Page 41 of It Happened In Paris

It was a joyful reunion, and I missed Chelsea terribly, hugging her tightly. “How were the Maldives?”

“Wonderful, of course. But that’s not important right now. Tell us everything. How is Paris? She seemed so happy to see us. What’s her current condition?” Chelsea asked as Rex helped her take off her coat. I couldn’t help but envy the glow on her face, fresh off their Maldivian honeymoon.

Under his breath, Richard whispered, “Should we share everything?”

“Share what?” Rex heard and raised an eyebrow at his brother.

I melted at the gleam in Richard’s eyes and the uncontrollable smile he wore—eager to announce to everyone that he had a daughter and was ready to save her life. Though I still needed time to prepare for the conversation we’d have with Paris, I nodded, approving this like it could be a practice round.

Together, we recounted every detail—from our first meeting in Paris, the situation with Adrien and the confrontation over the paternity test, to Richard’s suitability as her kidney donor.

When we finished, Rex remarked, “That is one hell of a story, brother. Miriam’s going to flip over having a granddaughter to spoil.”

My eyes widened; I’d completely forgotten Miriam was part of the package with Richard.

“She’s going to adore you both,” Rex quickly added, noticing my reaction.

“That’s right. She will,” Richard confirmed.

“Don’t worry about Miriam at all. I’m just happy to see the two of you together. I had a feeling things might work out,” Chelsea admitted with a sly smile.

“I must say, for the first time in a long time, I have a good feeling about things too,” I confessed, stealing a sideways glance at Richard. “But we’re still figuring it all out. So for now, please, let’s keep these details quiet. We’re planning how to tell Paris about her real father and the operation soon.”

His steady blue gaze assured me, whispering, “I think this is the beginning of something great.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” I glanced around at our supportive friends and family, everything falling into place—like not a thing could go wrong now.

“I just have one question,” Sophie piped up from the corner. “Aren’t you Keaton Kingston from Brewed for Love?” She gestured toward my brother, who flashed a smoldering smile in her direction.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” I laughed. “There’s been so much news, I forgot the two of you hadn’t met. Keaton, Sophie is Chelsea’s friend from the city, and she works at an exclusive advertising firm there.”

“Oh really? Impressive.” Keaton’s smile hinted at a possible interest in her. I kept a chuckle to myself about my bachelor brother.

“Actually, I’m currently unemployed,” Sophie sighed. “I spent a fortune on my marketing degree from Columbia, jumped into the brutal world of New York advertising, only to find the most unscrupulous companies—even if they were prestigious. So I left, and now I have about thirty days until my rent is due to find another job.”

“Oh honey, why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Chelsea said, placing an arm around her.

“And spoil your honeymoon? No chance. I’ll find something,” Sophie shrugged.

“Or I could whisk my wife away on another extended honeymoon sailing the world, and you could continue house sitting for us, saving you the hassle of your apartment,” Rex teased as he pulled Chelsea close.

“Another honeymoon?” Chelsea’s eyebrows lifted in surprise.

“Sweetness, I’d take a million honeymoons with you,” he flirted as he cuddled her.

The way Rex looked at Chelsea… I recognized the same intensity that Richard showed me. I always believed Chelsea was fortunate to have Rex—and perhaps now was my turn with Richard.

Richard’s hand drifted to the small of my back, sending a thrill that reached deep into my heart and soul. In that moment, my emotional walls crumbled. He could be the best thing in my life, right alongside our daughter, but I constantly pushed him away or second guessed or hesitated to go all in.

What if he was right about this being our second chance? Here we were, working together for Paris to survive. With a second chance, we could be so much more. If I didn’t take this chance now, another might never appear.

As the day wore on, Keaton eventually left for Holly Creek to tend to his business, although I noticed he exchanged numberswith Sophie—an interesting detail I’d follow up on the next time I saw him.

Richard spoke with the medical staff and made several calls and arrangements that included having his personal physician and a renowned pediatric surgeon fly in for the transplant surgeries, which was so like him given his money and power to make it happen. But I understood how much comfort it brought him to know that only the best care would be provided for both him and Paris.

There were still a few days of pre-op testing before the operation could be scheduled. All of our friends and family wanted to pitch in, so Chelsea created a group calendar where they could each take turns to help watch over Paris. Richard and I wouldn’t be overwhelmed on our own through this. Of course, with recovery for both father and daughter post-surgery, I’d be caring for two people, which made the calendar of helpers even more meaningful to me.

After dinner, Paris was so happy when her Gramma Flora agreed to stay overnight for a “slumber party” with just the two of them, giving us a break. Richard informed the nurses, and we prepared to leave, saying good night to our daughter together. Only I noticed Richard holding onto Paris a little longer than usual, the sight of them twisting my heart. I shouldn’t keep Richard from telling her she’s his daughter much longer. It wasn’t fair to either of them; he missed out on her first six years of life. I wouldn’t want him missing more.

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