Nikki’s expression softens. “You always had my help. I’m just protective, okay?”
Rocky snorts. “Control freak.”
“There’s just one more thing,” Amelia mentions cautiously. “We’ve decided to move to LA. I know it means I have to leave the firm, but it’s important for us to have space and a bigger home should our family expand in the future.
“We raised a kid in the city. Two, actually,” Rocky reminds us.
“I know.” Amelia nods as her eyes glaze over while gazing at Charlotte. “But, well, I kinda need Mom around. Being a mother is terrifying, and well…”
Nikki places her hand on Amelia’s. “Relax, I get it. I’m not offended, but I will miss you guys.”
“I’m offended,” Rocky blurts out, crossing his arms. “I’m close to retiring and could have babysat full-time.”
“How are you close to retiring?” Nikki argues, leaning back to interrogate him. “Your job is to commentate, then hang out at after parties drinking beer with athletes and groupies. Quote, you said you get paid to live your best life and relished at being called a DILF. To add, you’re barely home, and when you do come home, you’re drunk as fuck. You took your pants off and started dry humping the refrigerator.”
“One time, don’t you forget anything?” Rocky drags but then cocks his head to the side with a smirk. “Were you complaining when you were on all fours getting the best—”
“We’re done,” Will raises his voice in annoyance. “Mom, Charlie, let’s get right to work. We have a son we need to bring home.”
* * *
“We’re home.”
The door opens as Will and Amelia walk through into the foyer of their new house. Charlotte follows behind them, having accompanied them on their trip back from Florida. Amelia begged Charlotte to come, worried she might drop the baby or do something stupid.
The last few months had been a whirlwind. I was busy with Noah and Kate, making sure Will was set up in LA and ready to go. It wasn’t just securing a building and fitting everything out. It was hiring new staff and organizing for existing staff to move to the West Coast. If anything, Will’s executive team is loyal. Not one of them had an issue with transferring at such short notice.
Ava and Eric took care of setting up the house along with Adriana, who organized all the baby items. Charlotte and Nikki were occupied, ensuring all the legal documents were filed correctly to make this possible.
The moment my eyes set upon Amelia, she appeared different. There’s a glow on her face and a happiness words cannot describe. Will, too, looks relieved to be home.
“Oh my god, he’s here!” Adriana claps her hands with excitement. “I can’t wait to have grandkids.”
Luna and Willow snort beside her. “Calm down, Mom. You’re going to be waiting a while.”
Adriana waves her hand in dismissal. “I’ll be forever waiting on you two. But I’ve got Andy…”
Julian lets out a huff while rolling his eyes. “Leave him alone. He’s living life on his terms without you butting in.”
I must give it to him, he’s not afraid to put my sister in her place, and I agree about Andy. It’s his life, and Adriana shouldn’t push him to settle down.
Will places the carrier firmly on the ground. With ease, he gently removes the baby and cradles him in his arms. He looks like a natural, in his element as a father.
The baby is passed around as I observe each one of our family members meeting our newest addition.
“Do we have a name?” Addison asks, rocking her nephew.
“Ashton Alexander Edwards Romano,” Amelia says proudly, then raises her eyes to meet mine. “Dad, are you ready?”
I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready, but then Amelia takes baby Ashton from Addison and carefully places him in my arms.
Unconditional love is a funny thing. When it settles within you, there’s no turning back. It becomes a part of who you are.
And just like that, the hole inside my heart from losing my own son becomes a little bit smaller.
All because of the little boy resting in my arms.
My grandson.