Chapter 23

23

WILL

It is going to be the longest twenty-four hours of my life.

A DNA test to determine the paternity of baby Stone.

There were only two times I envisioned being a father. The first time, I was lying in bed with Amelia not long after New Year’s Eve. She was telling some drawn-out story, and I remember watching her with this big grin on my face wondering if our kids would have her emerald eyes or my blue ones.

The moment caught me by surprise. I was not a family man, nor did I want children of my own. I started to question my sanity; when in reality, I had fallen so hard it began to terrify me. I wanted things I’d never wanted in my entire life. Amelia did all that over a story involving meatloaf from the dining hall at the Yale campus.

And then, there was our moment in the Hamptons when she unveiled the truth about our break-up and the events which led up to it. I never even suspected Amelia had been pregnant, let alone miscarried. We were too caught up in trying to hide our relationship to think about the consequences aside from her parents finding out.

There are so many “what if’s” running through my mind. But what did it matter now? Life took us in different directions. It was never meant to be all those years ago. However, no matter how I play it in my head, the damage is done, and the hurt still lingers. It surely doesn’t erase my regret over how I handled the situation. Maybe if I was more of a man and stood up for what I wanted, things would have been different.

Though never in my wildest thoughts did I ever imagine I would be waiting inside a hospital for a DNA result.

All because of one reckless night.

When Mom and I flew down here upon learning the news, I didn’t even question whether I was the father or not. The fact is, I slept with Ashley. The timing matched, and Gordon Stone knew I was the father since Ashley told him before she died.

Yet Mom admitted she did question the paternity from the beginning. However, given how distraught I was, she wanted to wait for the right time to go through the legalities. When both Mom and Charlie insisted the test be performed, we only made sure we followed protocol to protect everyone involved.

At first, I hesitated, unsure why. There is no reason why Ashley would lie. We spent the night together, and while the details of the night were hazy, it doesn’t negate the fact it happened.

The more I allow myself to dwell on it, the more it dawns on me Ashley was a complete stranger. Sure, I learned some things about her that night but far from knowing who she truly was. Ashley Stone was a woman hurting, just like I was a man going through the same emotion.

And that’s as far as our connection went.

I followed procedure and did what I needed to do, which started with the DNA test. It was painless and straightforward, but the soon-to-be results weighed heavily on my shoulders.

The palms of my hands are increasingly sweaty with a slight tremble that refuses to disappear. An empty feeling forms in the pit of my stomach, to then flutter from nerves. The fluttering then turns into a lead weight—the heavy feeling trumping everything else. I feel sick, unable to think with a clear head.

I walk out of the testing room to see Amelia and Charlie walking down the corridor. The two of them look just as exhausted, dropping everything in their lives to be here with me. It goes without saying I appreciated their support, but I am unable to relay my thoughts and put together a coherent sentence to thank them properly.

Charlie mentioned earlier that Amelia left to take care of a few things, and the truth is I was terrified this would all be too much for her. And how could I blame her? If the roles were reversed, there is no way I could watch Amelia have a child with someone else. I might as well be dead.

But seeing her here is enough to settle my anxious thoughts. Amelia has been my pillar of strength through all of this, never once castigating me for my one foolish night, which led to this moment.

I don’t even think I would still be standing here if it wasn’t for her.

My mother suggested the two of them get some rest, something to eat, and shower. Given we had just done the same, I urged them to have a break. It has been non-stop since we arrived, and each of us felt the pressure in different ways.

Charlie left for the hotel leaving Amelia behind. I sensed something different straight away but couldn’t see past the pained stare. It hurt me to see her so broken, knowing it wasn’t just being here which affected her but what happened back in the Hamptons too.

Amelia rubs the back of her neck as her skin bunches around her eyes. Her normally radiant skin is dull, lifeless—and it kills me to know I am doing this to her.

I move closer to her, baring the truth of my fear of losing her entirely. Her reassurance, a simple gesture of caressing my cheek as she’s done so many times in the past—is what caught my attention.

The ring is no longer there.

The entire universe shifts. Everything we were or had become—has been given another life.

We have lived through it to be able to tell our story, but the darkest of clouds still hover above us like a storm on the horizon. If I am the father, what does this mean for Amelia? It’s one thing to love me now, but will she love me if my life will involve taking care of my son? The thoughts place doubt inside my head. In a desperate need to drown out the incessant noise, I wrap my arms around her, placing her head against my chest. The warmth spreads throughout my entire body, straight to my core. I need her to hear how my heart beats for only her, how from the moment she was born, our connection was greater than either one of us could ever imagine.

