by Mia Carson
But that didn’t stop her from praying the last few nights she would get that happy ending.
Then there was the other issue possibly growing inside her belly. The test sat unused on the bathroom counter. She’d promised she would use it soon, but the idea of being pregnant freaked her out too much to know this very second. Greyson didn’t say it outright, but he looked at her with a knowing smile. She was in denial, but he wasn’t pushing and that’s all that mattered to her. When she finally got up the nerve to go to the doctor and pee on a stick, she’d have to let him know he could gloat for at least a few minutes that he was right.
“Time for the meeting,” Tim announced as he passed her desk, rapping his knuckles on the surface. “Nice roses.”
“Meeting?” she asked, panicked. “What meeting? I didn’t schedule a meeting.”
“Huh? Must’ve been last minute on Greyson’s part, then.”
Belle grumbled again about his lack of communication with her on office matters and followed Tim to find a seat with everyone else near the blank white wall they used for presentations. The lights lowered, and the projector on the ceiling turned on, but no image was displayed. Belle waited as those around her murmured and whispered when Greyson stepped into the light and held up his hands for silence.
“Now, as you all know, there have been some significant changes to the company over the last few months,” Greyson said loudly, his eyes landing on Belle’s. “Our new intern is now a very talented employee who stole the CEO’s heart.”
She smiled, her face warming as Tim nudged her and whistled while several others clapped and cheered.
“Since then, Belle has proven she is not only a great designer, she is probably one of the more mature adults in this room, even though she’s one of the youngest. She’s proven to me and to all of you that she is extremely capable of helping lead us into the future.” He moved through the open space until he stood before her seated in the sea of the rest of his employees.
“What are you doing?” she hissed in a whisper.
He smirked but didn’t address only her when he spoke again. “There’s been another change I wanted everyone to hear about, something very dear to my heart, but first, I have to apologize not only to the woman I love, but to the rest of you that I kept this from you.” He lowered his broad frame until he balanced on one knee before her.
“Oh, God,” she muttered, her hand covering her mouth as she shook her head.
“Belle, my friends, and coworkers who I’ve always considered family, I’m sorry I kept the news of our engagement a secret. I’m sorry I was too scared of showing my emotions and letting you all in on this special moment. So, Belle Hall, I come before you to ask you a second time in front of our friends and our family—will you marry me?”
He pulled the ring from his pocket as the lights flipped back on. The stones sparkled beneath the light, and Belle nodded fervently, holding out her hand. “Do you promise I get to wear it always?”
“Always and in front of everyone,” he promised quietly, slipping it onto her finger.
He kissed her and picked her up in a hug, spinning her around as the floor erupted in more applause and cheering. Music blared from the overhead speakers, and Kelly announced food and drinks would be served the rest of the day in celebration of their boss finally finding his happy ending.
Belle laughed as Greyson set her back on her feet, and Kelly rushed over to congratulate her along with all the other women of the office. She showed them the ring and fielded questions about when the wedding would be.
“I have no idea,” she said through her laughter. “Hopefully, sooner rather than later.”
She didn’t want the day to end, enjoying seeing Greyson so happy and filled with laughter. There was nothing that could make this day better. Over the music, she heard the elevator doors ding open and saw Sally emerge, clutching her purse worriedly over her shoulder. Belle excused herself from Kelly and the others, hurrying over to greet her.
“Oh, Belle,” she said and gasped in surprise when Belle enveloped her in a hug. “I thought you’d never speak to me again.”
Belle shook her head as they parted. “No, I actually think I’m the one who owes you an apology.”
“What? No, of course not,” Sally shook her head, but Belle took her hands and held them.
“Yes, I do. I’m not used to having a mother figure around. The foster moms I had barely noticed me, to be honest,” she said, sighing at the familiar pain in her chest until she heard Greyson’s laughter from across the room, chasing the pain away to be replaced by his love. “Then I met Greyson and you, and suddenly, I had people who cared about me—really cared. I was so used to being alone that I never stopped to think it was possible for someone to love me that much to notice when I changed… or that I might be pregnant.” She added the last in a whisper, not wanting anyone in the office to know that yet. Not until she was sure.
Sally reached up with one hand and cupped her cheek the way Belle always imagined a mom would do to their child. “You will always be cared for, being a part of this family,” she promised. “Greyson isn’t the only one looking out for you.”
Belle smiled, leaning into her touch. “Thanks.”
“It’s me who should be thanking you. I haven’t seen him so happy since before his dad died,” she said with a contented smile. “He might not be completely back to himself, but he’s getting there, one day at a time, and it’s all because of you.”
Together, they turned to find Greyson watching them from across the room. When his dark brown eyes met hers, her heart lifted, and though she couldn’t predict the future, something in those eyes told her they would be alright. In time.
“Will you stop pacing so loudly? You’re making me nervous, and I can’t pee,” Belle yelled from the bathroom.
Greyson’s feet slid to a stop in his bedroom. “Sorry. I can’t help it.”
“Well, stop, or we won’t know anything tonight.”
