Chapter 27

27

WILL

The last time I visited LA was the weekend when everything changed between Amelia and me.

A moment engrained in my memory when I realized I’d fallen too deep to the point it terrified me.

We’re standing outside the Edwards’ family home. It brings back not only the memory of that time but of my childhood, young adult years—so many times I’d visited and felt like this was my second home.

A lot of that was because of Charlie. She’d always welcomed me with open arms; however, this trip is different.

Amelia squeezes my hand as we both stand outside the door.

“It’s going to be okay,” she assures me.

I nod, not sure what to say. Did I think it would be okay? I had no idea what to expect. Just because Lex agreed to the takeover doesn’t mean it was the so-called olive branch Amelia mentioned last night.

Amelia opens the door and calls out. Charlie comes down the stairs, excited to see us with a welcoming smile on her face. She hugs her daughter, then turns to me, caressing my cheek before we embrace.

“Where are Addy and Alexa?”

“Addy is at a friend’s house, and Alexa went on a last-minute trip to Palm Springs with her best friend and her family.”

Amelia’s lips press into a grimace. “Well, that’s a shame I don’t get to spend time with her.”

“I know, honey. I’m sure you’ll feel better once you see what I baked.”

“And your fancy new coffee machine?” Amelia claps her hands with excitement. She turns to face me. “You have to try the coffee. Best I’ve ever had.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” I grin, then glance at Charlie with knowing eyes, unable to ask the question but knew she could read my mind.

“He’s in his office.”

Amelia places her hand on my arm. “I’m proud of you.”

The two of them disappear to the kitchen but not before Amelia turns back to give me a reassuring smile. I take the steps down the long hallway, admiring the familiarity of the artwork and photographs hung on the wall.

There is one long wall with photos of the Edwards’ girls. I stop to look at each image but am drawn to Amelia’s smile, which graces every photo she is in. The moments captured remind me of a time when life was less complicated.

Charlie’s touch is everywhere in this house, the life she built with Lex while raising their four daughters. As someone who was born and raised in the city, this world feels entirely different though not in an unusual way. Home is home—no matter what city or town you’re from. The longer I gaze upon these photos on the wall, the more I want to start my life with Amelia. Marriage, family—I want it all with her.

However, my biggest hurdle is behind the closed door at the end of the hallway.

I am not sure how to even start. There is so much history behind us. This is a man who I always looked up to as a child. He is Charlie’s husband, a second father to me. He introduced me to a world my father could never have; a role I was destined to fulfill. In return, I broke his trust even though I knew how important Amelia is to him and how protective he was over his eldest daughter.

As a confidant, a friend, and business partner, I broke the rules and used that against him.

But it was done in the name of love, not to hurt him intentionally.

My knuckles gently tap on the door, and a few seconds later, I hear, “Come in.”

I take a deep breath, entering the room to see him lift his head to meet my gaze. There isn’t any anger, nor a pleasing expression, just your typical poker face, one I had learned to master over the years thanks to him.

“May I take a seat?”

He gestures without saying a word.

“I got the call yesterday you agreed to Lau.”

“I got the call this morning you also agreed to Lau,” he counters.

I lower my eyes, wringing my hands, unsure where to begin. “I shouldn’t have gone behind your back. I knew how important Amelia is to you, and while there is nothing I can say to change the past, I need you to know I love her. I’ve always loved her. We weren’t thinking all those years ago, and it wasn’t our intention to hurt either you or Charlie. And you were right. When that person walks into your life, nothing else matters. You warned me. I didn’t listen. I never expected it to be her.”

“Why go to London then?” he begs the question with a blank expression. “If you claim to have loved her, you could have defied me?”

“Because I didn’t think I was good enough for her. Amelia is beautiful and incredibly smart. She just began college. I didn’t want to ruin her life. I wanted her to thrive, become the person she was destined to be. And without the love and support of her father, that wouldn’t have been possible.”

