Page 49 of Chance

"Congratulations, Mr. King, everything is done and good luck with the expansion," says our family lawyer, John, and he shakes my hand before leaving.

"When are you going to tell Maisy?" Harley asks with a slightly disapproving face.

I know he doesn't agree with me not telling Maisy, but I think I’m doing the right thing. She has spent months alone and worrying about money. I want to take over that for her. I want to give her a chance to have a future she controls, like being able to go to university.

"Soon. She is stressed enough about the baby coming and Elena. I just don't want to stress her out with another thing to worry about,” I tell him with a sigh, watching as he puts the paperwork in his briefcase.

"I get that," he finally replies.

"You’re going to have to make room for my desk," I smirk.

"I've already ordered you one, which you can have in your own damn office," he says with a chuckle.

I can’t wait to have my own office. I'll have to make sure the door has a lock for when Maisy comes over and we find out how sturdy the desk is. Thankfully, before I get any harder from that thought, there's a knock at the door.

"Come in," Harley shouts, and I lean against a wall as a pretty woman with short, blond hair walks in. She looks to be in her early thirties and is wearing tight, yoga shorts with just a sports bra on. Even though she is pretty amazing, my thoughts go straight to Maisy, and I start comparing. She always wins.

"Harley, baby, I wondered if you wanted to go out again tonight. You could stay at my place, again,” she says, leaning over Harley's desk.

"No, I'm busy. Jessica, this isn't a good time," he says, looking bored and leaning back in his chair to watch her. I honestly feel like leaving because this seems like it’s going to get awkward in here. I’ve left enough girls after one night to know where this conversation is going.

"How about tomorrow?" she asks, sounding a little desperate now.

"I can go," I say, smirking at how awkward Harley looks right now. He glares at me before coming to stand next to Jessica and holding her one arm gently but firmly as he leads her out.

"I'm sorry, Jessica. I enjoyed last night, but I'm not looking for anything more right now. I did explain this yesterday, and nothing has changed,"he tells her and stops by the door.

"Fine, you’re the one missing out." She shoves past him and slams the door on the way out.

"Damn, that was bad." I whistle as Harley shakes his head at me.

I get a bottle of water out of the mini-fridge he has in here. I have to order myself a mini-fridge too.

"How is Maisy doing?" He changes the subject.

I send him a knowing glance, but I don't say anything. I've never seen any of Harley's one night stands, but I've heard he has them. Always with older women, so I'm guessing he has a thing for them.

"All good. My baby is kicking a lot. Maisy won’t admit it, but she is struggling to get off the sofa these days. She is looking forward to seeing you this Saturday,"I tell him, and he smiles fondly.

If I didn’t know that Harley has always treated Maisy like a sister, I would be jealous of that look, but I’m not. I know there’s nothing between them other than love for each other like family.

"Yeah, me too. Sorry I can't be over more, but the gym is so busy. I will be happy for your help after the baby comes,"he says.

"I'm honestly looking forward to it. I've always loved this place."I smile. I come here at least three times a week to work out, and I run every day for an hour to keep in shape.

"It certainly keeps me busy." He smiles, but it doesn't quite look real.

"You doing okay, bro?" I ask.

"Yeah, it's just odd to see my younger siblings more settled in their lives than I am." He laughs before the phone rings. He answers and then asks whoever it is to hold.

"Sorry, Seb, I have to take this. I’ll see you later,"he says.

"No problem. Later," I say, then walk out.

I'm nervous as I get into my car because I'm meeting Maisy’s dad to ask him for permission to marry Maisy. I know it's a little old-fashioned, but I need to do it. I’ve done everything backwards, like getting Maisy pregnant before marrying her, so I need to do this one thing right.

I pull into the parking lot of the coffee shop in town and order a coffee. I take a seat by the window, watching people come in. I'm a little early, so I'm surprised to see Maisy's dad come in and take a seat, after getting his own drink.

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