One Weekend with the Billionaire novel Chapter 94

I am the woman in the painting now. It’s finally happened. When I first envisioned this beautiful scene, a man and woman with their arms around one another, standing in front of an ancient landmark with the Italian sun glinting as it dips below the horizon, I didn’t know for sure that I would ever occupy this space. But here I am, my arm around Braxton, his around mine, as we gaze at the sun setting behind the gorgeous scene before us.

What makes it even more amazing is that we are not alone. In front of us, our children, our daughter Braxi and our son Julian, are running around, playing chase, and having the time of their lives. I never knew true romantic love until I met Braxton, and I never knew how full my heart could be until four years ago when the twins were born.

Sometimes, I think back to my life before Braxton, when my days consisted of staying at home, cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, only getting out to go to the grocers. It was a meager existence, one that would’ve never made me happy. Now, I am a renowned painter, an artist with my paintings hanging in galleries all over the city and homes across the world. My work brings in half a million dollars per painting. I could’ve never achieved any of this without the wonderful man by my side.

I still visit Jeff’s grave at least a few times a year. I feel sorry for him, honestly. He could’ve been so much more than he was. If only he hadn’t allowed his drinking and womanizing to get in the way of his goals, perhaps he would’ve been able to make me happy. If not me, then maybe someone else. But he didn’t care about anyone but himself, and in the end, he suffered a miserable death because of it.

No chargers were ever brought for his death. It was determined to be an accident, which is exactly what it was. A horrible accident. One that will always haunt me, no matter how old I grow.

I try not to think about it, though. I try to concentrate on the beauty around me. My daughter’s laughter, her brown pigtails streaming behind her as she chases her brother. My son’s sweet smile, brightening his freckle-covered face. My husband’s warm embrace. I know how blessed I am, and I do everything I can to help others because of it. The charities we volunteer for and fund, the work we do with underprivileged children, the elderly, and people living on the streets, all of these things make my heart full. I’m so glad I have the opportunity to help others, and that’s thanks to the hard work of my wonderful husband.

Braxton pulls me even closer to his side. He dips his head and kisses me, and we both laugh as the children continue to play before us. My life isn’t perfect, but it sure is close. I can’t imagine anything making it better.

"I love you, Julia," Braxton says as I lift my face to his.

"I love you, too, Braxton." He finds my lips, and my heart is his forever.