Page 65 of Embrace Me Forever

Clay flashes a cute, childish grin as Coco watches him intently. “I bet you have, Coco. You take after your mom.” His expression shifts subtly, a crease of concern appearing. “And on another note, any rumblings from the Bertram camp?”

Blake leans in, his voice low. “All quiet on that front. We’re staying under the radar, keeping it stealthy. But make no mistake, they’re still out there, lurking.”

Clay shifts in his seat before saying, “Heads up, I’ve caught wind of something through the grapevine. Bertram might be eyeing the US market again. It’s all whispers at this point, nothing solid. But if they make a move, Georgia-May could be a bigger target for them.”

I avert my eyes to hide my reaction as Blake squeezes my hand.

Rob’s expression sets into a determined line, his eyes resolute. “Georgia-May, you’re safe here. And Blake, well, he’d square off against an army solo to keep you and Coco out of harm’s way.”

I glance up at my man and offer him a small smile.

“With that in mind, don’t even think twice if you need anything. Anything at all,” Rob says.

“You’re family now,” Isabelle says. “And family looks out for each other.”

It’s strange to think that just a few months ago, Rob and Clayton knew me merely as a name on paper. My brief CV and a hastily crafted QEOPA proposal, designed in desperation to secure funding for Coco’s surgery. And now, they’ve welcomed Coco and me into their lives, offering us a place in their hearts.

Soon, the conversation shifts to lighter topics. The kids are already gathering around Coco, eager to show her their world.

Matty, the youngest of the Hartley brothers, an unexpected arrival after Rob and Clay were already adults, is the first to approach her. The boy is a charmer, and even Coco warms up to him instantly, sharing in her own way that she had surgery. She points at the scar where her stitches were.

“I know how hard that must’ve been, Coco,” Matty offers empathy.

Matty kneels in front of me, giving Coco a lopsided grin as he shows her the scar from his car accident—an event which, Blake told me, eventually led to Rob meeting with Amber.

Coco doesn’t fully understand his words, but her little hand reaches out, her fingers brushing against Matty’s scar. “Itchy?” she innocently asks, reflecting her own experience.

“It used to be. Not anymore. Remember not to scratch it, okay?” Matty says, touching Coco’s nails. “You’ll get through it. Do you trust me?”

Coco nods, then turns her attention to Raffi, Clay’s adopted son. He shows her a mini basketball, instantly capturing her interest. “Wanna play?” he asks, his voice inviting.

Coco wriggles in my arms, eager to be set down. Her eyes light up as the ball stops at her feet, and she lets out a delighted giggle, pure and unfiltered. Blake steps in, helping her as she toddles after the ball, her steps still wobbly on the grass but full of determination. I watch as she throws the ball back to Raffi. The younger kids quickly gather around, forming a protective ring around her, like a shield of joy and innocence.

A picnic lunch follows, the kind of chaos only a large gathering of kids can create. A feeling I haven’t experienced since…maybe since Anne and I were kids ourselves.

As the last crumbs of dessert are cleared away and the children dash off to play, I catch a glance exchanged between Amber and Isabelle, a shared smile that sends a tiny alarm bell ringing in the back of my mind. Something’s up.

“Georgia-May,” Amber begins, her tone light but with a hint of something more beneath it. “Why don’t you and Blake take some time for yourselves? We’ll look after Coco.”

I blink, taken aback by the offer. “Oh, that’s really kind of you, but I don’t want to impose?—”

“Nonsense!” Isabelle cuts in with a wave of her hand. “Coco’s having a blast with the kids. They’re inseparable already.” She gestures toward the lawn, where Coco is surrounded by Matty, Raffi, and the others as they continue with the mini basketball,aided by their fathers. It’s a rare sight, and my heart swells just watching her.

Amber leans in, her voice dropping to a coaxing tone. “You’ve been through so much lately. Both of you. A little break will do wonders. Between the two of us, we’ve got more than enough experience to handle all the kiddos.”

I hesitate, my protective instincts flaring up. It’s not that I don’t trust them. I do, but Coco’s my world. It’s hard to let go, even just for a few hours.

Isabelle steps closer. “We haven’t mentioned—well, we’re running a bit late, but…”

From the corner of my eye, I catch a figure slipping into the gardens. Excitement coils in my chest, tightening with recognition.

“Anne!” I cry, launching myself toward her as the pent-up emotions burst free, unraveling in a rush.

Anne opens her arms wide. “Gi!” she exclaims.

We collide in a tight embrace, the kind only sisters can share. Our laughter and tears mingle, each soaking in the familiar comfort of the other’s presence.

Anne exhales deeply, taking in her surroundings. “Well, I guess billionaire romance novels aren’t so far-fetched, after all. And look at you! Snug in the arms of your knight in shining armor. Girl, you look amazing!”

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