Page 141 of How to Fall for the Secret Billionaire
She takes a slow breath. “I love all of you,” she says, and my heart almost stops.
“I’ve had time to reflect,” she says. “And while I don’t condone what you did, I understand. I’ve never had to hide any part of myself to be seen. But your perspective is valid, Cal. It might take some getting used to, but I’m proud of the boy who builtsomething from nothing and turned it into a multibillion-dollar company. I’m proud of the man who had the vision to sell it—and the wisdom to keep hold of what mattered most.”
Her voice softens. “Don’t get me wrong—I’m still mad you didn’t tell me. But I’m not mad at who you are.”
Her words almost bring me to tears. They reach a part of me I didn’t know was still bleeding.
“The guy I met and the guy you really are? They’re the same. Just different pieces of the whole. You don’t have to be anything but yourself when you’re with me.”
I kiss her. She kisses me back, full of the same warmth, the same fire that pulled us together in the first place.
We laugh, breathless. I can’t believe this is real.
“Thank you, Margot,” I whisper, and I mean it more than I’ve meant anything in my life.
“Let’s go. We’re missing Aunt Edie’s party,” she says, slipping her hand into mine.
Then she glances toward the wardrobe. “Aunt Edie doesn’t really need that sweater, does she?”
I grin. “What sweater?”
She shakes her head, still a little stunned. “How did you even get here?”
“Juniper was the decoy. I arrived right after she did—snuck in through the back door. Your dad kept me updated and helped me into your room.”
Her mouth drops open. “I had no idea this was happening. Everyone acted so normal.”
I laugh. “I’ve been planning this with your entire family for days.”
She groans, laughing. “So who was the surprise guest? You or Juniper?”
I raise an eyebrow. “You tell me.”
She squeezes my hand, eyes warm. “Never mind. I’m just so glad you’re both here.”
When we return to the party, the atmosphere is electric. Guests, neighbors, town folks—everyone is laughing, dancing, or gathered in cozy circles sipping cider. When they see me, they all shout with excitement. Some ask where I’ve been, others just hug me and say it’s so good to see me again.
Margot doesn’t let me stay there too long before she drags me toward the kitchen.
Her family’s still there—her parents, Hazel, Thea, Aunt Edie—and the moment they see us, the room lights up again.
An unfamiliar face steps forward, holding out her hand. “I’m Juniper.”
“It’s so nice to meet you.” I take her hand firmly. “I’m?—”
“Cal.” She gives me a slow, assessing look. She’s practically a mirror of Sam—same sharp eyes, same calm presence. “I know who you are.”
I smile. “Nice to finally meet you, Juniper. I’ve heard great things.”
“Same here.” She hugs me, quick but warm. She directs a loaded gaze in Margot’s direction before pulling back again.
I lean in to Margot and say, “At this rate, I’m sure you’ll introduce another sister next month.”
She laughs. “That was the last one. I promise.”
I chuckle and head toward Sam, who’s been watching the whole scene with a small, knowing grin. I hold out my hand to him, but he pulls me into a firm, fatherly hug.
“Thank you,” I say quietly. “For everything. For keeping me in the loop. For helping me get in.”
