Chapter 14

After that, her life seemed to take a whirl. He insisted on them staying at the manor, and she was outvoted as the other members of the family chimed in.

"It makes more sense, my dear," Angeline said firmly. "Chloe is already bonding with the children, and she and Marissa are inseparable. And you would be here for us to discuss the ceremony you want."

"But what about school?" She cried, looking to her fiancé for support, but none was forthcoming. "And my aunt?"

"Invite her to come and stay here if you must; Chloe is just six. We are going to get her into the school Marissa attends. It's a private one, and the academics offered are excellent."

He was pulling her into his arms. Antwan had whispered. "I am keeping you near in case you were thinking of changing your mind."

"As if I would." She had finally capitulated because she wanted to spend every day with him. And she had never seen her daughter so happy.

He also had another surprise for both of them. The following day, at breakfast, he had made the announcement. "I want to ask something of both of you." He said in the middle of a meal. "I would love to adopt Chloe if you don't mind formally. You told me her surname is also Johnson."

"Yes," April nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Oh, Antwan, are you certain?"

"Of course I am." He looked over at the little girl. "How do you feel about becoming a Collins?"

"Do I get to call you daddy?" She asked solemnly, her eyes wide.

"I would be honored." He told her with a smile.

"Can I do it now?"

He looked startled for a minute, and then his smile widened. "I would love that."

Jumping from her chair, she launched into his arms and hugged him tightly. "Daddy." She whispered. "I never had one before."

"You do now." He whispered back, feeling emotions clogging his chest.

"And uncles, cousins, and grandparents." Angeline came around to lift the little girl in her arms. "And I get to take both my girls shopping."

"Beware, April," Anthony said with a grin. "My wife tends to go overboard when buying clothes for her grandchildren."

"And no one is going to stop me."

*****

"You are one sly bitch!" Rachel exclaimed. "You have been seeing Antwan Collins and never said a word?"

April grinned as she handed her friend the glass of wine. She was at her place, packing up her clothes. Chloe had gone to check out her future school with Angeline, who had taken the time off to take both girls to school and was going to leave from there and take them shopping.

"I almost lost him, Rach. My paranoia was such that I could not believe a man like him could love me much more than my daughter as well. His family has welcomed both of us without question." She had told her friend about the kidnapping and what had happened when she went to Marcus.

"That worthless son of a bitch. I hope you waltz in that mediocre law firm of his and flash that fabulous diamond ring in his smug face."

"He called and asked me to meet him at his office."

"Why?"

"He wants to talk."

Rachel"s brows lifted. "You told him to go to hell, I hope."

"No. I want to hear what he has to say, and the bonus is, Antwan insisted that he is going with me,"

Her friend chortled. "I love the guy already." Her face sobered. "He adores you."

April's eyes welled up, and she tried to blink them away. "He does. And every single day, he shows me. The entire family is discussing not only the wedding but also the color scheme for Chloe's room.

Aunt Sylvie is staying there for a few days to be near Chloe. It feels like a dream. I keep having to pinch myself to find out if this is really happening."

"I am so happy for you, truly I am. No one deserves it more than you do."

April stared at her friend anxiously, "Are you okay with all of this?"

Reaching over, Rachel squeezed her hand. "As long as I get to be your attendant."

"You get to be my maid of honor. Chandra and Andrea are going to be my bridesmaids.

And Chloe and Marissa will be the flower girls. Oh God! I am getting married." She fanned her face furiously.

"To a man you are in love with. All you went through was setting you up for this wonderful life. Are you going to live at the manor?"

"For now. It's a huge house, and Antwan asked if I wanted to find it elsewhere."

"And what did you say?"

"I know how much he loves his family. Rach, you should see him with the kids. They adore him, and Chloe becomes very possessive of him.

Even though she and Marissa are close, as soon as the little girl jumps on his lap, she is all over him, too. He is so good with them." She blinked away the tears. "I never knew how much I wanted Chloe to have a dad until I met him."

Lifting her glass in a toast, Rachel murmured. "To Antwan Collins."

*****

"Why are you nervous?" He asked as they turned into the firm"s parking lot.

"I could have dealt with this alone."

"And you must realize that you never have to do anything yourself again." His blue eyes searched her face. "Do you still have feelings for this creep?"

Her eyes flashed. "I cannot believe you are asking me that."

"I had to ask. What you should know about me, April: I possess what's mine."

"Antwan- "

"And I hate that he was your first and Chloe's biological dad."

Taking his hand, she pressed it against her cheek. "I love you. And now you are Chloe's dad. He was never a father to her and will never be a quarter of the man you are. I used to despise him, but now I feel nothing except contempt."

"Good answer," he told her huskily. "Shall we get this over and done with?"

She nodded.

Walking through the revolving doors into the firm she had worked at all those years ago seemed surreal.

She had left in disgrace after the man she had thought she loved forced her to go, and even when she came back a week ago, it had been to beg him to help her. Now she was walking back with the man she loved, the man who had asked her to be his wife and was taking on her daughter as his own. It felt wonderful.

