Page 63 of Keeping Happily Ever After

It wasn’t Stephanie’s fault that there’d been a fire. And it hadn’t even been her fault that Jeremy and Bella had broken up. But maybe it kind of was. After all, she’d more or less told Bella that relationships were impossible when you lived in the limelight. She was supposed to be Bella’s mentor, and she’d led her away from the thing—or in this case—the person who was exactly right for her.

Logan called to let her know that Jeremy was in the hospital but he was fine. Or would be. He had a minor concussion and the doctor refused to release him without the care of a nurse. Stephanie had done what anyone would do.

Well, anyone with an unlimited bank account and resources at her fingertips.

She’d had her assistant organize a nurse and a helicopter, and had Jeremy flown in for the showcase. It was pretty incredible how fast you could make things happen when you threw money at it. He’d arrived a little over halfway through the showcase, but Bella hadn’t noticed. Not until it mattered.

And now, watching their reunion, Steph knew that it really was all that mattered. The love between them was everything.

“That was a pretty nice thing you did.” Nick, along with baby Amelia, equipped with headphones to protect her ears, joined her. “Also, you look stunning.”

He gave her a kiss on the cheek. There were no fireworks with Nick, but there was a comfort. Being with him was easy and nice.

Maybe that was love?

She looked at her friend. He was handsome and dependable and successful in his own right. And she loved him. But…it wasn’t the same thing.

“I’m glad you could make it,” she said, ignoring his compliments. “It means a lot to have you here.” Faith, Hope, Logan, and Levi would have been there as well, but with the short notice…Faith and Logan had a wedding at the ranch, and Hope really shouldn’t be traveling. So they’d decided to stay put. It was nice to have Nick there to support her. And of course baby Amelia, who Steph was becoming more and more smitten with every time she saw her.

“And you look so pretty tonight, too, kiddo.”

The baby cooed with the attention.

The question period was done and there was nothing left but the after party, which thankfully they’d decided to keep simple with cocktails in the lobby of the auditorium for the cast and invited guests.

Stephanie felt wrung out. She wasn’t sure she could keep up the act of the gracious actress all night when all she really wanted to do was go back to her hotel room, put on some sweatpants, and curl up with a good book.

“It really is nice to have you here,” she said to Nick. “And you also look very handsome.”

He straightened his shoulders and gave her a wink. “I do know how to rock a suit, don’t I?”

She laughed. “You do. Even with that little spot of spit-up on the shoulder.”

“No.” He twisted and tugged at his jacket before shrugging and laughing along with her. “It is what it is, and it’s all part of this.”

“It’s a look that suits you, Nick,” she said honestly.

It was a hard situation, but being adopted herself, Stephanie could appreciate the value in being raised by good parents. She wouldn’t trade hers for anything in the world. Maybe Nick wasn’t Amelia’s father, but he’d be a damn good dad. And if he wanted to take that on, well…she would fully support her friend.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said, Steph. About going back to Glacier Falls.”

“Oh yeah?”

“It would be good to have some support around.” Nick shifted Amelia in his arms. “I think I was just so…well, I was and am still overwhelmed, but I was also afraid of what everyone would think. And then…I mean, she’s not…well…it’s just a lot and I don’t think I was ready to bring all of that into a new group of friends I don’t really know and—”

“I get it.” She put her hand on his arm. “I do.”

He nodded. “I know you do.” Nick gestured to where Bella, Jeremy, and the woman she assumed was Jeremy’s sister were sitting.

Steph had seen the nurse in the lobby with a plate of appetizers and a glass of champagne earlier, but she wouldn’t tell. Jeremy seemed to be doing just fine. Better than fine, with Bella’s hand in his.

“What you did for them today,” Nick said.

“It was nothing. Anyone would have done it.”

“That’s just it,” Nick said. “Anyone in Glacier Falls would have done it.”

She tilted her head in question.

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