23. Leah

CHAPTER 23

LEAH

M y GPS directs me deeper into the bougie neighborhood, where old oaks tower over two-story homes and big yards.

It's an adorable area, with kids playing free range on the sidewalks and yoga moms walking dogs. There's a community pool and an event center. A gate with a security guard.

So why did Jack ask me to meet him here?

"You've arrived at your destination," my GPS sings out.

I stop the car in front of a brick house with a short fence around the yard. O-kay. This is really getting weird.

Grabbing my purse, I go about the laborious task of getting out of the car. Six months pregnant with triplets is something else. I feel huge and bloated all the time, and my energy levels just aren't the same.

According to my doctor, I need to take my maternity leave as early as possible. With the risks that come with triplets and the fact that they will no doubt be born early, she doesn't want me working through my third trimester.

And I know she's right. I'm just struggling with it, though. Without my work, I'm not sure what to do with myself.

Waddling up to the front door, I ring the doorbell. A minute passes. Then another. No one answers.

This is getting stranger by the minute. First, there was the cryptic text from Jack, asking me to meet him at this address but not saying why.

And now here I am, standing in front of this strange house next to an empty driveway, not knowing what to do with myself.

Why I even showed up, I don't know. A few months ago I would have told Jack to go screw himself. Things have been amicable between us lately, though, even… good.

Work has been nice, and he's been friendly whenever we do speak. It always has to do with work, though. Never the triplets.

I pull out my phone, about to call Jack when his car pulls up.

He gets out of the car, dressed in a tailored suit and looking as handsome as ever. I watch him with a mix of emotions as he walks towards me, trying to keep my thoughts and feelings in check. Even now, after all these months, every once in a while he does something unexpected to me.

He makes my heart flutter. Makes me feel like I'm walking on air.

I should love it, but I hate it.

"Hey there," he says, his voice low and husky. "I'm sorry I made you wait. Come on in."

"What's going on?" I ask.

But he doesn't answer. Instead, he punches a code into the pad by the front door.

"What's going on, Jack? Why did you ask me to meet you here?" I ask, trying to hold back my frustration.

"Come inside," he says, gesturing towards the door.

I follow him into the house, which is absolutely beautiful. The decor is modern and chic, with a hint of rustic charm.

"Why are we here?" I keep looking around. Despite the fact that the home is furnished, it doesn't seem lived in. It's more like it's set up for showings.

"I bought you this place," he says, like it's the simplest thing in the world, like it's the same as him bringing me a cup of coffee.

I stare at him. "You… what?"

He bought me a house? What the hell? Is this some kind of sick joke?

I can't deny that the house is gorgeous. It's spacious and airy, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. There's a cozy fireplace in the living room and a spacious kitchen that any cook would love.

It's exactly the type of house I would want to raise my children in.

But the idea of accepting such a grand gift from Jack makes me uncomfortable. What are his motives? Is he trying to buy my forgiveness for something?

"I know it's a lot to take in," Jack says, reading my expression. "But I wanted to do something nice for you and the babies. This house has plenty of room for you and your family, and it's in a great neighborhood. You'll love it."

My family. That's right. Not "our family."

Of course, I know he's not in my family. He's denied any parenting relationship with the triplets.

But that doesn't mean his choice of words isn't salt in the wound.

"You can't buy me a house," I say when I finally find my voice.

He frowns. "Why not?"

My laugh is more of a sputter than anything else. "Because… it's a house!"

"And I can afford it."

I purse my lips. "Jack, I don't…"

"You don't what?"

I sigh, not wanting to explain this to him, but it seems I'll need to. "I don't want to owe you anything."

"Right." He gazes past me, thinking. "Well, let's just say you won't owe me anything. Anyway, the place is already fully paid for, so why not take it?"

My heart flutters a little. God, it's tempting…

But I know better than to bite the hand that feeds me. Plus, there's something about this whole situation that just feels off. "I appreciate the offer, Jack, I really do. But I can't accept it. It's just too much."

"Is it because of what happened between us?" he asks, his expression unreadable.

I take a deep breath. "Yes. It's because of what happened. I can't accept such a huge gift from someone who's hurt me so deeply."

"I understand," he says, nodding slowly. "I just thought it might make things easier for you."

"Easier?" I scoff. "You know what would make this easier? My children having…"

A father.

But I can't say it. I won't show that kind of weakness in front of him. And as much as it hurts, no father is better than a bad father.

"You can't wash away whatever guilt you have with lavish gifts," I say.

He looks annoyed. "I'm not giving you this house because I feel guilty. I'm giving it to you because you've done a great job with GourmetGlobal. Consider it a bonus. And I want to make sure the triplets have a good home where there's enough space for all four of you."