He held her hand securely as if infusing her with warmth and reassurance that he was with her. They were sent straight up to the managing director's office, and since she had been to Antwan's law firm, she could see the lack of style here where Marcus reigned over the place like a king.

He was standing in front of his desk as they made their way in, and she saw the look of surprise when he saw Antwan. She also saw the flicker of fear and uncertainty. Antwan was much younger and ten times more handsome.

He was also a much better lawyer from a family of excellent standing in their society. The Collins were on intimate terms with politicians, including the President of the United States, the Supreme Court judge, and compelling members of the society. He

Marcus had a right to be intimidated.

"Mr. Collins, I had no idea you were accompanying April."

"I am here as her fiancé and lawyer if she needs one." He told the man coolly.

"Well, she certainly does not need one." He assured them with a nervous laugh. "I am thrilled to know that your daughter has been found."

"No thanks to you," April said caustically. "What do you want?"

He straightened slowly, eyes darting to the man standing next to her. When he heard the stunning news of their engagement, he had thought it was a damn joke. But he had seen the photos and realized it was true.

April Johnson was now out of his league. She had aligned herself with a mighty family, and he was sweating. He wondered if she would take some form of revenge for how he had behaved towards her and the child.

"I just wanted to reassure you that I am not going to try and file for custody of the child."

"You can't even call her name, can you?" Antwan gave him a contemptuous look that made him smile. "Livingstone, you are one poor excuse of a man."

"Now, see here- "

"He is right. But Chloe will be a Collins now and is better off never knowing you are her biological father. Now, if that's all, we are leaving."

They turned and headed for the doors when his voice stopped them.

"April?"

Turning around, she looked at him and saw regret on his face. "I wish you all the best."

With a regal nod, she left his life for the last time.

As soon as they got into the car, she hauled him over by the lapel of his jacket and kissed him soundly, sending darts of fire through his entire body. When she started to move away, he gripped the back of her neck and deepened the kiss, his tongue driving into her mouth with a passion that made her tremble.

Lifting his mouth from hers, he pressed his forehead to hers and took several deep breaths. "Let's go to your place." He whispered shakily.

"Yes."

*****

She trailed her fingers on his chest, tangling with the dark hairs and capturing the moisture there. They had barely entered her bedroom before they started on each other. His shirt was ripped, and some of the buttons were missing. He had torn her bra strap in his haste to get to her breasts.

Capturing her wandering hand, he covered it with his. "I need to ask you something."

"Okay." Lifting her head, she searched his face.

Tucking a fat curl behind her left ear, he trailed a finger over her cheek and felt the emotions surging through his body. My God! he thought shakily. He loved her so much that it left him weak.

"I have no intention of telling you that you don't have to work."

"Okay." She hid a smile as she watched several expressions flickered over his face.

"The thing is, darling, we are also a law firm and one that is bigger than the one where you are now."

"Like a lion compared to a mouse." She added, tongue in cheek.

He frowned a little at that. "Anyway, I was thinking, not just me, but my parents and brothers- "

"It would be more suited for me to be at your law firm."

"Something like that." He studied her face. "What do you think?"

"I think that's sweet, and I am not going to accuse you of nepotism, but I want to stop working for now and spend time with my daughter and the son I am carrying. Because- "She broke off with a squeal as he snatched her into his arms.

"What did you say?"

"I think we are pregnant, darling."

"How can you be so sure?" he demanded, his heart hammering.

"I missed my period two weeks ago, and I thought it was due to the stress of not being with you, and then Chloe was kidnapped, and I forgot all about it. I have not confirmed- "

"Why don't we do so now?"

"Now?"

He nodded.

"Okay, but we are not telling anyone yet. Please promise me we will wait until all the wedding rush is over and done with."

"I promise." He whispered against her lips. "You have made me the happiest man in the world."

"And I am blessed to be loved by you." She whispered just before he claimed her lips in a kiss that soon had passion surging through their bodies.

*****

"How long do we have with you?" Marvin asked her calmly as she stepped into his office. Her week was up, and the plans for the wedding were well underway. Chloe's suite of rooms was ready, and she and Marissa spent time alternating rooms.

In less than four weeks, she would be Mrs. Antwan Collins, and she could hardly wait. "I don't expect you to be still working here, April, not when you have your choice of a much bigger law firm."

Settling on the chair before the desk, she gazed at the man who had taken a chance on her.

"I am giving in my two weeks. Antwan and I are getting married in the middle of October, and then we will be off on our honeymoon."

"And then you will be working for them, of course."

Shaking her head, she smiled widely. "I am going to be a stay-at-home mom for a while." She pressed a hand to her flat stomach.

"I am expecting a baby, but aside from the family, we are not sharing that news."

He smiled at her fondly. "You came to me in your time of need, and I could not help. For that, I am deeply regretful."

She shook her head hastily. "It worked out for the best."

"And Chloe, how is she dealing with all of this?"

April laughed softly. "They spoil her rotten, and she revels in being the center of attention. She is already calling Antwan's dad and his brother"s uncle. Anthony and Angeline treat her like their grandchild; she calls them grandpa and grandma.

