Page 51 of Marrying a Billionaire

Crap. But she knew him, and she knew that Lillian knew him. Perhaps, he could work some of his Williamson charm. “She’s expecting me.” He leaned closer and winked at her. “I’d forever be in your debt.”

The woman rocked back in her chair and folded her arms. “For a hundred thousand dollars I’ll tell you.”

Reed raised his eyebrows. “What?”

The women’s expression remained serious and then she broke out into a smile. “I’m just joking. Lillian’s in room 4B in Labor and Delivery.”

Reed tapped the counter he’d been leaning on and nodded. “Thanks.” And then he stopped and glanced back over at her. “Did you say Labor and Delivery?”

The receptionist nodded. “Yep. Straight up those elevators to the fourth floor. They’ll guide you from there.”

He knit is eyebrows. Why was Lillian in Labor and Delivery? Did they run out of room in the ER? As he walked down the hall, he saw a small gift shop. His thoughts turned to Lillian and what he was going to say when he got to her room. Suddenly, showing up empty handed seemed like the worst idea.

So he bee-lined into the store. Flowers lined one wall while helium balloons danced in the air vent above. Chocolates and stuffed animals filled the shelves. Reed stopped in front of a giant stuffed panda bear and studied it. Would Lillian like it? What did he know. Maybe?

After waffling for a few minutes, he grabbed it and brought it to the register. A woman was helping a guy who was buying a huge bouquet of roses. Reed tried not to eavesdrop but something caught his attention.

“Yep, a girl. We’re so excited,” the guy said as he handed the attendant his card.

She smiled. “That’s amazing. Congrats.” She took it and swiped it in the card reader next to the register.

The man nodded and turned, meeting Reed’s gaze.

Reed raised his eyebrows. “Have a baby?”

The man shook his head. “Not yet. We had a scare, but everything seems settled down now. I just found out it’s a girl.” The man drummed his fingers on the counter as the woman swiped his card again. “We were split up for a while, but now we’re back together. I have to convince her that she can’t live without me,” he said nodding toward the roses.

Reed nodded. Was it strange that this man was confessing this to him? Probably not. He seemed determined. Probably just working through his game plan by talking it out.

“Sir, I’m sorry, but your card keeps coming back declined.” The attendant handed his card to him.

He took it and embarrassment passed over his face. “I’m sorry.” He shuffled through his wallet. “Here. Try this.” He handed another card over.

The woman ran it. After a few seconds, she shook her head and handed it back. “Sorry. Declined again.”

The man took it and slipped it into his wallet. “I—”

Feeling sorry for the guy, Reed pulled out his card and handed it to the woman. “Ring both up,” he said, nodding toward the bear and then the flowers.

A relieved expression passed over the man’s face. “Geez, thanks,” he said, clapping Reed on the shoulder.

Reed shook his head. “Don’t mention it. The least I can do for someone who just received good news.”

The man nodded and reached for the bouquet. “Lil will love this.”

Reed stopped. What did he just say? “Who?”

The man smiled as if he knew what he’d just done. “Lil. Lillian? I’m Joshua, her husband.”

Heat raced up Reed’s spine. So he had heard right. He took the pen from the attendant and signed the receipt she’d handed him. “You know Lillian?”

Joshua scoffed. “I know who you are. You’re Reed Williamson.” He folded his arms, holding the flowers so that they stuck straight up. “What are you doing here?” He glanced over at the bear. “Is that for her?”

Still trying to process just what was happening, Reed grabbed the bear and turned to study Joshua head on. “Are you here with another woman?” He felt thoroughly confused.

Joshua raised his eyebrows. “No. Lillian’s pregnant with my baby.” He let out a mocking laugh. “Did she not tell you?”

Lillian’s pregnant?And she’d gone into labor. That was what happened to her. Worry flowed through his mind as he made his way to the hall. Joshua was hot on his heels.

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