Page 168 of Billionaire Temptations

After having lunch, we did some shopping. We stumbled upon a small art gallery not too far from the cottage. Hanging on the wall was a portrait of the Bass Harbor Lighthouse.

“Is this the same painting your parents had?” Alex asked.

“No. It’s different. It’s so beautiful.” I ran my finger along it.

Alex called the sales lady over and told her he would like to purchase the painting.

“Really?” I asked excitedly.

“Of course, Emerson. We’re going to hang this in our house as a memory of the start of our future together as a couple.”

My heart melted when I heard him speak those words. I wrapped my arms around him and laid my head on his chest.

“Thank you, Alex. And you said you weren’t a romantic guy.”

“Honestly, I never was until you walked into my life.”

Alex

We were sitting on the plane, sprawled out on the couch with Emerson’s head on my lap. She was finally coming home to where she belonged. There wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her. I loved her so much and never wanted to be apart again.

“Emerson, there’s something I have to say.”

“What is it?” she asked, looking up at me.

“Just because you’re coming home doesn’t mean you have to stop seeing the places on your map. I promise you that we’re going to go to all the places you have left. You’re never going to have to go alone again. I want to see everything you and Emily talked about. I want to explore the world with you.”

She gave me a small smile as she reached up and placed her hand on my cheek. “Thank you. That means so much to me, but if you noticed, the map is almost full of red circles.”

“Then how about we start our own map?”

“Really? Do you really mean that?” she asked in excitement.

“Yes. I really mean it. I would do anything for you.

We were finally back in California, and Phillip was waiting for us.

“Welcome back, Emerson. I hope you’re here to stay.”

“I am Phillip and thank you. It’s good to be home.”

Opening the door to the house, Parker came running to us.

“Oh, my God! There’s my baby,” Emerson screeched as she bent down, and Parker licked her face.

“Welcome home, Mr. Parker and Emerson.” Jenna smiled.

“You can call him Alex. You’ll confuse the dog if you call him Parker. Right?” She looked over at me.

“Right.” I slowly nodded my head. “You may call me Alex, Jenna.”

“Oh. Okay,” she spoke with a hint of fear in her voice.

I grabbed both of our bags and headed up the stairs, Emerson following behind. When we reached my bedroom, she stopped in the doorway.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Making sure it’s okay to step inside His Majesty’s quarters.”

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