Page 60 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

“I came to tell you that it’s official as of today. In addition to Sir Valor being stripped of his win, the racing commission has banned Bankes Farm horses from competing in the United States and Britain ever again and suspended them for five years in all other countries.”

“I wonder how Felix will take the news in prison,” said Caroline.

“I can’t be sorry for Felix. I’m only sorry he didn’t get more than thirty months for malevolent use of an illegal substance and bribery. He’s fortunate that you declined to file blackmail charges.”

“At least his supplier, Adamson, won’t be peddling to owners and trainers for five years. Would you be so kind as to help me up, please? I knew it was a mistake to sit this low to the ground.”

Andrés scooped her up into his arms.

“Ooo, I like this royal treatment from my big, strong baby daddy!” teased Caroline, putting her arms around his neck.

He shot her a sidelong glance. “I prefer the monikerfiancéif you don’t mind. Baby daddy, indeed!”

* * *

Caroline was readingNational Velvetto Luis at bedtime, and he was enjoying it as much or more thanBlack Beauty.They had gotten into the routine of Caroline reading to him each night as she was living in the hacienda, and Andrés would come in afterward and tuck him into bed.

She finished that night’s two chapters, and Luis told her how awesome it was that his papa let him watch the filly’s birth.

“And he let me stay until she stood up, and it only took her forty minutes. Emmett said that was a good sign that she would be a strong runner.”

“It can be a factor, yes. But she will need a good trainer to help channel her strength in the right direction for thoroughbred racing.”

“Will you still be the head trainer after our baby is born, Caro?”

“Your father and I haven’t decided that quite yet, but I will be involved somehow.”

Andrés knocked and entered the room. “How was Miss Velvet Brown tonight?”

“Trying to look like a boy,” said Luis, giggling.

“Good luck with that,” said his papa.

“I have a question,” stated Luis in a grave tone.

Andrés looked to Caroline, who shrugged to indicate she had no idea of the question.

“All right, son, we’re listening.”

“Can I choose the baby’s name, too?”

“I don’t see why you can’t be involved with the decision,” replied Andrés. “What do you say, Caroline?”

“Luis, I promise you that if you offer a suggestion or two, your father and I will consider the names along with the ones we like. Does that sound fair to you?”

“Sí, Señorita Caroline.” Luis fell back onto his pillow, laughing.

“Come here, you.” Caroline hugged him and kissed his forehead. “Sweet dreams, my love.”

Andrés joined Caroline in their room after saying goodnight to Luis. She was cozy in bed, reading, and he took the book from her hands and put his arms around her.

“Now that you’ve agreed Luis can give us his suggestions for baby names, I will put my foot down on Ariel, Jasmine, or Mulan.”

* * *

Four weeks later, Eleanor, Armand, Emmett, Rosamund and Eduardo were in the hospital waiting room for news of Caroline and the baby. When she had gone into labor, only Eleanor had accompanied them to the hospital. Caroline knew there would be no getting Eleanor to leave until everyone was safe and healthy, and she asked Eleanor to call the others to let them know when she went into the delivery room. She was unaware that they came to the hospital the minute they were told and had been waiting together ever since.

Andrés was by her side every second, and she knew he wouldn’t have it any other way. She thought about the courage it took for him to be in another delivery room, carrying memories of another one eight years prior. Caroline confided in her obstetrician about Lily and the effect that not being with her had on Andrés. She made the doctor promise not to make him leave the room if anything unexpected were to happen.

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