Love Me One More Time (Nick and Alaia) novel Chapter 45

Alaia

“Mother of love!” Tino exclaimed from the screen as I turned around to show off the dress I’ll be wearing tonight. “Look at that derrière, that waist, and those boobs.” He placed his hands on his chest, mimicking a pair of breasts.

“You look stunning, darling,” Ash commented.

“Well, I want to look like that, too, when I have my kids, hopefully, two at once.” Tino flipped his imaginary hair back. “Without killing myself at the gym, though.”

“Honey, you won’t have to lift a finger, even if you have ten kids,” my cousin reminded him.

“Don’t kill my dreams, damn it.” He grimaced.

They showed me how my wedding dress was coming along, and I must say that I love it. It was a design fit for royalty. What woman doesn’t want to dress like a princess? When we finished with the dress, they asked about the kids and didn’t add anything upon learning they were with Nick; they told me Ash was staying at Tony’s apartment while Tony and Tino stayed at my cousin’s house.

“I’m alarmed by what Ash told me, woman. You have to test the water before buying it. How have you not slept with that hunk of a blonde guy? What if he turns out to be a disappointment or something like that? Imagine the tragedy; you’d have to file for divorce the next day,” he said dramatically.

I bite my inner cheek. “I don’t think Cedric is like that, darling.”

“I assumed everything was perfect between you two, but are you sure you love your future husband? If I were his fiancée, I’d have already packed a couple more kids by now. Oh, I don’t know, darling, if I were you, I’d get ready or send him to me, so I can test him out,” he touched his chest and fluttered his eyelashes flirtatiously.

“Tino!” we scolded him.

“Well, the convent is looking for novices; I think you’re perfect material, surely they’re already closed off,” he said, lifting the duster.

“Oh, come on, Tino!” Ash and I shook our heads, but we couldn’t help but laugh.

“We’ll travel next week, we’ll sort that out, I’ll get prepared, I’ll also bring your dress, and we’ll do fittings,” he said excitedly.

We continue talking about what they’ve had to do to keep Ash from being seen in the UK until it’s time for me to leave.

“Now go, go show off that beautiful figure to that poor man you’re keeping on bread and water.”

Tino checked the time, and it was just when my mother knocked on the door to tell me it was time to go.

I read Elise’s message, saying my kids were still asleep. Knowing that, I left my room to head to dinner.

Nick

I watched my kids as they ate. “Strawberries.” Alana lifted a strawberry and quickly put it in her mouth; she’s adorable.

“They’re beautiful, sir.” Sophie smiled, looking at them.

“Yes, Sophie, they are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” I said, unable to take my eyes off them.

“Where are my nephew and niece?” We heard Will from the entrance.

My kids curiously looked towards the voice of my cousin.

“There they are,” he said enthusiastically as he reached the dining room and leaned near their chairs. “Nick, it’s like seeing you as a kid.” He looked at Noah, and I couldn’t help but smile. I like hearing that.

“Look at this little cutie,” he said, looking at Alana. “Hi, I’m Uncle Will,” he introduced himself between them.

“Uncle Uil,” Noah said, and William looked excited.

“That’s right,” he said, gently ruffling their hair.

“And what are Beast and Cupcake doing inside the house?” he asked, petting their heads while they lay on the floor at my kids‘ feet.

“They haven’t left their side since they saw them.” I shrugged, the dogs refused to leave my kids, and they insisted on being with them“, now they can come in and out of the house as they please,” I said.

“You finally decided to end that marriage.” He made air quotes and took a piece of strawberry cake Sophie prepared.

“You know it had an expiration date. I just anticipated it. There were still matters to resolve with Barbara, but I’ll do it without continuing the pretense. My kids and Alaia’s return changed everything,” I said after exhaling.

“Grandfather… he has already found out about the separation. He must be planning

Alaia noticed our positions and rolled her eyes. “I don’t want to hear another argument between you two, I don’t care that you’re my fiancé, and you’re the father of… my children,” she pointed at each of us“, I won’t allow you back in this house if you keep acting like a pair of idiots,” she said firmly.

“Alaia,” Cedric called.

“Anything to object to?” Alaia placed her hands on her hips, and I crossed my arms, waiting for his response.

“It will be as you wish, darling.” He kissed her cheek and left, giving me one last look. Son of a b***h.

I take a breath and lean down to say goodbye to my kids.

“Bye,” Alana said.

“My girl, I’m Dad,” I said, and they both looked at me. Alaia remains silent, waiting for the kids‘ reaction.

“No, no, no, no, no “she shook her little finger in a negative gesture, and although I wish it were different, I find Alana’s reaction both cute and funny.

“It wouldn’t be so easy, “Alaia said proudly.

“She wouldn’t be my daughter if she did, “I said, looking at the one responsible for my daughter’s behavior.

“We’ll walk you to the door “Alaia’s subtle way of asking me to leave.

I nod and am surprised to feel Noah’s hand take mine. I walk with him while Alaia carries

Alana. At the door, I stopped abruptly, turned halfway, and almost collided with Alaia. I have to hold her to keep her from losing her balance, our faces close. I swallowed a lump in my throat, feeling her so close.

“You look beautiful,” I said, very close to her lips, and she quickly pulled away from me.

“Thanks for bringing them and taking care of them,” she responded quickly.

I nodded and kissed my kids‘ heads before leaving the house. Once Alaia closed the door, I walked to my car, slamming the door shut. I couldn’t keep denying it; it was killing me to know that the woman I love walked beside a man who wasn’t me.