Name it, and I’ll fix it.” I smile. “Whatever it is, we can figure out a compromise.”
“I’m based here.” He taps the tabletop. “New York is my home. You’re based in Los Angeles. I’m an impatient man, so if need to discuss something with you at seven a.m. my time, and you’re fast asleep…”
“I’m considering moving back to New York,” I interrupt.
I’ve been thinking about it, contemplating how that would work, but it’s been at the forefront of my mind for days.
I want to come home. I want to stay in the home I’m currently sharing with my wife. I want us to have a family here surrounded by the family we already have.
“Seriously?” he asks with a chuckle. “You’d do that for me?”
I take a sip of the water I’ve been drinking all night before I shake my head. “As much as I want to handle your finances, Everest, that’s not the reason.”
He perks both brows. “I take it the lady that put that smile on your face lives here?”
“She does,” I tell him. “That makes New York City the place I belong.”
“A man who follows his heart is a man I can trust.” He shoves his right hand toward me. “Based on the last terms we discussed, you have yourself a deal, Daniel.”
I go in for a solid handshake. “I look forward to working with you, Everest. This is a decision you won’t regret.”
* * *
I wouldn’t considermyself a good husband if I didn’t go home without a bouquet of white carnations for my wife.
I stopped at a flower shop on my way and asked the owner to wrap up every white carnation there. She had fifteen of them, so with a bit of greenery added and some white paper around the stems, she tied it all up in a pink bow.
I fish in my pocket for my keys, but before I can get them out, the door to Gina’s apartment flies open.
It’s not my wife standing on the other side. It’s her sister.
Behind her is Lia, and beyond that, I don’t spot a soul.
“What the…?” Bella’s gaze drops to the bouquet in my hand. “Are those flowers for Gina? What is going on?”
Lia takes a few steps forward. “Is it a special occasion?”
Feeling as though I’ve been pinned against the wall by two of the most important women in Gina’s life, I draw deep and come up with the perfect explanation. “These are a little thank you gift for Gina for letting me stay with her.”
