Love Me One More Time (Nick and Alaia) novel Chapter 39

Nick

“I have two children, I just found out,” I said. The woman covered her mouth with her hands. I recounted what happened without giving significant details.

“Understandably, she refuses to let you see your children,” the woman said, “and she asked you to prove that you care about them. The lawyer’s decision seems a bit drastic to me,” she added.

“I won’t be able to get close to them if I can’t see them,” I declared, looking at the trees. “It’s been two years… I’ve lost two years, counting the months the children grew in Alaia’s womb.

I’m not that patient,” I expressed. She just nodded.

“For now, you could approach them in another way,” she explained. I turned to look at her with interest. “You can show their mother that you care about the children by sending them something special,” she suggested, raising an eyebrow in her direction.

“A gift of something they like.” I frowned. I have no idea what they like, and I don’t think Alaia will tell me if I call her. I thought for a moment. “I don’t know, the last day I saw them, the boy was wearing a video game cap, and the girl had a lilac cap,” I explained.

“Perfect,” she said, placing her hands on her chest, looking excited. “I have a teenage grandson and a great–granddaughter who loves Disney princesses. I know someone who can make something very nice for them. Do you trust me?” she asked with enthusiasm.

“Yes.” I believe.

“I’ll be right back,” she said, walking to the house and returning after a few minutes. She showed me the options on her phone.

“One of each.” I pointed to the dolls, and the older woman widened her eyes. “I don’t know which they would prefer, they should have all the options to choose from.” I paid with my card and gave the names of the children–my children.

“I want them delivered this afternoon,” I ordered, and she looked surprised.

“I’m not a patient person, as I’ve already said, Sophia,” I said.

“I understand, sir,” she nodded, smiling.

“I’ll inform you when the little ones have received their gifts,” she said and left when she saw me nod.

After lunch, I went to the office in search of a photo of the newborns. I covered Cedric’s face with my finger and focused on the three of them.

“Nico, dear,” I heard from the living room. It’s Barbie. I put the photo away and went out to see what she wanted now. “There you are,” she said as soon as she saw me. “Do you know anything about your mother? I was supposed to meet her at the club this morning, but she didn’t show up.”

At that moment, Sophia appeared, smiling, but she stopped when she saw Barbie. She just nodded, and I understood that my children had already received their gifts. I turned back to

Barbie as she turned around.

“I called her, but she didn’t answer. I’m worried,” she said, raising both eyebrows. “You know I adore Grace, Nico.”

“Good afternoon, Marshall.” My mother entered, walking quickly as soon as she saw me.

“Nicholas Garnett, you’re going to explain to me right now what you’ve done to your grandfather,” she spoke angrily. “I just left him at the hospital because you’ve left him there in his blood.” She pointed to her face. “Where did I fail? I’ve never been able to understand you, but this has crossed the line.”

“You’ve never understood me because you never took the time to listen to me. You always backed my grandfather, allowed him to move the pieces as he pleased, and never thought about your children,” I exploded, tired of her only caring about Killian.

“Your grandfather has taken care of me since my parents died and has continued to take care of us since we lost your father. He’s done a great job; you are the man you are thanks to him.”

My laugh sounds hoarse. “My grandfather wasn’t the one who made me who I am, it was my father,” I reproached her. “Don’t try to make me believe that my grandfather is good. He only manipulated you to merge the company you inherited with his.”

“Don’t talk about your grandfather like that.”

I inhaled, exasperated. “He told me you have two children, the poor man is delirious,” she said, shaking her head.

“He’s not delirious, I have two children, Mom,” I declared, and my mother blinked in surprise, just like Barbie.

“How is it possible that you have children, and I don’t know about that?” She looked at Barbara, who immediately stepped back, raised her hands, and shook her head.

“Did you betray your wife?” She glared at me.

“We never really thought about having them. We took precautions. I don’t know when I stopped liking kids, but now, that doesn’t matter. I just want to see my children.”

“Damn, Nick, I think it’s because of the way you loved your ex. Now, knowing you have children with her has changed the way you see many things.”

“Loved?” I asked, and Will looked at me.

“Sir, your lawyer just arrived,” Kathe spoke over the intercom.

“Send him in,” I ordered.

“Nick,” he said as soon as he saw me.

“Josh,” I stood up, shook his hand, and proceeded to introduce him to my cousin.

“What do you have for me?” I asked, and we sat down.

“The paternity process and voluntary declaration of paternity for the children are complete. They will have your last name, and you can start visiting them. You must assume financial responsibility, and present them as your children. Your obligations are detailed in the document. This process could have taken longer, but as you requested, I got some contacts to make it happen in a few days.” He handed me a folder.

“You need to talk to the mother, agree on visitation details, and other aspects you will start assuming as a father. If Miss Russell refuses, we will have to take the case to a judge.”

“Understood. Thank you, Josh. Kathe has transferred your fees just now,” I said, looking at my phone. I just saw the p*****t confirmation in my email.

“It’s been a pleasure. I’ll be available for anything you need, Nick, Will,” he said and bid us farewell.

Without waiting a second, I grabbed my jacket and headed out of my office.

“I won’t ask where you’re going because it’s more than clear.” My cousin stood up. “Go, I can’t wait to meet those little ones, but for now, I think this moment should be just yours.” I nodded and left my office.