Love Me One More Time (Nick and Alaia) novel Chapter 55

Alaia

“Here are your drawings.” Loli handed them the paintings my children made yesterday for Nick.

Today is his birthday, and Sophie made a special request. She explained to me that he always makes a round trip to Seattle on his birthday and does it alone, but Sophie came up with the idea that the children should accompany him this time. It would be a surprise for him. His trip is something he keeps to himself, and only Sophie, who will take care of the children, and Nick will go. Today, I’m going to trust that they will take good care of them since I couldn’t refuse after seeing what a good father he is and that today is his birthday.

“Remember, you must say happy birthday to Mr. Garnett as soon as you see him,” Loli told them.

“Okay,” my little ones said.

“They brought the gift.” Tino entered with the item I asked him to buy after my friend insisted that the children should bring him a present. Nick had gone out of his way for them, showering them with gifts and rising to the occasion.

“Look, honey, it said ‘with love for Dad, from your children, Noah and Alana.” Tino showed me the dedication on the back of the fine watch, and I looked at him silently saying, “Are you serious?”

“But come on, my dear, the little ones already love their father, even if they refuse to call him Dad.” He looked at the ceiling, thoughtful. “Now that I think about it, I think that must be part of karma. But you know that at some point they will say it, they will call him by his name, and the watch will be a beautiful memory.”

I looked at Ash, who shrugged.

“Come on, love, say goodbye to Loli and your uncles.” They hugged the children, and Alana received Nick’s gift.

After they said goodbye to the whole family, since it will be an entire day without seeing them, we leave to go to their father’s house.

We got out of the car and I walked hand in hand with my children. Soon, Sophie opened the door and asked us to be quiet, putting her index finger to her lips. My children imitated her actions and make no noise.

She asked us to come in, and we did. I wanted to recommend that they take care of the children.

Will nodded when he saw me and approached to greet the children tenderly. Marshall smiled at me, and then the children hugged him, showing me that he had earned their affection.

I realized that they had decorated the living room with some very elegant and beautiful balloon arrangements. On the table are snacks for breakfast and a cake.

“You have to shout ‘Surprise!‘ as soon as you see him.” Sophie pointed to the stairs, and my children nodded. “He’ll be down in a minute,” Sophie whispered, and I didn’t know if it was right for me to be here.

We heard his footsteps on the second floor, and suddenly he looked at us.

“Surprise!” everyone shouted. Nick was surprised at first and then showed a huge smile when he saw the children, and his smile didn’t fade when he looked at me.

“Wow,” he said, coming down the stairs and arriving at where we were.

“Happy birthday,” my children said, and Nick hugged them. He looked emotional. They handed him their drawings.

“These are incredible,” he told them, delighted, and my children looked happy at his words.

“Here.” Alana handed him the box..

“Thank you, my angel, champ.” He hugged them again, and they wrapped their arms around Nick’s neck, and without understanding why, I felt my heart melt at the scene.

Nick hugged everyone, and they wished him a happy birthday until we were face to face.

“Happy birthday,” I said, and he nodded. We looked at each other in silence, and there seemed to be a lot to say, but it was the silence that spoke. Suddenly, he breaks eye contact, making me react and return from wherever I went.

“Thank you,” he said, and I nodded. Someone spoke to him, so I cleared my throat.

“It’s time for me to go. Please take good care of them.” I leaned in to hug and kiss them.

“Be good children.” I combed their hair.

“Bye, Mommy.”

“I will take care of them with my life.” Sophie smiled tenderly.

“I trust you.” I walked out of the house, feeling someone’s eyes on my back, though I was sure it was Nick.

***

Nick

I put on cologne and adjusted the jacket of my suit. I’m not wearing a tie. Today, as is customary on my birthday, I would travel to Seattle and spend the day in that city.

I left the room and saw an image on the first floor. When I reach the top of the stairs, I initially think it’s my imagination, a thought I dismiss when I hear the shout of surprise, and my smile widens when I see my children and Alaia, although all I can think about when I see her is her response a few days ago when she told me she loved Cedric. I saw my world and my hopes crumbled at that moment.

I went downstairs and greeted the little parts of me that hold two–thirds of my heart. They give me a couple of abstract drawings, but they are more valuable than any work of art in the world. I received a small box and felt like it was the best birthday I’ve had in years.

Everyone congratulated me, and when I got to Alaia, her gesture was cold as usual, but this time I felt it more than ever.

During the flight, the children slept during the trip and woke up shortly before we landed.

The day was gray and there was a drizzle.

Sophie handed me the children’s coats, and I put them on along with some wool hats. I smiled, looking at them. They couldn’t look more adorable.

We got into the van, and I gave the driver the directions. My nanny and Sophie talk while children watch the city in silence.

We arrive at the modern house that looks like something out of a futuristic movie. It has floor–to–ceiling windows, and the walls are white. It is surrounded by trees, as the owner prefers.

It’s impressive.

“Good morning, welcome, sir,” a woman dressed in white opens the door.

“Good morning, thank you. Go ahead.” I asked my companions to follow.

“I’m Tanya,” the woman introduced herself, and I did the same.

“It’s a pleasure.” She smiled at Noah and Alana.

“Tanya will be attentive to whatever you need,” I told Nana Jane, and Sophie. They nodded without asking questioned. They go into the living room, and I take the children’s hands to go upstairs.

I opened the door to the master bedroom.

The person standing there looking at something he’s holding notices my presence.

“Nick, we’ve been expecting you,” he said and noticed the little people holding my hand.

“Well, you brought support,” he said, approaching and introducing himself to the children. “You couldn’t say no to them,” he said cheerfully.

“I would never,” I assured him.

“I’m sure of it. Come in, make yourselves at home.” He closed the door behind us.

“How is my father?” I exhaled and looked at his figure on the bed.