Page 241 of Champagne Nights

“Hello, son. I need you to do me a favor and bring over the Hudson files this afternoon. I want to take a closer look at them.”

“Why?” I asked in confusion, for that deal was already in progress.

“Because it’s my company, and I want to look at the damn files. Be here around one o’clock.”

“Okay. I’ll bring them.”

Sighing, I threw my phone down on my desk. I couldn’t concentrate on anything because my mind was nothing but a clusterfuck. It felt like my life had exploded, and I had no idea how to put it back together. I needed to try and clear my head, so I went to the one place that always seemed to help.

I stood in front of the large headstone and stared at it.

A Beautiful Angel

Abigail Marie Walker

February 10, 1982 - May 2, 1991

Beloved Daughter and Sister

Forever Loved and Missed

After setting the flowers on her grave, I stood there with my hands tucked tightly in my pants pockets and spoke to her.

“I’ve gotten myself into a real mess, sis, and I don’t know what to do. I found someone who has changed my life, and I’m afraid I’m going to lose her because of something I kept from her. I can only pray she forgives me when I tell her.”

Suddenly, and out of nowhere, a butterfly landed on her headstone. I stared at its vibrant blue color with black markings and knew Abigail was with me.

Butterflies were always her favorite. Her face would light up like a kid at Christmas every time we visited the butterfly houseat the zoo. The memory of the week before she passed flooded my mind. She was in the hospital, and she begged me to take her outside. My parents left me with her while they went to have a meeting with the doctor. She’d been cooped up in that hospital bed for a week, so I got a wheelchair, helped her out of bed, and wheeled her out to the courtyard that was filled with trees and beautiful flowers. It was a warm sunny day, and as we sat there, a butterfly landed on her arm. She’d told me that butterflies were angels with wings and that the butterfly on her arm was watching over her. A tear fell down my cheek, and I quickly wiped it away.

Walkingup to the door of my parents’ house, I opened it and stepped inside. I could hear talking, and when I went up to the living area, I saw Kirsten sitting there with my parents.

“Henry.” My mother smiled as she stood up and gave me a hug. “We’re so excited for the good news.”

“What is she doing here?” I asked as I set down the file on the table.

“Son, have a seat,” my father spoke.

“No. I brought your files, and now I’m leaving,” I scowled. “Just because Kirsten is pregnant, it doesn’t change anything.”

I walked out of the house, and Kirsten came running after me.

“Henry, wait. Please.”

Against my better judgment, I stopped but refused to turn and look at her. She walked over and stood in front of me.

“I know this wasn’t planned, but it did happen. You’re going to be a father, and we need to work through it. This baby changes everything for us.” She placed her hand on her belly. “Our childis going to need both of us to raise him or her. We’re going to be a family.”

I shook my head at her, climbed into the limo, and instructed Christian to take me to the office.

Chapter Twenty-One

Ellie

I was sitting in a café with my laptop when a woman walked over to me.

“Ellie Scott?” she signed.

“Yes.” A smile crossed my lips. “Can I help you?”

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