Lex resigns, letting out a sigh. “You’re not the only one to blame. I pushed you into her life because of my own insecurities as a father. Charlotte warned me to let her live her life, but I was terrified of letting her go. And when she started to pull away from Charlotte, and her grades begin to slip, it only confirmed my fears.”

We both sit in silence while reflecting. It may have been years ago, but the emotions were still raw.

“I wanted what was best for her. I had no idea about the car accident nor the struggles afterward. I had my own struggles in London and did things I am not proud of.”

Lex nods his head with his lips pressed into a hard line. “I would be a hypocrite to say I hadn’t faced the same battle. I knew none of the pain Charlotte went through after I left because I was on a path of self-destruction. Don’t think I don’t know what it’s like to make mistakes with the person you love.”

“I know,” I say quietly. “I just didn’t expect any of this. I’m still trying to adjust, especially after what happened with Ashley and the baby.”

“Quite a shock to hear of Stewart Knight being the father. I somewhat understand why Ashley chose to hide the truth. Once this leaks out and he confesses to his wife, his entire empire will crumble. A marriage with no pre-nuptial agreement. Angelina Knight will technically be entitled to half his fortune.”

“It’ll be disastrous. At the least, his son will be taken care of. That’s all that should matter.”

We both nod in agreeance. The last I’d heard from Mom, Stewart was confirmed the paternal father of the little boy. Aside from that, there had been no other news aside from one of the nurses letting Mom know the baby was progressing and growing stronger. They anticipated he would be able to go home in a few weeks.

“And now, what are your intentions with my daughter?”

“Marriage, children, creating a life of memories,” I tell him with ease.

There is a gleam in his eye with a slight smile lingering. “Quite some aspirations. You may want to save that speech for your proposal.”

I raise my eyes to meet his. “I’m sorry, Lex.”

“You did what you did for love,” he concurs, taking a cleansing breath. “I have just one request of you.”

“What is it?”

“If you love Amelia like you say you do, it’s for life. There is no turning back. My daughter deserves the best.”

Unable to hide my smirk, I challenge him. “And you think I am best?”

“According to Lau, you are,” Lex informs me confidently, then rises from his chair. I stand up as he walks around. Extending my hand as I’d always done, he pulls me in for a hug, patting me on the back.

“I’m proud of you, Will,” he confesses. “In my thirty-odd years of being in this business, no one has ever challenged or gone against me as you have. In return, you are on the way to surpassing my place in the market. Despite everything which went on over the years, I’ve watched your every move and admired you.”

To hear Lex’s admission is the ultimate compliment a man like myself can receive.

“I’ve learned from the best.”

“Speaking of which, we have a lot ahead of us with the takeover. Lau presented your ideas, and I’m impressed. You’re an innovator, and this platform is going to change society.”

“It’s been stressful the last few weeks. My personal life didn’t help.”

I retake a seat as he sits on the edge of his desk, crossing his arms.

“That was a giant curveball. How are you holding up?”

“Trying to juggle it all. Having a girlfriend who lives outside the city and still studying isn’t logistically easy. I’m living at the Four Seasons because there has been no time to find a place. I don’t know the answer to anything right now. All I know is that Amelia’s degree takes precedence, and so if I have to travel every night, then so be it.”

“Perhaps there is a compromise. At least she will be in the city for the summer?”

“I know, but with the takeover, it means a lot of traveling.”

“You’re in charge here. You send your execs to do the job.”

“It’s not that easy to relinquish control,” I admit.

Lex nods his head knowingly. “Story of my life. Well, there is no better time than the present to get to work.”

“Hey, I have no issue if you can convince Charlie and Amelia.” I chuckle.

“You leave my wife and my daughter for me to handle. Hopefully, I’ll come out alive.”

We walk outside to the kitchen, chatting about Lau’s chief executive, who we think is involved in insider trading.

“Uh oh, looks like the face of someone who means business.” Charlie eyes us, yet behind her concern, she appears relieved.

“We have a few things to take care of today,” Lex informs them. “But how about dinner in Malibu tonight?”

Amelia is unable to hide the grin on her face. “Wait, does that mean the two of you have kissed and made up?”