But above everything else, I need her to know that without her—I am nothing.

Amelia promised to be by my side no matter the outcome. To hear those words come from her is all I need at this very moment. But for tonight, there is nothing either one of us can do but wait.

I run my finger across her bottom lip, conscious of her exhausted stare. “Go get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“I don’t want to leave you,” she rushes, almost panicked. “I can sleep another time.”

“Amelia,” I breathe softly, lifting her chin so our eyes meet. “Just as you said, there is nothing we can do right now. I slept today, so I think I’ll stick around and do some work on my phone tonight. I’ve got emails coming from everywhere. It’ll take my mind off things, but I’m really worried about you. You need some rest, please.”

She nods her head, no longer arguing. I slowly plant a kiss on her lips, desperately wanting to feel her beneath me. Still, I know it would be unfair to drown my anxious nerves of the impending results by devouring her body. I want our next time to be special, give us a chance to reclaim what we once had, and not rush ourselves as we did back in the Hamptons out of desperation.

My mother went back to the hotel with Charlie and Amelia. I spent the earlier part of the night responding to every email I could, negotiating terms with Lau, who still refused to back down. By this point, I’ve lost interest. I’m not sure if it is because of everything going on or life suddenly feeling too short. In the blink of an eye, everything can change.

And it isn’t like money is a concern. Yes, the deal will allow my company to reach another milestone, but I’m not exactly going to be kicked out on the streets if the deal with Lau falls through.

My head is unable to concentrate for long, tired of the greedy fuckers trying to screw me over. I exit the ward, taking a walk around the hospital grounds. There’s something eerily satisfying about being alone in the early hours of the morning. The sky is still dark, silence all around me. The only sound heard is the thoughts in my head.

I walked aimlessly for hours, trying to come up with a plan on how to make this work. I run a billion-dollar empire. How on earth can I care for a child? I guess there are nannies, but that isn’t the ideal way to be raised, especially since I work long hours and barely spend any time at home. The kid would never see me.

Then, I remember I don’t even technically have a home; I’m still staying at the Four Seasons. Whichever way I look at the situation, it isn’t without complication and an imminent migraine.

When the sun begins to rise, Amelia, Charlie, and Mom arrive back at the hospital. Everyone looks refreshed, but the anticipation is too much, causing all four of us to remain silent with our thoughts.

Amelia laces her hands in mine, squeezing them tight. I place a kiss on her forehead, allowing myself to inhale the scent of her skin to ease my anxious nerves.

Dr. Rossmore is carrying a chart as he walks toward us.

“Are you ready?” Amelia asks, her posture straight while she keeps her expression hopeful. “We’ll get through this together, Will. I’m not going anywhere.”

Her reassurance gives me the strength to get through this moment. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Dr. Rossmore asks to see me in private, but I refuse to go anywhere. My family is standing beside me, and this will change their lives too, so it’s only right they hear it from him.

As his glance lingers a little too long for my liking, I prepare myself for the truth.

“Mr. Romano, our test is showing you are not biologically related to the child.”

My stare is fixated on him, unable to even blink. My heart stops momentarily, to only begin beating seconds later. Amelia’s hand is still in mine. I’m squeezing so tight I must be hurting her.

I don’t know how to feel.

I should be relieved. The burden is lifted off me. Yet, for almost three days, I thought this kid belonged to me. Something in the universe shifted during this time. I was forced to put my life under a microscope and re-evaluate everything I’ve ever known. And now what? I walk away and forget this even happened?

“Will, I know this is difficult, but we need your help.” Charlie treads carefully while Dr. Rossmore appears somewhat disappointed by the outcome. “Do you know who the father could be?”

I gently remove my hand from Amelia’s, taking a seat on the plastic chair when it all becomes too much. Burying my head into my hands, I beg the emotions to calm down so I can answer Charlie.

“She told me she had an affair with her former boss. He was married and had children. That’s all I know.”

“We can try to work backward. Check her social account or professional profile and see if we can pinpoint her employment and go from there,” Mom suggests, patting my shoulder gently before she excuses herself with Charlie to solve the missing piece to this fucked-up puzzle.

Instinctively, I move toward the window, staring through the glass at the baby. Life is unfair. Being his father is something I never wanted until it was taken away from me. What will become of him now? Despite my parents driving me insane at times, I couldn’t have imagined this life without them.

“It’s okay to be sad.” Amelia stands beside me, her expression just as fallen. “You would have made a great father.”

“I should be relieved,” I admit with a croak in my voice. “It’s not my problem anymore, so why do I feel this enormous guilt?”

