Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 118(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 118(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
"Then your fears are only to be expected."
All she could do was stare at him. She had always been secretly angry at herself for having such fears, and not once had she thought of them as valid. But Garion was right, and her fears were to be expected since she had never been given a chance to properly process the death of her parents and Aunt Helena.
"I can't believe I've been so—-"
"Stupid?"
She couldn't help but laugh. How could Garion be so understanding one moment and then so wicked the next?
Garion's limousine was already slowing down before Daisy Rae had a chance to sort out her feelings, and she soon forgot everything else when she saw a familiar face waving at them excitedly from the lobby.
Daisy Rae turned to the billionaire with a gasp, and his lips curved in a slight smile.
"I told you, didn't I? He's very excited to see you again."
Chapter Nine
Theo started running as soon as he saw his father help Daisy Rae out of the car, and Garion deliberately stayed back to watch how things would unfold. His son reached them in moments, and his chest tightened upon seeing the boy wrap his arms around Daisy Rae's hips.
"I'm sorry, Daisy Rae."
Hazel eyes that were exactly like Garion's gazed up at Daisy Rae in innocent apology, and the sight was so unbearably sweet, it had her quickly crouching down with a shake of her head.
"You're so sweet, Theo," she said sincerely. "But I want you to know that your father already explained everything, so there's absolutely nothing you need to say sorry for."
Theo still looked unsure. "I don't really think you're ugly. Or gross."
A tiny laugh escaped her. "I'm relieved to hear that."
"I never did," the little boy stressed. "I think you're beautiful and kind like a princess."
Her lips twitched. "We don't have to go that far." Daisy Rae gingerly succumbed to the urge of ruffling his dark hair as she stood up, and relief blended with joy when the boy didn't pull away.
"I like you a lot."
"I like you a lot, too," she said with a smile.
"Will you really be my Mommy?"
Since he was Garion's son, she should've probably expected this, but since she hadn't, Daisy Rae was at a loss for words, and when she looked up at Garion helplessly, the wicked, wicked man only gazed back at her.
Daisy Rae took Theo's hand in hers. "Your Daddy told me you've got something special prepared for tonight's dinner. Is that true?"
The change of subject worked, and Daisy Rae soon had the little boy excitedly telling her about all the food he and his Daddy had ordered for tonight.
A smile slowly curved over Garion's lips as he walked slightly behind the two. The expression of pure joy on his son's face meant everything to him, and even though it still hurt to think about his first wife's last words...
Thank you, Wendy.
It was all because of her that he and Theo now had Daisy Rae in their lives, and Garion felt as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders when he saw Daisy Rae ruffle Theo's head like she was already his mother.
Dinner was a lively affair filled with stories and laughter, and Daisy Rae couldn't remember being this happy in her life. Garion's son, now that he was no longer "required" to act out, was too adorable for words, and every second had her falling in love with Theo more and more.
Theo asked her to read him a story before going to bed, and after kissing him good night, she excused herself and stepped out of the room to give father and son privacy. The bond between the two was undeniable, and with the door left slightly ajar, she was able to catch a glimpse of the tenderness that briefly crossed Garion's features as he tucked his son in.
His love for his son made the billionaire look almost human, and it was a far cry from the intimidating and aloof persona he presented when visiting her workplace. Daisy Rae was willing to bet only a few people were permitted to see this side of him, and for her to be one of those people...
Riiiiiiiiiiing.
Daisy Rae nearly groaned when she saw her cousin's name flash on the screen. Oh no. She had forgotten all about Hilda and Uncle Nolan again. She had specifically texted them she would head straight home, and here she was, back in the billionaire's house like she hadn't any responsibilities to her family.
Garion was surprised to find the hallway empty upon stepping out of Theo's room. He headed down the stairs, and that was when he heard Daisy Rae talking to her cousin on the phone.
Ah.
Garion took his phone out and made a call. He had her family under surveillance as soon as he had made up his mind about marrying her. He had a feeling that her uncle was likely to hatch some kind of plan to con money out of him through his niece, and a brief phone conversation with the detective tailing Nolan Stolz confirmed as much.