Page 787 of One More Kiss

Epilogue

Riley

One year later

Wow,who would have thought that Nicholas and I would be living together with a baby? After two months of being officially a couple, Nicholas insisted we move in together. With being pregnant and all, I couldn’t really disagree with him. He purchased us an apartment in a fancy high-rise building with an elevator. I offered to put some of my savings into the purchase of the apartment, but he adamantly refused and told me this is ‘our’ home.

Day after day, Nicholas would go into the office to work, but it seemed to have lost its attraction. Now, he does most of his work from home. I would ask him what was wrong at the office, but he never had an answer. He would tell me he could not put his finger on what he was feeling.

It took him about two months to finally understand why he was no longer interested in being at the office. He eventually told me he discovered being in the office without me seemed to have no purpose.

The city’s once most eligible bachelor is now a one-woman-man and a homebody. I used to hear the rumors about him and his brother’s womanizing ways all the time. Everyone was in love with him and William, but they seemed to not be in love with anyone.

William seemed to have a main lady, though, and we all knew that it was his secretary. Nicholas, on the other hand, seemed like he would never find love. It seemed as if he wasn’t interested, either. He was a true-to-form ladies’ man. Rich, powerful, extremely good-looking, and too self-absorbed to let anyone in his personal space. Nevertheless, here I am.

Tonight, we opened our home for everyone to celebrate the tremendous success of the mental hospital Nick built in honor of his mom. I still designed the inside, but as a contractor instead of an employee. The company Nick bought for me ended up being the most amazing thing he could have done. I love being able to set my own pace, especially during the pregnancy. With Nick’s help, I was able to build a stellar team.

Everyone from both sides of our families is here, along with a few people from the office, and of course, Ross. Even though Ross and Nick had a rough start, they ended up becoming close friends, especially after Ross realized how good Nick is to me.

My life has done a complete three-hundred and sixty degree turn since Nick has been in it. His generosity has been unrivaled. Not only has he kept his promise to make sure the weight of the world is lifted off my shoulders, he’s also extended his generosity to my parents.

He has continued to pay for my father’s medical treatments, and even bought my parents a better house. He made sure that it was a single-story home so my father would not have to strain his heart by dealing with stairs.

I walk through the party, smiling at various guests. I approach my parents with hugs and kisses.

“Are you guys having a good time?”

“Yes, darling,” my mother answers.

My father sits at a table with his wheelchair next to him. “You look good, Daddy. I’m so glad you could make it tonight.”

“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it, princess.”

My mother looks on with a smile on her face as my father and I exchange our love and appreciation for one another.

“Thank you, Mom.”

She smiles as I kiss her on the forehead. I ask her if they need anything.

“No, sweetheart. We are good. The party is beautiful. Go on, enjoy your guests.”

“Okay. I’ll come back and check on you guys soon.”

I walk off and continue working the room. Nick watches me with admiration as I walk around greeting the guests. I approach his father and give him a kiss on the cheek.

“I’m glad you could make it, Mr. Brooks. You know I’ve been meaning to thank you for embracing me into your family and your warm welcome. You’ve been awesome.”

“Oh, you are quite welcome, sweetheart. I am charmed and so glad that my son has you in his life.”

He hugs me and before long, Nicholas called the attention of everyone by tapping a fork against his champagne glass. He starts out thanking our guests for coming and explains how he could not have chosen a better person to have gotten the job done with such great success. The more he talks, the closer he walks towards me.

When Nicholas is within arm’s reach of me, he grabs my hand and drops to one knee. My heart thumps out of my chest. It’s beating so fast I’m afraid it may actually explode. It’s happening.

Looking up at me with nothing more than affection and care, he asks, “Riley Moore, would you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Nicholas Brooks?”

The entire party is in awe, but no one more than me. I never thought I would be someone’s wife. Hell, I don’t know what I thought would happen in the future between us. If someone had told me a year ago that I would be marrying one of the most eligible, rich, and powerful bachelors in Boston,I would have laughed in their face.

The room is quiet enough to hear a pin drop. It takes me a moment to understand what is happening. I thought my answer came out, but evidently, it didn’t.

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