Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
“Or they can provide him an airtight alibi,” I muttered.
Nick stopped beside me, not opening the door. “What?”
“Nothing.”
“You’re funny, Shortcake.”
“Let’s go in.”
We were greeted warmly, coffee poured, cookies set out. Everyone wanted to hear the whole, real story, and Nick indulged them, giving them the scoop. When he got to the part of me taking down MJ, he stood, reenacting it. His ring flashed in the light, but no one seemed to notice. Aiden whooped and hollered, giving me a high five. The diamonds on my band caught the light, glittering and sending a rainbow over the wall.
No one even blinked.
Finally, I yawned, and my mom patted my shoulder. “You’re tired, my girl. Go have a nap. We can do dinner later if you want. Aiden already ordered Chinese.”
Nick grinned. “Awesome.”
“Sammy’s back at the ranch. Is she doing okay?”
“She’s very happy. She’ll call you later.”
“Okay.”
I felt strangely disappointed. Not a single member of my family had commented or asked about our rings. I’d purposely pushed my hair back, letting my hand linger, but there was no reaction. I looked at Nick, who seemed confused.
“So, Mila and I have some news to share.”
“Oh my goodness,” Mom said. “We’ve had all the news we can take. Save it for later.”
My dad yawned and rolled his shoulders. “Yeah, I think I’ll go work out. You coming with, Aiden?”
Aiden stood. “Sure.”
But his tone was off, and I saw him trying to hide his smile.
I jumped out of my chair. “Oh my God, you know. You all know!”
Aiden began to laugh. “Who says we can’t act?”
It turned out Andi had called and told my parents. She’d seen a picture of Nick and me in Vegas snapped by some random fan, with the headline of something along the lines of “Nick’s New Life Starts Early.” She’d wanted them to know before the story broke wide.
My family had decided to play a joke on us.
Once they explained how they knew, the hugs and voices became loud. I went from one set of arms to another. My mom was a teary mess, my aunts beaming. Nick was jostled around like a sack of potatoes until we both ended up in front of my dad. I met his eyes, seeing only his love.
“He makes you happy, Pumpkin?”
“Yes.”
“You plan on keeping her that way, Hollywood?” he asked Nick.
Nick slid his arm around my waist. “Always, sir.”
“And you’re staying here—in your house—right?” Dad asked me.
“Yes,” both Nick and I answered.
“Then there is only one thing I can do.”
“Which is?” Nick asked, tightening his arm on me.
“Throw you a major party that your mother and I plan. Whatever we decide goes.”
Nick grinned. “Deal.”
My dad opened his arms, and I ran into them. He enfolded me in his embrace.
“I love you, Daddy,” I whispered. “I couldn’t bear to leave you.”
“Good, Pumpkin. I couldn’t face both you and Sammy being out of the nest so close together.” He held me tighter, kissing my head. “I love you too. Be happy, my girl.”
I sighed.
I already was.
EPILOGUE
NICK
I ran a hand through my damp hair. I’d been in meetings all morning in Toronto, and when I got back to Port Albany, I worked out with Aiden, then showered before coming home. I was trying to leave my wife alone so she could write.
We’d been married six months, and I still hated to be away from her for long periods of time. A few hours felt like forever.
My life had changed. I had changed.
I’d never known happiness like this existed until Mila came into my life. She was my constant. Living here was incredible. The privacy, the peace. Her—our—incredible family.
I worked out with Aiden. Talked at length with Bentley. Shopped with Maddox. Doted on Sandy. Geeked out with Reid. Sought Halton’s counsel on more than one occasion. I joined the men on their cigar nights, listening to their stories as we sipped expensive booze and enjoyed life.
I got along well with all the cousins. We hung out. I wasn’t Nicholas Scott, celebrity, here. I was Nick, Mila’s husband—a role I loved having. I was part of something. A group of people who truly cared for one another.
All the women mothered me. Fussed and clucked. Staunchly supported my movies. Fed me constantly. There was always one of them around if I wandered to the Hub while Mila was busy.
I found a new therapist. One I trusted. I stayed on top of my meds. Realized how it felt to feel almost normal. I had my moments, but I didn’t feel as if everyone were waiting for me to fall. Instead, they made sure to keep me lifted up. The combination of this less anxiety-driven lifestyle and the support around me made a huge difference. I didn’t have to hide myself. I could just be me.
Or “Hollywood,” as they all called me.