He smiled but didn’t take another step. He tilted his head towards the bathroom door, and when he heard the sound of Belle peeing, his heart pounded even harder in his chest. The toilet flushed, but Belle didn’t come out of the bathroom. He wanted to burst in there and sit with her as they waited but forced his feet to stay far away from the door, giving her a moment of peace. His cell vibrated in his pocket, and he pulled it out, frowning at the unknown number.
“This is Greyson Taylor,” he answered, glancing at the time again.
“I hear you’ve been looking for information regarding Belle Hall’s family?” a man on the other end asked.
Greyson scratched his beard, wondering if this was a prank played by Aiden trying to get back at them for Belle decking her. “I have. Who is this?”
“I have some information regarding them and would like to know how I can get ahold of her personally,” he said, his words shaky.
“I’m not sure that’s such a good idea,” he said, suspicious.
“Please, it’s urgent I speak with her.”
“May I ask who’s calling?” Greyson said as Belle opened the bathroom door. A smile lit her face as she held up the stick, bouncing on her feet. He squinted at the stick, and his stomach twisted in knots of excitement until the man on the other end answered his question.
“This is her older brother, Brent,” he said. “And I would very much like to find my baby sister.”
Greyson couldn’t break his gaze away from Belle’s face as he muttered a very quiet, “Perfect. That’s just perfect.”
END OF VOLUME FOUR.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO VOLUME FIVE.
Chapter 31
“Holy shit,” Greyson whispered.
Belle reached out and smacked his arm. “Greyson, really?” she scolded, but her laughter gave her away when she saw his crooked grin under his beard.
Her OB laughed as she moved the transducer probe around Belle’s pregnant belly. “It’s alright. I’ve heard far worse things come out of expectant paren
ts,” Dr. Higgins said.
“I’m sure you have,” Greyson agreed. “A baby… We made a baby.” The awe in his voice made Belle sigh and Dr. Higgins laugh again. “I’m sorry, never thought I’d be doing this—ever—with anyone.”
“Me neither,” Belle whispered, her eyes glued to the monitor.
Greyson’s fingers intertwined with hers as they watched their baby on the screen. It was so tiny, but Dr. Higgins assured them that Belle was healthy and that the baby looked perfect. Belle sucked in her bottom lip, worrying on it as her dreams from the last few nights played over and over in her mind… about her having this baby and abandoning it, just as she had been abandoned when she was barely a year old. Greyson had told her plenty of times she would be a great mom, but Belle didn’t know how to be a mom, act like one, or what one even did. She floated in a world of unknowns and what ifs, and every day that loomed closer to her due date only increased her fear.
“Belle?” Greyson asked and squeezed her hand.
“Hmm?” She glanced his way and saw his brow severely furrowed as he watched her closely. “Sorry, thinking about something.”
“Right, so you’re not worrying about the ten million things I told you not to,” he growled.
“I would never do that,” she said brightly and grinned.
Dr. Higgins smiled and shook her head. “Don’t let your fiancée overdo herself, now. She’s healthy and so is the baby, but too much stress can change that in an instant.”
“Don’t tell him that,” Belle groaned, sitting up. “He won’t let me do anything!”
“Not true,” he uttered and shrugged when she shot him a glare. “You can do some things. I'm not sure what doesn’t stress you out too much, though.” Her nostrils flared in irritation, and Dr. Higgins laughed. “What? The game launch is getting closer, and you and Tim were close to a yelling match the other day.”
She crossed her arms tightly and glanced away. “He started it,” she hissed.
“Well, how about no more arguments for the next six months at least?” Dr. Higgins told her sternly and put up the probe. She handed Belle a cloth to wipe the jelly from her stomach and printed out the image of their little blob, as Belle thought of it.
Belle cleaned her stomach, and Greyson leaned against the nearby wall, his eyes never leaving her as she sat up and pulled down her shirt, buttoned her jeans, and stood. “I can feel that look.”
“What look? I’m not giving a look,” he insisted innocently.
“The look that says this conversation is far from over,” she replied.
Dr. Higgins handed her two printouts of the ultrasound with a smile. “You two will be great parents,” she said encouragingly. “Just keep doing what you’re doing, make sure you’re exercising a little bit each week, and try not to overdo it on the Chinese food.”
Belle turned to Greyson with an accusing stare. “You told her?”
“It was three times in four days,” he said. “She asked, and I answered honestly.”
As Dr. Higgins held open the door to the room, she told Belle if she had any concerns to call her and that she’d see her in a few weeks for her next appointment. Once they were outside the medical building, Greyson slipped his arm around her waist and she rested her head against his arm, studying the black and white picture in her hand.
“I still can’t believe it,” she whispered. “I went from being an intern to a CEO, a fiancée, and a mom.” She came to an abrupt stop on the sidewalk. Her heart pounded in her chest as she realized in six short months, she’d be a mother to a baby. Her hand drifted to her stomach and she shook her head. “I’m not ready for this.”
Greyson moved around so he faced her, running his hands down her arms gently. “Look at me,” he said gently. “Belle, look at me, please.”
