SEVENTEEN
The time when I became a Grandpapa
The phone begins to ring on the desk in the middle of a meeting.
Immediately, my eyes dart to the screen to catch a glimpse of the caller in case it’s important. Amelia’s name flashes on the screen. I contemplate answering it but decide to leave it for now as everyone waits for the phone to stop ringing. When it does, I assume the call will go to voicemail, and she’ll leave a message or send me a text.
Noah continues his presentation on projected numbers for our new hotel chain opening in Singapore until my phone rings again.
“Excuse me. I must take this call.”
With my phone in hand, I quickly exit the room into the corridor, closing the door behind me before answering.
“Amelia, is everything okay?”
“Dad, I’m sorry to bother you. I know you’re working,” she rushes, her tone making me worry. “Is there any chance you and Mom can fly out to Manhattan? There’s something important Will and I need to discuss with you.”
“Just me and your mother?”
“Actually, Rocky and Nikki will be there as well.”
The second their names are mentioned, I know exactly why. My lips press together in a slight grimace as I scratch the back of my neck. I’d come to terms with Amelia being a married woman, but I’d hoped they’d wait to fall pregnant. Amelia is still studying and has only started working more days. There’s plenty of time for them to start a family. I don’t understand why the rush.
I choose not to voice my suspicions. Instead, pretend I have no clue what’s going on.
“We’ll fly out tonight and see you in the morning.”
“Thanks, Dad.” She breathes a sigh of relief. “You know I love you, right?”
“Yes, sweetheart. And I love you too.”
We hang up the call at the same time my chest tightens beneath the suit I wear. Before heading back in, I quickly dial Charlotte’s number.
“Hey,” she answers. “I know why you’re calling me, but I’m walking into a client's office.”
“We’re leaving tonight. Addison can watch Alexa. I expect we’ll be gone no more than a few days. Adriana can check on the girls.”
“Just breathe, Lex,” Charlotte assures me. “It’ll be okay.”
“She’s too young.”
“Amelia is married now. She’s no longer your little girl.”
My shoulders fall as a heavy sigh escapes me. “Charlotte, she’ll always be my little girl.”
* * *
“I’m hoping we’re here because you’ve got exciting news to tell us?” Rocky gazes at me with an animated smile. “My son isn’t shooting blanks.”
Jesus fucking Christ. This man cannot be tamed.
Amelia glances at Will as something passes between them. Their expression is much more serious than expected, which starts to worry me someone is sick. After what happened with Elijah, I’m on edge whenever someone calls a family meeting to discuss something important.
“Yes, but it’s not quite what you think…” Amelia forewarns everyone. “Will and I have made the decision to adopt Ashley’s baby.”
Silence falls over the room before Will takes over. “I know what you’re all thinking. We just got married. Both Amelia and I feel very strongly about wanting to adopt the baby. It doesn’t sit right with either of us that he will be placed in the foster system like many other children. So, we’re hoping with the two best attorneys helping us, we can make him a part of our family.”
The first person to react is Charlotte, of course. She reaches her hand out to place it on top of Amelia’s. Squeezing her hand reassuringly, a smile spreads across Amelia’s lips as her shoulders relax.