Amelia sighs heavily. “Because right now, that little boy has no one aside from Gordon and Mildred. We’ve been blessed, Will. From day one, we’ve known no different but to feel the unconditional love of our parents. I wish I could hold him, tell him it’ll be okay. No one deserves this, especially him.”

Mom comes up beside us. “We think we found him. Her social media account had her employed at Knight Industries in London as an Executive Assistant. The executive listed on the company’s website is Stewart Knight.

“Stewart Knight,” I mumble under my breath. “I know who he is.”

“You know him?” Charlie and Amelia ask in unison.

“Not personally, but he is part of the four Knight brothers,” I tell them, then sigh dejectedly. “Lex knows Stewart too.”

My mother nods quietly. “Time to make the call.”

I don’t listen as they walk away, keeping my gaze fixated on the baby only for them to return moments later.

“What did he say?” Amelia questions with eyes wide.

“I got his secretary.”

The phone begins to ring in Mom’s hand.

“Nikki Romano.” Silence follows her greeting while she keeps her expression blank. “Stewart, thank you for returning my call.”

Once again, they walk away, which is for the best. Mom and Charlie are trained to handle these situations, given their legal background. A few minutes later, they return.

“Stewart was shocked to hear of Ashley’s death,” Mom informs us. “He didn’t deny nor confirm he was in a relationship with her but agreed to fly here. What a coincidence, he is actually in Manhattan, so he expects to be here later this afternoon.”

“So, what do we do now?” I ask, placing my arm over Amelia and pulling her into me.

Inside my embrace, Amelia softly mentions. “There’s somewhere I’d like to go.”

* * *

Gordon and Mildred Stone’s place is a condo inside a retirement village. I remember Ashley telling me this is why she moved away to London.

The rooms are incredibly small, cluttered with memorabilia from the seventies. They appear to have a liking to Elvis, a cabinet full of souvenirs from Graceland.

Adorning the walls are photographs of people, assuming family, and several of Ashley in her teen years. Seeing her face again brings back fond memories of our night together. I may have been drunk, though still able to recall a few conversations in which we laughed over.

Mildred Stone is wheelchair-bound. According to Gordon, she suffered a stroke a few months ago and hasn’t regained her strength to walk for long periods of time.

Gordon places a plate of cookies in front of us along with two coffees. We both thank him, taking the coffee and cookies not to appear rude.

“This is Ashley graduating high school.” Gordon brings out an album, proudly showing off his daughter. “You know, she wanted to be a lawyer but hated studying. She lasted two years in college before working in a few places back in Minnesota. Then she went to London.”

“She was beautiful, Mr. Stone.” Amelia smiles.

“Please, call me Gordon,” he insists. “Ashley was ten years old when we first fostered her. Her biological mother died during childbirth, and her father raised her until she was five. It all got too much for him, and he passed out drunk one day and never woke up. According to social services, she was placed in several homes until placed with us. We eventually adopted her, couldn’t have asked for a more loving daughter.”

Across from where we sit, Mildred’s face is blank, almost in a catatonic state. Gordon removes his glasses, wiping the corners of his eyes as Amelia hands him a tissue and tries to comfort him.

There is no other time to reveal the truth, and so I do, much to my disappointment. Gordon lowers his head, trying to remain strong, but it’s obvious this isn’t what he wants to hear. Mildred is still quiet, not a single sound nor even a blink of an eye.

“My mother and Will’s mother are doing everything they can to make sure they find the baby’s father,” Amelia reassures him, to then take a piece of paper and pen out of her purse, scribbling her details down. “If ever you need us, please never hesitate to call. Even if it’s just to talk.”

Gordon takes the piece of paper from her, dropping his gaze to lift it moments later with a small smile. “You remind me of Ash. She spoke just like you.”

I can’t help but smile too. Maybe that’s why I was drawn to her that night. They did speak similarly now that I think of it.

We say our goodbyes, reminding them to contact us if ever they need anything. As I lean in to give Mildred a hug, there is no movement from her body. But as I pull away slowly, my gaze meets hers and beneath her wide eyes is a single tear.

I wipe the lonesome tear with my finger, then lean in and kiss her forehead. To watch her in pain is unbearable, putting life into perspective. There is nothing Amelia nor I can do to take their pain away from losing their daughter, but we can make sure their grandson is given a life he deserves.

As we take the short drive back to the hospital, we both sit in silence, trying to process it all. I’m glad Amelia suggested we visit Gordon and Mildred; it’s what Ashley would have wanted since she had no other siblings.

