Page 44 of The Billionaire's Instant Triplets

“Sure thing. Let me show you where it is.”

Simultaneously, Ria bent down to Jacob’s height. “It isn’t quite time for cake yet, but how about I get you a sandwich?”

As Tristan led the dad and son into the house, he sent one last glance back at Ria, who was now holding Jacob’s hand as she led him to the refreshments table. She looked up, as if sensing that he was watching her, and her lips lifted into a hesitant smile. The party chaos around them seemed to fade, until it was just the two of them looking at each other. Then Ria turned her attention back to Jacob. Tristan focused his own attention on the father and son.

The rest of the day flew by in a whirl of birthday chaos. The kids played in the yard until they were tired then feasted on lunch and cake. Next came presents; each of the triplets got when they had wanted, as well as some toys, board games, and candy from their friends. Throughout the party, Tristan kept looking back and forth between Ria, Jasmine, Jacob, and Jamie. He couldn’t believe his luck.

This time last year, he had been alone — and he’d thought he was happy. His days had been filled with work, following the latest trends in health and wellness, and more work. He’d rarely, if ever, imagined having children or a partner. Now, he had three beautiful kids who he loved more than life itself and a woman he loved — even if things were still tenuous between them. As the kids squealed with joy over their art supplies (for Jacob), princess dresses (for Jasmine), and robotic toy squirrel (for Jamie), Tristan realized that he’d never receive a better gift than getting to see these three grow up.

Except, perhaps, for Ria. With her bright-red hair and beautiful smile, she stood out among the party guests like she’d been kissed by sunshine. Tristan could hardly believe she was here — and she didn’t seem angry, either, even though she had a right to be. As she handed out cake and bounced in the bounce house with the triplets and held Jacob in her lap while opening gifts, Tristan couldn’t help marveling at how wonderful she really was.

Even better were the brief moments alone the two of them shared. At one point, they went into the kitchen together to carry out the cakes. Ria looked around the kitchen with a grin before turning to Tristan.

“I have to ask. Do these cakes have spirulina or fish oil or something in them?”

“I swear they don’t.” Tristan grinned back. “I try to make sure the triplets eat healthy food, but part of the joy of childhood is having a special, spirulina-free cake on a birthday.”

Ria nodded approvingly. “Good. I just had to check.”

For a moment, it felt like they had their old banter back — especially when Ria accidentally knocked a stack of napkins off the table with her elbow while she was picking up Jamie’s cake. They smiled at each other, but then she slipped out of the kitchen with the cake in her hand, and the moment was broken.

The whole day, Tristan reminded himself that when the guests left, he would have time to talk to Ria. When the time came, though, he realized his mistake. The triplets were still hopped up on sugar and filled with joy over their new gifts, Ria’s return, and their wonderful party. So, instead of getting a quiet moment with Ria, the pair spent the afternoon playing games with the triplets to wear them out, then fed them an early dinner.

Tristan was grateful that Ria never made any overtures about leaving, instead seeming content to spend time with the kids all day. By the time dinner was on the table, the sugar was starting to wear off and the kids yawned as their eyes drooped. Ria and Tristan carried the kids upstairs to wash their faces, brush their teeth, and put on pajamas before tucking them into bed. As they slipped out of the room, where the triplets were already sound asleep, Tristan felt another wave of déjà vu. They’d put the kids to bed together dozens of times before. For a moment, it felt as though Ria still lived here and nothing had changed.

“That was a great day,” Ria said, sending Tristan a quick smile. “Thank you for inviting me.”

“Thank you for coming. And thank you for staying until bedtime. The triplets loved seeing you again.”And so did I.Yet the words Tristan had been wanting to say to Ria for weeks stuck in his throat.

“It was wonderful to see them, too. I miss them so much.” Ria wrapped her arms around her stomach. “I feel like they grew, even though I was only gone for a few weeks.”

“I think they did.” Tristan grinned. “And they’re talking more and more every day. So much of their success is thanks to you, you know.”

“No.” Ria shook her head. “Not at all. You’re their dad, Tristan, and it’s clear that having you as a dad has been wonderful for them. They seem happy and well-adjusted.”

“I try to make sure they are. Sometimes they ask about their mom, and we go to visit her now and then and talk about her plenty, but mostly they just seem… happy.” Tristan hesitated. “How’s your new job?”

He didn’t want to make small talk with Ria. He wanted to kiss her thoroughly and tell her how he felt. Yet now that the moment had finally come, he was nervous. What if Ria didn’t feel the same way? What if she’d really just come back to see the triplets again?

“It’s going well. LA is a great place to be.” Ria smiled, though it looked a little forced, then glanced at her phone. “Listen, it’s getting late. I should go. It… it was nice to see you again.”

In that moment, Tristan knew that this was his chance — his only chance. If he didn’t tell Ria how he felt now, he might never be able to. His nerves slipped away as he shook his head.

“Not yet, Ria. Please, join me for dinner. After that, I can call a cab to take you wherever you need to go.”

“Oh.” Ria hesitated. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Why not?”

She bit her lip, her eyes skating away from Tristan’s. “I just… I just don’t think it would be.”

Everything came down to this moment. Tristan reached out, slowly, and took Ria’s hand in his own. Her fingers threaded between his as their eyes met.

“Just stay for dinner,” Tristan said.

Slowly, Ria nodded. “All right. I can only stay for a little while, though.”

“I understand.” But even that felt like a win. Tristan squeezed her hand once before letting go. “Come on.”

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