I can see the sincerity in his eyes, but I can't bring myself to fully trust him. Not after everything he's done.

Then again, if the house is in my name and paid for, why not take it? He wouldn't be able to take it back, and I could use the space. God knows good real estate is hard to find in Olympus City.

"It's a work bonus?" I ask.

He nods. "Yes, consider it that way. You've earned it."

I take a deep breath and look around the living room. It truly is a great neighborhood, and the house he's offering is stunning. I can see my kids growing up here, making memories that they'll cherish for the rest of their lives.

"Okay," I say, finally giving in. "I'll take it."

Jack's face changes, like he wants to smile but is holding back. "I'll have my lawyers draw up the paperwork and transfer the title to your name."

"Thank you," I say, trying to sound gracious. "I appreciate it."

He nods. "Of course. Now, do you want to see upstairs and the backyard?"

I want to see them so badly I'm nearly bouncing on my toes. Of course, since he's here, I hold back.

"Sure," I say, managing to sound cool and nonchalant.

We walk up the stairs and Jack shows me the bedrooms. They're all spacious and well-lit, and I can already picture my kids running around in them.

"This one could be perfect for a playroom," he says, pointing to a large room with a built-in bookshelf and a window seat.

I nod, already planning out the furniture and decorations. "Yeah, that would be great."

We continue to the backyard, which is just as impressive as the rest of the house. There's a pool, a hot tub, and a built-in grill area. I'll need to put up a childproof fence around the pool, but other than that, the spot is great. There's plenty of shade from the trees and lots of room to run around in the grass.

As we walk back inside, relief washes over me. Having this house will provide stability for my children and me. No matter what life throws our way, we'll have a place to call our own. A place that no one can take away from us.

Thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. I didn't realize how much something like this matters.

"Thank you, Jack," I say, turning to him. "This means a lot to me."

He smiles, and for a moment I see the man I used to be enamored with. But then the smile fades and he looks away.

"Maybe you can get back into cooking." He nods at the kitchen, which has a pizza oven and a large island with a built-in stove.

Truthfully, the kitchen is getting me really excited. It's been too long since I lost myself in an afternoon of trying out new recipes, and my fingers are aching to roll up my sleeves and get in there.

"I'll have to make the first dinner here a special one." I nod.

"It will be sooner rather than later. You can start moving in this week. I'll have one of my assistants send some movers to your apartment."

I bite my bottom lip. This is too much. I should turn him down…

But it's also incredibly welcome.

I still don't trust him, but I can't deny that having this house is a game-changer for me and my kids. Jack hasn't shown up in the way I wanted him to, but he has done something important for us.

"I should cook you the first dinner," I say. "To celebrate."

The words are out of my mouth before I even have time to think about them, and I end up pressing my lips together hard.

Shit. Did I really just say that?

Jack raises an eyebrow, and I can feel my face flush with embarrassment. But then he chuckles, a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine.

"Sounds like a plan," he says, and I can see that familiar spark in his eyes. It's the one that used to make me weak in the knees, the one that made me fall for him in the first place.

But I'm not that naive girl anymore. I know better than to get sucked in by that smile. I swallow hard, suddenly feeling very conscious of my body. It's been so long since I've been intimate with anyone. But being here, in this house, with Jack, it's like a part of me is waking up.

And it's wrong. I can't think of him that way. It would only set me up for disappointment.

Maybe inviting him to dinner was a bad idea, but it's too late now.

He checks his phone. "I need to get back to the office. Take your time looking around. Hell, stay if you want. It's your home."

I nod. My home. It's still such a strange thought.

"I'll have my lawyers send over the paperwork tomorrow," he says over his shoulder. "And congratulations on your new place." He grins.

As soon as he leaves, I take a deep breath and make my way into the kitchen. The island is calling to me, and I can't resist the urge to run my fingers along the cool marble.

I've been dreaming of a kitchen like this since I was a little girl. My grandma used to say that a good kitchen is the heart of the home, and I can already feel my heart swelling with gratitude.

As I open drawers and cupboards, I can't help but feel a sense of awe. This is all mine. All of it.

I have three beautiful children on the way. The finances that I need to care for them. A home to die for. A career that is booming.

I should feel on top of the world, and yet something is still missing.

I want someone to share it all with.

Because I'm only human. I don't want to go through this journey alone.

Right now, though, I have to forget about romance. And it's not like I'm alone. I have Taylor and my grandparents to lean on. One day, I'm sure, I'll find love.

And until then, I'll keep reminding myself to keep Jack Leadsom out of that part of my mind.