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They all stand when they see me. Reagan and Carter shake my hand. Skylar does the same before introducing me to the man with her. “Beckett, this is my husband, Lance Remington. Lance, this is Beckett Windsor.”
Lance smiles and shakes my hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, sir. We studied you in business school.”
He’s got a bit of country twang to his voice. He clearly didn’t grow up in Philadelphia. “Nice to meet you as well, Lance. I suppose a few schools discuss my business model.” I wink. “I got lucky and it worked.” Inod toward Skylar’s stomach. “Congratulations to you.”
“Thank you. We’re excited. We have to leave for a doctor’s visit in a few minutes. That’s why I’m here.” He looks at Reagan. “Do you want me to wait outside?”
“No, it’s fine.” She turns back to me. “He works for my stepfather.”
I smile. “You’re learning from the finest, Lance. Jackson Knight is the best developer I’ve ever worked with.”
“Yes, sir, he is. I love working for him.”
We chat for a bit about files that Skylar will transfer to me. It’s so nice to be back in the business world. I’ve missed it. My mind was on overdrive for twenty-five years and it came to an abrupt halt the day Jenny died and Andie was born. I need to get some healthy balance back into my life.
CHAPTER NINE
FIVE AND A HALF YEARS AGO
BECKETT
Ilook around. At least the house was half packed before we left for the hospital. Most of her clothes were already in boxes, anticipating the move shortly after Andie was born.
My mother walks into my study. “I gave Andie a bottle. She should be out for at least three hours.”
I blow out a breath. I know my eyes are red from both crying and sleep deprivation through my first week of fatherhood and widowerhood. “Thanks, Mom. I definitely couldn’t get through this without you. When do you have to go home?”
“I was already planning to stay for two weeks. Why don’t I tack on a few more and get you through the move? Let’s get you into a routine with Andie.”
“It might not be for another month or so.”
“That’s fine. I’m here for you. Always.”
“I know. Thank you.”
“How are you holding up?”
“I’m plugging along as best I can. This wasn’t exactly part of my plan.”
She nods in understanding. “I saw all her clothes in boxes by the front door. Are you sure you’re ready to part with them so quickly?”
“What’s the point in holding on? She’s not coming back. Her parents don’t seem to want them. I’d rather donate it all. I can’t have it around here anymore.”
She gives me a sympathetic look. That’s all I seem to get from people lately. This should be the happiest time in my life; instead, the birth of my daughter is marred by deep tragedy.
“I understand. I think it will be nice to get a fresh start in a new space she never lived in. You and Andie can make the home yours.”
“Except Jenny decorated the whole house. Her touches are everywhere.”
“Not the whole house.”
“Aside from the casual family room and the gym. Everything else was all Jenny.”
“What about work? What’s going on with your company? You’ve got a lot to juggle.”
“I’ve spoken to a few of the top companies in the world about buying me out.”
“You’re not going to work anymore?”