She fits in seamlessly; you would believe she was born into that household. She does not even know when I am not there."

"My dear, I am very happy for you."

"I hope I am not inconveniencing you in the slightest."

"Nonsense." Leaning back in his chair, he gave her a thoughtful look. "Livingstone called me the other day."

April's eyebrows lifted. "What did he want?"

Marvin chuckled. "He is running scared. You are marrying into a mighty family, and he wants to know if I am willing to merge with his firm."

Shaking her head, April laughed softly. "He has nothing to worry about where Antwan and his family are concerned. We are not even thinking of him."

"I am playing devil's advocate and hoping you squash his firm."

"No." She responded softly. "I am over what he did to me. Chloe and I have found a terrific family and are very happy."

*****

"It's the fall charity benefit, and it's huge."

"Which means we have to be our best," Chandra added, grinning at Andrea. They were at the pool house, booting out a grumbling Alex and telling him to take his son with him.

April was getting married in a week, and the nerves started to settle. Her daughter had fully adjusted and was in ecstasy over her room. She had also started school with Marissa and would come home excitedly about her day.

"It's also your last week as a single woman, and you are going to dress to kill," Chandra told her. "People will be gawking at the latest Collins's bride."

"I am beginning to feel very conspicuous," April complained.

"This is why we have ordered your dress along with ours from Romano's. That man of yours will have a heart attack when he sees you."

"I don't want him to have a heart attack this close to the wedding. And Romano's? I can just imagine what it costs. Or not."

"Your fiancé already set up an account for you there, and Monique is supervising your new wardrobe," Andrea told her wryly. "It's the same thing when Chandra and I became involved with our husbands.

Everything was thrown out, and we each got new wardrobes despite our vociferous protestations. I keep thinking that the children at my shelter could benefit from what one outfit costs."

"And I was used to wearing department store brands and was fine with that." Chandra shook her head. "You may have noticed the Collins' entertain a lot."

April nodded, feeling the knot in her stomach tightening. She loved Antwan; that much was obvious, and when she was alone with him, it was like he was a normal guy who worked a nine-to-five job.

He made her laugh, and his sense of humor was one of the things she loved about him. But every now and then, she was forcibly reminded that he was far from being a normal guy and that she was marrying into a very wealthy family.

"You will learn to accept it," Andrea told her quietly, interpreting the expression on her face.

"And they are wonderful people."

"I know. I cannot believe they are so damn nice."

All three burst out laughing at her comment.

"Okay, it's time to start getting ready. Barry will be here in five minutes," Chandra announced.

*****

"What's taking them so long?" Antwan asked with a frown as he glanced at his watch again.

"Anxious to feast your eyes on your betrothed?" Andre teased. They were standing on the front porch of the pool house, waiting for their dates. All three brothers were similar in height and stature, identical in looks, and wore custom-made black tuxes.

"I have not seen her for the entire day." He muttered, feeling like a schoolboy waiting for his prom date.

"We have not seen our wives either, and we are fine with it." Alex pointed out airily.

"That's because you are an old married man who is lying. You called Andrea three times, and the last time, she hung up on you," Andre said wryly.

"Something she is going to pay for," Alex promised.

They both turned towards the door as it opened. Chandra came out first, wearing a shimmering gown of ice blue, her flawlessly made-up face glowing, her eyes bright with mischief out her husband who came towards her.

"Stunning." Lifting her hand, he pressed his lips on her flesh and felt the stirring of desire.

"Am I forgiven for not picking up when you called?" she asked softly.

"We will discuss that later, in bed." He promised.

Andrea came out next, her raspberry-colored gown clinging enticingly to her slender curves. Her laughing dark brown eyes met her husband's, who immediately forgot that he had been upset with her and came forward.

"Have I told you that you are the most beautiful woman in the world?" He whispered.

"Let's see if you will think that when I get swollen with our child."

"Always darling," he said tenderly as he drew her into his arms.

Antwan felt himself stiffening, his heart thudding in anticipation as they waited for his fiancée to come out. When she did, he heard the startled gasp and did not realize it came from him. She was wearing burnt orange.

The gown was high at the neck, barely revealing the hollow of her throat. Her healthy curls glowed with life and tumbled artlessly around her face and past her shoulders.

Diamonds glistened at her lobes, and the burnt orange of her lipstick highlighted her sexy lips. The dress molded her body and showed every curve, revealing that she was not wearing anything underneath.

"What do you think?" Dropping the cashmere shawl, she turned to give him the full effect of the dress. While the front was covered, the back was bare, straight to the waist.

Antwan lost his mind, and words failed him as he stared at her.

"I think our brother is trying to say that you look exquisitely lovely," Andre said teasingly.

Without a word, Antwan took the shawl and draped it over her shoulders. "You will be dancing every dance with me." He whispered in her ear.

"Shall we go?" Alex demanded. "We are already running late, and I hate being tardy when arriving at these blasted things."

"We timed it perfectly." His outrageous wife told him impishly. "We want to make an impression."