Page 131 of Perfect Composition
— StellaNova
I knew it was just a matter of time with the way she kept slipping up in public, but damnit, I was hoping we had until after the wedding. I fire off a quick text to Carys to let her know the news has broken about Austyn on StellaNova—and their implication she might not be Paige’s.
Then I race behind Paige to gear up for war.
Thankfully, Kane pulled the car beneath the building for us to clamor into an hour later. I’ve spent that amount of time listening to him remind Paige about how to address the reporters, though I’m certain the reminder is more for me than it is for her as she’s sitting quietly staring out the blackout windows. I’d never know her anxiety if it wasn’t for the way her diamond is cutting into my hand.
This is what love is all about, I realize with startling clarity. I’d willingly stay lost from her life forever, or I’d absorb the pain of a thousand cuts—whatever it took to spare her a moment of pain. The most worthwhile love is worth sacrificing one’s soul for. That’s why poets and musicians write about it.
We’re getting closer to Rockefeller Center when I spy the gaggle of reporters and cameras outside of Carys’s building. I’m about to open my mouth to reassure Paige when I get a good look at her face. Without a second’s hesitation, I pull her toward me before pressing my lips against hers.
When I let her up for air, I tell her, “I want our next daughter to have your same fierceness even if she makes me old before my time.” And that’s when I fling open the door and step into the vortex of flashing lights. I vaguely hear Kane cursing.
Paige slides out right behind me. For a moment, we hold court. Everyone’s shouting questions and over and over on repeat.Did you know Beckett got some poor girl pregnant years ago?
And that’s when Paige becomes social media gold. She addresses them, one and all. “I became pregnant when I was seventeen years old. It was my choice—as it is every woman’s—to decide what to do with that pregnancy. I was fortunate enough to have the support to carry that pregnancy to term and the resources many in this country don’t have to raise my daughter at such a young age while pursuing a career.
“I have also been fortunate enough to have fallen in love with the same man twice. And the man I chose to do that with is Beckett Miller. It is none of your business if my adult daughter now feels such a deep abiding affection for him after not having a father her entire life that she chooses to call him ‘Dad.’
“He’ll help her continue to grow as an independent woman, helping her stand up again after she makes her own mistakes. He’ll be there to celebrate her joys—which we both hope there will be many. He’s going to despise every man she dates, because they will never be good enough. And, God willing, she will ask him to walk her down the aisle one day. Hold her children. And why? Even if she wasn’t his, he’d do it because she’s mine. He didn’t need a reason beyond that. And frankly, you don’t need one at all. But there. Now you have it. Now, may the father of my child and I please pass?”
Concluding Paige’s diatribe, I grab her hand and drag her through the throng of paparazzi to the doors leading to Carys’s office.
She hasn’t said another word, merely tipping her chin to security as we approach the elevator. I don’t get any words out because the second the doors open, she drags me into the elevator.
After slapping the floor for Carys’s office, I press my body against hers until she’s backed against the elevator. Her eyes are burning into mine. Chest heaving, heart racing where I can feel it under my fingers. “When, not if, I give you a second child, I want you to remember this moment right now.”
“Why?”
“Because here, now, you made us a family. And no vow we take together will be sweeter than that.”
Confusion knits her brow. “I already told you yes.”
“I know. I just didn’t understand how deeply you meant it. It’s more beautiful than any music I’ve ever heard.” I lean down and press my lips against her forehead.
“Any music composed about love is beautiful.”
“And I love you, Paige. That’s never changed.”
The elevator doors open. “Let’s go see what the crew thought of your impromptu press conference,” I urge. I try to prevent the smile flirting with my lips, but I can’t quite manage it.
Paige groans but takes my outstretched hand. “Carys is going to strangle me.”
I fling open the door to LLF, and Paige is partially correct. Carys does go for her throat but only to wrap her arms around her neck for a gigantic hug. “You were brilliant, Paige!” she shouts. She only lets up to smack me. “Why can’t you be this articulate with the press?”
I extract my fiancée only to wrap her up tightly. “Somehow, I don’t think that will be much of a worry in the future.”
Ward and Angie come bursting through the door. Angie exclaims, “Why is everyone just sitting around out here? We saw the alerts and came in.”
Knowing the two were taking a few days off for their honeymoon, I’m about to thank them before the door slams open again.
This time, it’s Austyn. Her hair is a wild mess. She looks like a twister has torn through her hair and she slapped her clothes on in a hurry. I mentally warn myself not to go there before I demand what—or whom—she was doing. I send silent prayers heavenward.Please, Lord, give me strength.
“Mama? Dad? Is everything okay?” She rushes right toward us.
I let Paige go just enough to catch the final piece of us.
“We’re fine,” I soothe her.
