Page 105 of My Ex-Fiance's Best Men
“I think we did it, John,” I tell Mr. Terrence.
He’s been patiently waiting in his chair, coffee cup in hand, while I glossed over the report, one page at a time to make sure I didn’t miss anything. He mirrors my expression and nods in agreement.
“I believe we did it too, Phoebe,” he says.
“It took us a while. Getting some of those assets returned by the judge certainly helped,” I reply. “But it looks like Baldwin Enterprises has finally reached a neutral line.”
“Which means we can prepare for growth in the new year. Perhaps as early as next quarter,” he says, going over his copyof the report. “I see we’re doing better on Wall Street, as well. Is that a?—”
“2.5% growth on our EonLite and 3.2% growth on our TackHass stocks? Yes, John, it is. We’re seeing an uptick, and our merger with Coates Industries in the manufacturing sector has certainly helped in that sense,” I say. “Branching out into the online sector has also provided us with some exciting opportunities, at least for financial products.”
“You’ll be attending the San Francisco conference in September, correct?”
I nod once. “Theo will be joining me. He’s better equipped to navigate the fintech landscape. In the meantime, our HR department is compiling some resumes for us to go over. We’re picking the best and the brightest out of CalTech and Columbia to lead our Online Finance Department, once we get it off the ground.”
“I have to say, your father would be proud,” John sighs, then sets his cup on the desk, blinking back tears.
Rarely do I get to see this man so emotional, and it tugs at my heart strings in all the right ways. “I’m doing my very best to honor his legacy.”
“And it shows. Forbes wrote a very flattering profile of you last week. You’ve read it, right?”
I laugh lightly. “Dominic read it out loud over breakfast the very morning it was published.”
“Oh, they’re mighty proud of you, too. As they should be,” John replies.
Dominic, August, and Theo have been by my side for this entire ride. Through thick and thin, they kept building—their business, our family, our path together. We’ve had our share of disagreements, but always with a healthy conversation to find a middle ground. We’ve had some wonderful moments away from the madness of New York, too.
Every summer, we’ve dedicated a month to Hawaii, where it all started.
“How is Lucas, by the way?” John asks.
“Growing so fast,” I reply. “Two years old, and he already wants to figure out the world, what it’s made of, and how he can conquer it. He’s relentless.”
John chuckles. “Thank heavens he has three fathers to keep him entertained and in line, then.”
“Plus me. Plus the sitter. I swear, Sarah has been a godsend. That girl has the patience of a saint. Although, to be honest, Lucas is like most kids his age. Curious and courageous, sometimes too much for his own good. But I love every moment we spend raising him, protecting him, teaching him.”
“I suppose you’ll be bringing him around the office more as he gets older.”
“Oh, absolutely. Gotta keep with the Baldwin tradition. Besides, we’ve got such a great in-house service for all of our employees’ kids. Lucas loves hanging out down there.”
My son’s voice sounds through my doorway.
“Ah, speak of the devil,” I chuckle as John and I hear his rushed little footsteps echoing down the hallway.
“What a lovely surprise,” John declares as Lucas runs in with a huge smile and stars in his bright, blue eyes.
“Mommy! Mommy! Look!”
My precious boy with dark curls and round cheeks holds up a bouquet of fresh daisies. I stand to greet him. “You brought me flowers! Oh, honey, you’re such a gentleman! Thank you.”
“Hi,” he says to John, giving him a polite little nod.
“Hi, Lucas,” John says.
Dominic, August, and Theo join us in the office, all three dressed in their sharpest suits and looking better than ever.
“I love the flowers, baby, they’re beautiful,” I say to our son. “Did you pick them yourself?”