“I hope they find peace,” Amelia murmurs, struggling to keep her voice from cracking. “I’d like to come to visit again soon, make sure they are okay.”

“That was hard,” I echo her sentiments. “To know they have lost two children. They aren’t a stranger to grief, but it doesn’t make it any easier.”

“Ashley was always meant to be their daughter. She really was beautiful, Will.”

“She was,” I whisper.

“Sometimes, people come into each other’s lives in unconventional ways. There were some case studies we were doing on children from broken homes and also the fostering system. It breaks my heart to think of any child having to go through this. I thank the lord Andy at least had Adriana, and nothing happened to her. To think of what could have happened to him.”

“Your parents always treated Andy as their own. There would have been no chance he would have gone anywhere but your home.”

“I guess you’re right,” she mumbles, then stalls. “Mom and Dad feel the same about you.”

“Charlie, yes. Lex…”

“Is just as stubborn as you,” she chastises me but places her hand softly on mine. “But that’s a conversation for another time.”

We arrive back at the hospital. Mom and Charlie have stepped out for lunch at the cafeteria. No news on exactly when Stewart will arrive if he comes at all.

“I want to stay here until he arrives,” I tell Amelia. “Just to make sure the little guy is okay.”

“Of course.” Amelia looks somewhat relieved of my suggestion. “Why don’t we grab a quick lunch then go spend some time with him?”

We spend the day watching his tiny chest rise and fall, peacefully sleeping inside the warm incubator. The nurse allows Amelia to place her finger inside so she is able to caress his cheek. I watch her with ease, seeing how nurturing she is toward this baby. It only makes me want to begin my life with her, make her my wife, and raise a family together.

Mid-afternoon, Stewart Knight appears at the end of the corridor. Of course, I knew of him. We’d frequented a few events and a business summit from memory. Stewart Knight is the eldest brother of the Knight brothers. They own the largest hotel chain in all of Europe with a royalty bloodline.

Stewart walks toward us, still dressed in a suit. His hair is a wild mess, a mirror image to me only days go.

“I believe this is your son,” is all I say.

“Ashley is…” Stewart struggles to get the words out. “It can’t be true.”

Mom and Charlie step in as I tap on the glass and say goodbye to the little boy who captured our hearts in such a short amount of time. I have no idea why it’s so hard to let go but need to trust the lord above that he will be watched and given a chance at life.

Beside me, Amelia brings her hand to her mouth, biting down on her clenched fist to hide her emotions.

“Why is this so damn hard?” she whispers, angrily. “Why am I standing here like he is my own. Like I must protect him?”

I wrap my arms around her waist, bringing her into me.

“It’s because you love hard. You’ve always been an advocate for family no matter what shape or form it comes in. It’s why you chose to study family law, why you’re a nurturing older sister. Why you fought so hard to keep me and your parents in your life.” I tilt my head, placing my face against hers. “It’s one of the many reasons I love you and hope one day we’ll be able to start a family of our own.”

Amelia’s lips curve upwards, a grin adorning her beautiful face.

“You want a family one day? Since when did family become important to you?”

“Since the minute you walked into my office five years ago and reminded me what was missing in my life.”

She releases a sigh, then tightens her grip on my arms. “It’s time to go home.”

“There’s one more thing I want to do before we leave Orlando…”

* * *

Our driver detours to the spot in which Ashley lost her life. It wasn’t a busy road; narrow with nothing but empty land around it. Flowers have been placed against the pole she hit while swerving to avoid the other driver.

We stand here together, holding hands, as I say goodbye to the woman who impacted my life in a way I never imagined possible.

Beside me, Amelia hands me a bunch of flowers as we both place them against the makeshift cross. I say a silent prayer for Ashley, the little boy, and for Gordon and Mildred Stone.

Amelia removes a tissue from her purse, wiping the tears falling onto her face. I bring her closer to me to comfort her as we both grieve in silence over this tragedy.

“Are you ready to go home?” I ask softly.

“I’m already home, with you.”

Squeezing her hand, we walk to the car before I stop and meet her gaze.

“I love you. I don’t think I could have done what you have done for me.” I stare into her eyes, allowing her loving gaze to shower me with warmth. “You gave me strength to keep going when all I wanted to do was give up.”

“I just wanted to be there for you. It’s what happens when you love someone so much it hurts to breathe without them,” she assures me, placing her hand flat on my chest. “We’ve been put to the test, if we survived this, we can survive anything.”

“You know this is it, right? The whole forever and no turning back?”

With a knowing grin, her emerald eyes speak well before her lips move. “I won’t have it any other way.”