Page 105 of Love Beyond the Illusion
“Good morning, Erin,” Piper greets her new assistant with a smile.
“I grabbed you a peppermint tea on the way in,” she says, handing Piper a paper cup from over the top of my desk.
“That’s wonderful. Much appreciated!” she says, still sitting on my lap. “We have a busy day today. Can you grab your laptop and meet me in my office in ten minutes?”
“Of course.” Erin nods, turns on her heels, and sprints out of the room.
“I can make ten minutes work,” I mumble, sliding my hand under her hair and leaving soft nibbles on her neck.
“Oh, Jack,” she says, sinking into my arms. “Don’t you have work to do?”
“I’m supposed to meet Rob in the cellar in fifteen minutes,” I murmur, using my chin and nose to push the collar of her sweater down. She giggles when my mouth and face reach the top of her breast.
“Stop it!” She’s in a full belly laugh. “We have work to do.”
I blow on her skin, making a bubbling noise. “Fine.”
“Besides, I’m sure Gemma will be here any minute to shove my face full of food while Erin and I review our donations for the hospital’s annual charity gala next month.”
“Gemma is good at that, isn’t she?” I joke, smacking Piper’s ass as she stands up.
“Yes!” she yelps, heading back into her office. But before she closes the door, she turns to me and says, “Save that energy for tonight, Mr. Bradley.”
My dick swells, knowing that I get to go home to her every single night. “Trust me, I will.”
Epilogue Continued
Piper
When you have sex as much as Jack and I do, even with birth control, accidents are bound to happen. Avery and Lina were so happy when I told them I was pregnant. Bailey, being the mom, was thrilled but also sad that she wouldn’t be around to experience this with me. I am a little sad, too, but the full-time staff at the winery has quickly become the family I’ve always needed.
Gemma cooks only healthy meals for me and has also come over to meal prep for us the last few weeks. Yesterday, while having breakfast with her and Jack’s mom, she shared with us the wonderful news that she’ll be stepping down as the main chef to become our nanny after the baby’s birth. Just like she was for Jack when he was a child. My heart completely sank when I heard that, and Jack was so grateful.
Heidi is every bit as helpful and kind as I could ever want. She could not be prouder to have him back and running the winery as she and his dad had always wanted.
When we told her that I was pregnant, she cried and gave me the longest hug I think I’ve ever had. She’s been instrumental in my transition to my new position in Human Resources, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it.
I thought it would be difficult to give up flying after it took me such a long time to earn my wings, but I no longer needed to run. I finally feel like I have somewhere I belong. A place where I can truly be myself. Bradley Wines has felt like home since my feet hit the ground the first time Jack brought me here. It feels like this land has been searching for me all along.
I haven’t spoken to Roxy since that phone call, where she told me to make sure I got a payment from Jack. I decided enough was enough. She texted me after that, reminding me I was a worthless daughter and not to come crying to her when my world crumbled. I remember when those words would have deeply affected me, but now they don’t. I know my worth and that I’m a good person. I refuse to let her dull my flames or extinguish the burning fire.
After some coercion from Jack, I started therapy. My goal is to set up healthy boundaries or to accept that I’ve romanticized my relationship with my mother, never giving up hope that she’d miraculously turn into the mother I need. But that’s not going to happen. Acceptance is a long, bumpy road, but I’m on the right track.
I did leave her a voicemail telling her I’m pregnant, but I have yet to hear back.
Standing in the kitchen of our finally finished home, I’m chopping some veggies for dinner tonight. Since I left Jack in his office early this morning, he’s been all over the property with Edward.
I hear the door open and close in the distance, making my heart jump into my throat. My insides warm, knowing that this is the time of day I get him all to myself.
“My wife.” Jack brings his body flush to mine, sliding his arms around my waist from behind.
I breathe him in, melting into his comforting embrace. “Hi.”
“I thought I was making dinner tonight?” he asks, glancing at the stove.
I twist my body in his arms and slide my hands under his sweater and over the warmth of his skin. “I wanted to surprise you.”
“That’s sweet, my love, but if it doesn’t turn out, remember there’s always take out.”