Slowly, she raised her gaze to his, and the amount of love shining in his eyes overwhelmed her. He smiled and pulled her close, wrapping her securely against his big bear of a body and kissed the top of her head. She sank into him as she always did, never wanting to leave the safety he offered her, the security of a future with Greyson and his company. She had no doubt in her mind he would be a great dad, but she’d never had a real family. Never had someone to call mom in all her twenty-two years of life.
“You are going to be a great mom,” Greyson said sweetly. “You’re a spitfire, just like my mom. If you can handle me, you can handle a baby.”
“You’re a little different,” she mumbled against his chest, enjoying how his whole body vibrated with his deep laughter.
“Maybe, maybe not. It could be a boy.”
“And if it’s a girl?”
“Then she’ll be just like you and will drive me equally insane, I’m sure,” he said and leaned back, a crooked grin on his face behind his beard. “You know, if you’re that worried, we can always talk to Mom. She’d love to give you advice.”
Belle raised a brow as they continued to the Mustang. “You’re done being mad at her?”
“I wasn’t mad at her,” he grumbled, and Belle barked a laugh. “She just shouldn’t have said anything.”
“No, but she’s a mom who cares about her son finding happiness and making something of his life,” she chimed in. “Not to say she didn’t throw me for a loop, but I get it now. Besides, it was over a month ago, so suck it up and stop being a brat.”
He frowned without replying until they were in the Mustang. He revved the engine before pulling out of the lot. His fingers tapped on the steering wheel, and he muttered under his breath every few seconds, but Belle was used to it. Since Sally dropped the bomb of Belle being pregnant in front of his family, he’d been more on edge than usual. Add that to his overprotectiveness, and there were days Belle wanted to throttle him. Dr. Higgins hadn’t given her any restrictions so far on what she could do, but Greyson didn’t listen.
She opened her mouth to tell him to swing by and get food on their way home when her cell rang. She dug around in her purse until she found it and answered. “Hey, Sally, speak of the devil.”
Greyson’s eyes slid to her quickly before flashing back to the road, and his lips thinned.
“Belle! How was your appointment today?”
“It went really well. Doc says I’m in perfect health and so is the baby,” she told Sally.
“Wonderful. So what are your plans for this weekend?” Sally asked excitedly.
Belle sensed she was up to something and couldn’t help but grin. “I have a feeling I’m about to be kidnapped.”
Sally laughed, and Greyson rolled his eyes. “Molly and Mel are in town and want to take you shopping for the baby. Do you know what the nursery is going to look like yet?”
“Nursery?” she muttered and sank in her seat. “Uh… no, not yet. We haven’t decided.”
“Well, decide by this weekend so we can get a good head-start,” she said with a laugh. “Finally, a grandbaby. Can’t tell you how long I’ve waited for this! Let Greyson know you’re all ours on Saturday. We’ll pick you up around ten?”
“Sounds perfect. See you then,” she said and hung up. She puffed out her cheeks, blowing out a breath as she rested her head back and stared out the window. She still had the rest of the day to work before she could head home with Greyson and figure out what the hell to do about a nursery. Neither of them had even thought of it yet, and she rested her hands on her belly, wondering what else she would forget to do.
Greyson reached over, and she placed his hand on her small baby bump. “You look tired,” he said as he pulled into the parking garage. “Not sleeping again? I can always take you home.”
“And let the office fall apart? No thank you. I like to know that your office won’t be exploding anytime this week,” she teased. “It's just hard to get comfortable some nights.”
“You’re lying, but for the sake of not stressing you out,” he went on when she opened her mouth to argue, “I’ll let it go. For now.”
“At least the construction is finished,” she muttered.
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The contractors cleared out two weeks ago, and Belle had settled nicely into her office with the same glass walls as Greyson’s and located right next door to his. She enjoyed having more room to move around and was able to get all the necessary papers and files organized the way they should’ve been from the beginning. And when the noise of the office was too much, she had a door to shut it all out, and she could blast her music.
Greyson kissed the back of her hand, and his beard tickled her skin, reminding her of other places it had touched the night before. Warmth pooled low in her belly, and when he turned her hand over, kissing her palm, she sighed, squirming in her seat.
“We’re going to be late,” she whispered, nibbling her lip as his kisses moved up her arm.
“And? You forget, we are the bosses,” he growled.
“And you forget Tim’s been on edge all week with the launch date sneaking closer,” she reminded him. “If you leave that man hanging again, he’s going to self-combust and I am not cleaning that mess up.”
“Damn that man and his tantrums,” Greyson said and his kisses stopped. “Fine, but we’re finishing this later.”
“Before or after you lecture me?”
His eyes narrowed, and he tugged his beard as he shrugged his massive shoulders. “How about at the same time? Might be kinky,” he added and waggled his eyebrows until she laughed. “Works every time.”
Belle shook her head and climbed out of the Mustang, scowling at him when he rushed around to help her to her feet. “I’m not waddling yet. I don’t need your help.”
