Page 90 of Accidental Doctor Daddy

She studied me, brow furrowed. “What do you mean about their future? How do you chase it? That’s kind of their job. It’s their lives.”

A tight smile pulled at my lips. “I told them both that they had to get medical degrees if they wanted full access to their trust funds. I figured it was a safety net. The idea was,get the degree, have it as backup, then do what you want.”

Ella blinked in surprise. “And they didn’t do it?”

I shrugged. “They did, actually. But afterward, Leonardo dove into art—and a shit-ton of questionable habits—and Gina took up interior design. Honestly, I supported them, even if it made me roll my eyes at times. The trust funds let them chase their passions, something I wished I’d been able to do when I was their age.”

She considered that, biting her lip. “So money isn’t an issue for them.”

I huffed a silent laugh. “Not at all. Gina’s thriving—she’s got a big name among Manhattan’s elite, magazines want her, TV channels want her. She’s living the dream. Leonardo…less so, but still afloat, thanks to the trust. And I find myself wishing I could just set up a trust for you, so you don’t have to stress about anything.”

Her eyes widened, a spark of indignation flashing. “Dom, don’t even think about it. I’m not some…charity case.”

I raised both hands in surrender, a wry grin crossing my face. “I know. You’re too damn proud. Just telling you where my head’s at—sometimes I want to fix everything with money, but I realize I can’t.”

Ella relaxed, twining her fingers with mine again. “I appreciate the thought, though.”

Silence settled, but a gentler one. The gloom in my chest eased, replaced by a quiet warmth that Ella radiated even in her frustrations. I inhaled, letting the faint baby-powder scent from the nursery drift through the door.This is what I want—peace.

She angled her head, giving me a searching look. “So…about Seth. Carrie’s husband. He knows about you and me now, because Carrie knows.”

“I knew it’d come out sooner or later. How did the conversation go?”

A rueful snort escaped her. “She was mad I’d lied to her. But mostly, I’m worried Seth will use your renewed fatherhood as an excuse to block your admin position.”

An edge of determination flared in me. “Let him try. I’m not ashamed of having newborns, or of being in love with you. If the board wants to question my dedication, they can watch me outwork every damn candidate.”

Ella’s lips parted, her eyes widening. “You’re in love with me?” she echoed softly, voice a bit wobbly.

My chest tightened, the words hanging in the space between us.Did I just say it outright?No going back now. “Yes,” I said, forcing myself to meet her eyes. “I am.”

For a heartbeat, she stared at me, cheeks flushing. Then she let out a shaky laugh, tears glistening. “Well, I’m in love with you, too, you confusing bastard.”

I laughed, unable to hold it back.She loves me back.I couldn’t stop the grin that spread across my face, or the way my heart drummed with renewed heat. “That’s…good to hear.”

She smirked, shifting closer, letting her thigh press against mine. “So, Dr. Mortoli,” she teased in a low murmur, “you want to show me how much?”

After we made love, I leaned down, kissing Ella’s temple, inhaling the faint trace of vanilla in her hair. She snuggled closer, half-drifting. My own pulse slowed, warmth pooling in my chest.I will do everything in my power to keep this woman and our children safe from the storms.

Moments later, her breathing evened out, and I felt sleep tugging at me. I let my mind wander to Jodie, to my son, to everything undone. But the heaviness felt more bearable now, cushioned by Ella's breathing's steady rise and fall.I’m not alone anymore.

And as I finally drifted off, I realized that, for all my regrets and mistakes, I could still forge a new beginning with Ella, building a family that wouldn’t be shattered by silence or secrets. We’d face the ghosts, the resentments, the drama—all of it. Because I had her, and for once, I wouldn’t let go.

I should have done this with Jodie. That was my biggest regret regarding my past. If I’d taken the time to truly be with her, to be by her side, she might still be alive. It ate at me every day.

And it should.

I’ll never take Ella for granted the way I did Jodie. I’ve learned that lesson. Sure, I didn’t text her more than a few words in the past couple of days, but that was a temporary thing, and not at all how I planned to operate going forward.

With Ella, I will be a real partner to her. A real father to the twins, too. This is my second chance, and I will not screw it up.

Chapter 35

Ella

I’d once thought telling the truth would be the hardest part—letting people know about Dom and me, about how I used to date his son. In my imagination, the moment we “came out” would be the peak of our anxiety.

But real life had an annoying habit of proving me wrong. Turns out, the telling was easy compared to everyone else’s reactions. I felt that weight of disapproval constantly now, as if the whole city had discovered our secret and decided to whisper about it behind our backs.

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