“Sothat’show I got the part,” Heather said. “I was confused about that. I bombed the audition.”
Rogan nodded. “It wasn’t just about your acting ability. They knew the director of the commercial was… not easy to work with. They wanted to see how you would handle taking orders from someone so difficult.”
“But you passed!” Brady said cheerfully. “You took it like a champ. Williams Morris wants to sign you. I think you’ll be hearing from them later this week. Aren’t you happy?”
“I’m… overwhelmed,” Heather said. “This is a lot to take in at once. Being kidnapped by two crazy stalkers, finding out I’m pregnant, and now learning that the largest talent agency in Los Angeles wants to represent me… I need to sit down.”
“You’re already sitting down,” Brady pointed out.
“I need to sit downmore.” Heather pressed the button on the bed to recline. “That’s better. Do you think William Morris will mind waiting until after I give birth?”
I nodded. “I’ll talk to my contact over there. I’m sure it won’t be a problem at all.”
Rogan took a seat next to the bed and cradled both of Heather’s hands in his. “I need to tell you something.”
“If it’s another apology, I’m going to punch you in the mouth,” she warned.
Rogan smiled. “It’s not that. Heather… I know we agreed that this was just physical. And back when we were fooling around at the Four Seasons hotel, maybe itwas. But we’re way beyond that now. I’ve been lying to myself about it, but I can’t lie any longer. Heather Hart, I love you. I love you with all of my heart.”
“His heart wants Hart,” Brady said. “That’s funny.”
Heather ignored him and focused on Rogan. “I’m relieved to hear you say that, because I’ve been lying too. It’s more than physical for me as well. I think I knew that back when it first started. I… I love you too, Rogan.”
“You can love me back, even after I put you in danger today?” Rogan asked. His voice was soft and serious. Vulnerable, even.
Heather rolled her eyes. “Yes! Yes, I love you back! I forgive you! Everyone needs to stop apologizing about it!”
“Putting you in dangerwasa stupid thing to do,” Brady said. “He should feel like shit about it.”
Heather aimed a finger up at Brady. “No. Don’t start. If I can forgive Rogan, then you can to.”
“But…”
“No!” she snapped. “Get over yourself. Sure, you were right and Rogan was wrong. What we did was dangerous. But there’s no use crying about it. And it worked out in the end: we caught the stalkers and saved your company’s reputation. So can we all justmove on, please?”
That succeeded in cowing the two of them. “Yeah, okay,” they muttered. For a moment they reminded me of Micah and Dustin after getting in trouble.
Heather is definitely the right woman for the job, I thought.Both to take care of the children, and to keep these two in line.
With Rogan’s confession out of the way, it was my turn to approach Heather. I gently kissed her on the forehead and mustered my courage.
“It feels anticlimactic to say this after Rogan just poured his heart out. But I love you too. I love the way you take care of our children. I love the way you throw yourself into each day. You’re fearless in a way I wish I could be. And beyond all that, I would love for you to be the mother of my child. Even if it’s notmychild. Whoever’s baby is inside of you, they’re going to be absolutely wonderful. I’m certain of it.”
She sat up and brushed her lips against mine. “You said a whole bunch of stuff there, but I love you too, Asher. I’m so happy to have you in my life.” Her face became serious. “Even if you did watch nanny porn the first night I stayed over.”
I had forgotten all about that, and it took my brain a moment to register the words. Then I felt my cheeks redden. Brady barked a laugh.
“Oh. Um, I don’t…”
“What happened?” Rogan asked. “What am I missing?”
“Oh shit, we never told you?” Brady said. “Asher watched nanny porn in the office and Heather caught him.”
“Shecaughtyou?” Rogan demanded. A smile spread across his face. “What, did you leave the door open or something?”
“I saw it on his history the next day,” Heather said.
“That’s just as bad,” Brady said. “Everyone knows you should use Incognito Mode to watch porn. Rookie mistake.”