Page 30 of It Happened In Paris

“Yep. It is, especially if I can trust a billionaire with the two people I love most in this world. I have my own life to live, you know.” He shoved me playfully, shoulder to shoulder.

“You sure do. Any other female prospects? Paris needs some cousins.”

“Don’t push me to settle down yet, Viv. I just turned thirty.”

“Old man.”

“Shut it. And no, not a single prospect in sight.” He sighed. “I think I’m going to focus on my business for a while, and let love find me. Richard said he’d introduce me to a bottling company. That could be a huge deal.”

“He did? Interesting.” Clearly Richard had earned the trust of ParisandKeaton. I should give him a chance. Across the room, Paris yawned. “Oh, she’s rubbing her eyes. Can you go get her? I want to text Richard to come and say goodnight to her.”

Keaton scooped her up and spun her around, drawing giggles from her. I texted while trailing after them, yawning myself.

Once we had her settled for the night—with cupcake jammies picked out, teeth brushed, and hair braided—Keaton read to her from two books. Still, there was no sign of Richard.

I wasn’t about to send a nagging follow-up text, that might be awkward. Even though he’d been here for us throughout this ordeal, I tried to have no expectations of him, his time, or his kindness. I didn’t want Paris to be let down, though.

Thankfully, she drifted off before she could ask about him. But inside, worry gnawed at me. Despite our earlier talk, washis absence revealing his true colors? Once again, I doubted—whether he deserved it or not.

“What’s wrong?” Keaton asked softly as he finished reading, noticing the scowl on my face.

I masked it with another yawn. “Nothing. I’m just tired.”

“Go to the suite and get some rest. I’ll stay here.”

“No, that’s too much to ask. You just got into town,” I objected.

“Yeah, and I still need to check in at Hops with my team tomorrow. But tonight, I’m here. So go on.” He settled into the sleeper chair.

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. Got this spot right here, and a remote control for the TV. A couple of cute nurses to flirt with if I get really bored. I’ll be fine.” He stretched out his limbs for the night. “Ah, nice and comfy.”

“Your back won’t thank you in the morning. Believe me, I know.” I chuckled and drew a blanket over the top of him. “Thanks for being here. You can add ‘best brother’ to the list.”

“That’s a given.”

“I’ll be back early, hopefully before she wakes.” I kissed his forehead, gave my precious girl one more glance, sent up a prayer for her to get better, and left.

The hotel was only a five-minute walk away, and I knew the fresh air and movement would do me well. I’d already changed out of my pajamas earlier and was glad I’d bundled up in a sweater and my winter coat. Spring couldn’t arrive soon enough—but what would things be like for Paris by then?

A shiver ran down my spine, and I folded my arms as I quickened my pace. The biting cold helped distract me from my worries about her. I blew out clouds of breath as I hurried toward the hotel.

I assumed Richard would be there. Perhaps he’d dozed off and missed my text—I should give him the benefit of the doubt. After all, he had been so busy organizing surprises for Paris and the children, checking in with the doctors about her condition and tests, entertaining her alongside me, and fielding a constant stream of work calls.

I hadn’t even asked him to put his life on hold for us, yet he had. That should mean something. So if he needed sleep, I couldn’t really blame him; he’d already done more than enough for us.

As I ducked under the broad portico of the hotel, the snow began falling again. I saw a man and a woman exit the revolving front door and head toward a waiting car—and then I recognized Richard. I froze, watching him hug the woman and hold the door open for her.

“Oh, my God.” It was like Adrien all over again, catching him cheating red-handed. My heart couldn’t handle it—I had no desire to repeat a relationship like that. Rage surged within me, and I shouted, “You jerk!”

“Vivian?” Richard’s eyes widened as both he and his companion took notice of me.

“Guess you were too busy with your lady friend here to make it back to the hospital? Good thing Paris fell asleep and didn’t ask where you were. I can handle my own broken heart, but I’d never forgive you for letting her down and breaking hers,” I yelled. I wasn’t about to let another man deceive me again, regardless of how kind he might seem to my child.

“You must be the mother.” The woman nodded like she understood something I didn’t. “I’m Dr. Remington.”

Richard sighed and split the distance between us. “She’s my therapist—has been ever since I broke things off with my ex.”

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