Page 53 of Snowed In with the Bosses

Ethan returned carrying a bag with the silver dress nestled inside and covered with pink tissue paper. He swung it back and forth. “Found a few other necessities to go with it.”

“Necessities?” Clara had that confused squeak again.

Ethan hid the bag behind his back. “You’ll see later.”

“Sounds scandalous.” She winked. “Can’t wait.”

There she was, the woman we’d first met and loved. A breath of relief stuck in my throat. Loved? No. Surely not. “The jewelry store is this way.” I took her hand and led the way.

Liam released her and fell back to talk to Ethan.

She stayed beside me as we entered the jewelry store and walked to the counter. I laced our fingers together and eased my other hand out to point at a necklace I’d spotted a week ago. The green jade was as close to her eye color as I could find, andthe rose gold chain complemented her skin tone. “What do you think?”

I swore I heard her breath hitch, but when I turned to look, her eyes were downcast, keeping me from seeing her genuine feelings. Had she expected something else? Damn it. What if she’d thought I brought her here to buy an engagement ring? The thought crossed my mind once or twice, but things were too new and uncertain for me to promise her a forever I’d never believed in for myself.

“I think you can buy me that if you’ll let me get you a snow globe for your collection.” She squeezed my fingers when I sucked air through my teeth. “Yes, I found your collection hidden behind your desk. No, I won’t tell anyone the big, bad CEO everyone is afraid of loves vintage snow globes.”

“You’re a menace,” I said with as much emotion as I dared to show in this place. “I accept. I’ll be right back.” With Ethan and Liam watching from several feet away, I left her at the counter to talk to the manager. We completed the transaction with quick efficiency.

On my way back to Clara, an older man rushing toward her snagged my attention. “Miss Perry?” The balding man pushed his thick glasses up his nose. “Oh, it is you.” He swooped her into an embrace and rocked her side to side like a child.

She seemed surprised but not uncomfortable, so I slowed my approach to give them time to talk. Their voices muffled together, the old man patting Clara’s hands and whispering.

I grinned at Ethan and Liam and set a hand on the small of Clara’s back while kissing her shoulder. “We’re all set.”

“And you must be the father.” He dropped Clara’s hands and stuck one out toward me. “Congratulations. Becoming a father is such a blessing.”

Air left me in a rush. I pulled in a fresh breath that went no further than my throat.

Clara’s face drained of color. She wobbled before grabbing the counter with both hands.

24

LIAM

No one moved. My entire body froze so suddenly I swayed on my feet. The man’s words ricocheted around in my skull. Father? What the hell?

Alexander turned green, his expression falling blank so rapidly I readied myself to catch him if he toppled over backward.

There was no word for this feeling. Shock was too mild for the emotions, the fear, pain, anger, and uncertainty battling for dominance even as I tempered my reactions so Clara could remain calm. She held onto the counter with both hands, her breaths coming in short, shallow bursts.

“What…” Gruff and painfully raw, Alexander stopped and leveled his tone. “What is the meaning of this? I’m going to be a father?”

“Oh, hell.” The man’s eyes darted to Clara and widened comically behind his glasses. “I’ve made a terrible mistake. I’m sorry.” He bolted, racing for the exit as fast as his legs could carry him.

“That man is your doctor?” I cut off a scoff before it led to worse noises.

Clara released her grip on the counter. “He was. Not sure I’ll keep him after today.” She passed a hand over her face. “Honestly, what kind of doctor breaks HIPPA like that?”

“You want to go after his license?” I jammed my clenched fists into my pockets, not caring if I ripped the seams on my favorite charcoal gray and blue suit.

Clara cast a look around the jewelry store. “No. It was bound to happen at some point. I just.” She rubbed her temples. “I wasn’t expecting it now.”

Alexander pressed a fist to his sternum, working it back and forth like he meant to restart his heart. His perfectly pressed designer suit made him appear equal parts businesslike and dangerous. I’d never understood how he pulled that off. “Explanation, Clara.” He bit the words out in short, sharp bites.

Clara regained some of the color in her cheeks and pushed her hair back over her shoulders. “We should discuss this in private.”

“Fuck.” Alexander’s jaws ground together. He snatched the jewelry box off the counter and dropped it into his pocket. “Why the secrecy?”

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