Page 66 of Secret Baby for the Bad Boy

We get ready in silence, but it's not empty. We’re both throwing heated glances at one another and when I finally slip my shoes on, he’s ready to go. Our clothes tell where we're headed, but our flushed cheeks and quick smiles tell the truth of where we've just been and what we’ve done.

“Ready?” he asks, straightening his button-up shirt with powerful fingers.

“Yes,” I say. “It’s time to remind ourselves what’s more important than becoming billionaires.”

He grins, takes my hand, and together we step out, making our way down to where our driver awaits. Because Lark has helped me appreciate the finer things in life, like limos and yachts. And I’d like to think I’ve helped him remember to be in the moment, enjoying those things.

We're partners in every sense; work, life, parenting, you name it. And no matter what anyone else says, it's the life we've built and the family we've created that are our real sign of success.

The hum of conversation fades the moment I step into Carol’s house. Kendra's bubbly laughter rings out and there she is—our little stormy-eyed girl with black hair—spinning with an energy only a two-year-old possesses. Her tiny arms open wide as she spots me, a twirling bundle of curls and giggles as she sways, trying to run for me but dizzy from the spins.

“Mommy!” she squeals, throwing herself into my arms, and my heart swells to impossible sizes.

“Hey, sweet pea.” I scoop her up, peppering her chubby little cheeks with kisses that earn kicking legs and laughter. Her small hands cup my cheeks, her eyes bright and filled with life.

“Missed you,” she whispers, the words tugging my heart so hard I can hardly breathe.

“I missed you more,” I say, meaning the words and watching her shake her head, certain I’m wrong.

From across the room, our shared life beams back at me; my brother, Damon, flashes a grin, his wheelchair momentarily forgotten, as our mother-in-law, Carol, looks on with a smile that couldn’t possibly be more happy. The air is thick with love and with the sense of belonging.

“Your uncle's got some big news,” I tell Kendra, nodding toward Damon.

“Big news!” she says, struggling in my arms to face her uncle and point at him so we know she knows who we’re talking about.

Before anything else can be said, Lark snatches Kendra from me, leaving behind only giggles.

“Yep.” Damon rolls closer, the joy and excitement in his eyes unmistakable. “I'm moving in with Fern.”

Kendra, likely not understanding the enormity of the moment, claps her hands and squeals. I’m happy for him, too, but my heart hurts to know he’ll no longer live with us, even though he’s only there a few days a week now, because the rest of the time, he’s with Fern.

But she seems to love him more than anything, and that’s what I wanted for him all along. How often had he doubted this day would come? “Congratulations,” I say, as Carol hugs him and Lark nods his direction.

“Thanks, Lara.” His gaze shifts, scanning the room before lingering on the empty space beside him. “She's incredible, you know? She sees me, not the chair.”

“Love does that,” I say softly, watching Kendra wriggle down to race over to her uncle.

“Does what, Mommy?” Kendra asks, curious as she throws herself into her uncle’s arms. He gives her hugs as I give her my answer.

“Love lets you see the real person inside someone, not just their faces,” I say, feeling Lark’s eyes on me as I say the words. I’m sure he’ll have some words for me later, but right now, I’m focused on her.

“Like Daddy and you?” Her adorable tiny white teeth flash as she smiles.

I nod. “Exactly like Daddy and me.”

“Exactly,” I hear Lark say at the same time.

“Love is super cool!” With that, Kendra darts back to her father, leaving me to think about how she’s right. Love has indeed proven itself super cool, resilient. Love changed our lives in all the best ways.

“Super cool,” I say, more to myself than anyone else.

“Super cool,” Lark says, and I think he’s teasing, but I don’t mind. Let him joke around, I know what I mean. I want to remember this moment when life decides to throw us a curveball like it has so many times before. We’ve made it, but we’ve had hard times, setbacks, struggles.

And no matter how vast our wealth grows, it's these moments of teaching our children what pure, real love looks like that’s truly invaluable.

The scent of home fills my lungs as I guide Kendra into the tub. I’m happy. Dinner with the family was wonderful, even if I’m still aching a little at Damon’s news. I’m happy for him, of course, and excited for this new chapter in his life, but I’ll miss him a lot. So will Win.

Kendra’s giggles fill the room as I squeeze droplets of food coloring into the running water, turning the bubbles into mounds of colorful foam that has her little face lit up in wonder. I help her into the tub and she claps her hands, sending a spray of blue bubbles into the air.

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