Page 87 of The Billionaire's Heart

She stops and looks directly into my eyes—eyes that look exactly like mine. “Mia, I’ve never forgotten about you and have thought about you and loved you every second of every day since the day I found out I was pregnant. The only way I felt like I could honor that was to make you something that I could give you if I ever met you again.”

“She’s had this photo album since before I met her.” Jeff adds with a smile.

Lynn points to the first picture. “I even wrote notes below each photo, so you’d know who they were and the date and location.” She’s looking at the different pictures and pointing to the notes. “See?”

She looks up at me as I nod. “Thank you.”

The tears finally fall down my cheeks. Even though I didn't know it, someone loved me - I was loved.

I have a family.

My very own family.

Chapter 38

Ian

Lynn and Jeff Yates coming over today could have gone wrong in so many ways, and I was terrified for Mia that any of the scenarios that played through my head when she sent that text would happen. Thankfully, the outcome was the only one that I wanted for Mia. She’s found her family.

The four of us spent the rest of the afternoon going through the photo album the Yates brought with them, and true to her word, Lynn gave it to Mia. I asked them to stay for dinner once the lab technician came and went, and they agreed. Mia insisted on cooking dinner and Lynn helped her in the kitchen while Jeff and I talked about his naval career, my businesses, and current events. I like Jeff. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders, and I noticed he was watching Lynn as carefully as I was watching Mia while they were in the kitchen together.

Throughout dinner, Mia told her story of how she grew up and ended up here in Hibiscus Harbor. Lynn kept apologizing, saying that it never occurred to her that Mia hadn’t been adopted as soon as she signed the papers. All these years, she had always assumed she had a nice family and was living the American dream. We all assured her that there’s no way shecould have known, but I’m not too sure Lynn will ever forgive herself.

At one point, one of Mia’s brothers called Lynn, and she introduced him to Mia via video phone. It was a bit awkward, as neither of them were prepared to meet each other and they were talking on the phone instead of in person. Jacob did mention that he and his brother have always known growing up that they had an older sister. Lynn didn’t keep that part of her life a secret from them. Like she told us earlier, she had always hoped to meet her again.

Both women cried a bit when Lynn and Jeff left, hugging each other and promising to keep in touch. As soon as they left, Mia took the photo album and sat out on the patio. I think she wanted some alone time, so I’ve left her alone, giving her the time she needs. In the meantime, I’ve been making plans.

Another half hour has passed, and I can’t take it anymore, so I grab some drinks for the both of us and go out on the porch with her.

“Can I come over, or is this a party for one?” I hand her the tea I brought with me.

She closes the photo album and smiles up at me. “Of course. Thank you; how’d you know I was getting thirsty?”

“I know you better than you think I do, Miss McIntosh.” Taking a seat next to her so that we’re both facing the pool and the ocean. The moon is bright tonight and the reflection on the water makes the light dance in Mia’s eyes. “Penny for your thoughts?”

“Just taking everything in that’s been happening lately.”

“It’s been a lot, hasn’t it?”

She nods. “It seems like life is happening so fast suddenly.”

“Is that what you want?”

She shrugs, “Right now, I think I just need some breathing room, ya know?”

“Breathing room from what?” Please don’t say me. Please don’t say me. I chant over and over in my head as I patiently wait for her answer.

She takes a few moments to collect her thoughts as I watch a myriad of emotions across her face. Suddenly, I’m worried that she’s going to leave me. The deal with Sutherland is done and she’s met her obligation, but this hasn’t felt like an obligation to me. And now that she’s found her own family, she doesn’t really need me anymore, not to mention all the drama from this morning. I just want her to want me, to need me. Like I want and need her.

Finally, she turns to me and takes my hand. “Ian, you have given me the most precious gift I could ever ask for, a family. I don’t know how to express how much that means to me other than to say thank you and that I love you.”

“I love you, too, Mia, so much. You don’t need to thank me.” I pull her out of her seat and onto my lap. “You are so deserving of everything that’s within my power to give you.”

“I’m not so sure about that.”

Encasing her head with both of my hands, I look directly into her eyes. “You. Deserve. The. World. And I want to give it to you, Mia. You’re so special and you don’t even realize it, do you?”

She shakes her head even though I’m holding it. “I’m not any more special than anyone else you’ve ever met.”

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