“Why does that sound like something Ava would say?” I mock.

“Dear god…I’m turning into my sister.”

“Please don’t say that.” Charlie cringes. “By the way, Ava texted me to remind you about some nerd?”

Amelia keeps her lips sealed, eyeing me with amusement.

“So, Dad, what time do I get Will back, or should I just forget about him altogether and hook up with a nerd?”

“You’re annoying,” I tell her.

“Jealous, much?”

I cock my head with a sneer. “Yes, much.”

“Okay, you two, off you go. Amelia and I will go visit Adriana. Be back here at six or else,” Charlie warns, pointing her finger at Lex.

He appears amused by the threat and kisses her goodbye. I look over to Amelia, unsure of kissing her in front of her parents. Why the hell does it feel awkward like I need to impress them when I’ve known them my whole life?

Amelia’s expression mirrors mine, so she leans in and kisses my cheek while laughing.

“See you later, boyfriend.”

* * *

It was one of the best working days I’ve had in a long while. Being around Lex and getting down to business is almost like food for my soul. He knew exactly where I was going with ideas, never once questioning me, only making suggestions where he saw fit. We signed the contract, knowing the press will be on us when the announcement is made in a few weeks.

We stayed in the office most of the day while Charlie and Amelia went out. Time went by quickly, with the clock showing it’s almost dinner time.

There is a light knock on the door as Charlie enters the room.

“I thought I’d come to see you since Amelia is showering.” Charlie places a black box on the table in front of me. I open it carefully to see a stunning emerald and platinum gold ring inside. “I want to give this to you. Lex gave me this ring when I was pregnant with Amelia. I would be honored if you would give this to her one day.”

The ring itself is perfect, but the sentiment behind it means even more. Not only had I earned their forgiveness, but I’ve also been given their blessing to marry their daughter.

“Is it wrong of me to say thank god because shopping for a ring isn’t exactly something I know how to do?”

They both laugh as Charlie places her arm on my shoulder. Her eyes gloss over, and I beg she doesn’t begin to cry because I’m not sure how to handle it.

“I’ll give you my jeweler’s number, and you’ll never have to think about it again,” Lex concludes.

I take a deep breath, wondering if I can tell them honestly how I feel. But then, I remember Lex and Charlie played an essential part of my life before Amelia stepped in. Given their own journey, surely, they would understand.

“I want to discuss something because if anyone knows Amelia better than me, it’s the two of you,” I begin, then stall trying to find the courage to continue. “Amelia is not one for extravagant affairs, and with our lives so hectic, I don’t see us having any time to plan a wedding. Amelia’s internship is important to her, and Mom mentioned her caseloads have doubled over the last few months. Having Amelia help will take a load off her shoulders.”

“It’s true. The same goes for me. I’d steal Amelia for the summer if I could,” Charlie muses.

“If I was to propose real soon—"

“Are you thinking of eloping?” Lex interrupts, his eyes drawing together.

“It’s not really eloping if you’re planning it,” I inform them, jokingly. “I hope my soon to be mother-in-law can somehow wrangle all the family to Vegas for one night.”

Lex stays silent while Charlie lets out a long-winded whistle.

“It’s a challenge,” she confesses, turning to look at Lex. “Between Adriana and me, we can make it happen.”

“Why not Ava?”

“She has a big fat mouth,” Charlie admits, rolling her eyes.

I let out a breath, rubbing my face and suddenly nervous. I still had to think of a way to propose and something memorable. “Thank you, that’s if she says yes. Amelia can be stubborn at the best of times.”

Lex’s mouth curves upward into a smile. “The way my daughter looks at you, the odds of saying no are a million to one.”

“I guess there’s only one problem then...”

“What?” They ask in unison.

“A night in Vegas with Rocky Romano.”

Lex shakes his head while laughing. “Remind me to tell you the story of Rocky and Madam Kiska.”

“Kiska?” I repeat, the word sounding familiar.

“Madam Pussy, and yes, it ends up with your dear old father being handcuffed and a very questionable mugshot…”