Page 60 of The English Billionaire's Obsession

He’s a good man. When he asked me for tips on getting back into shape, I said I’d help him. He works hard, putting the effort in, even if he is bloody stubborn.

“I’ll barely touch it,” I tell him.

He groans, the bar shaking. “Dammit.”

“I’m hardly touching it.”

I apply a little pressure to the bar, helping him to lift it the rest of the way.

“That was good. I bet you’re burning now.”

He rolls his arms, nodding. “Damn right, I am. Thanks.”

“All part of the process.”

He touches his goatee, something he does often, nodding to my arms. “How long do you have to work out to get arms like that?”

“Some of it’s genetics, but I’ve worked out at least three times a week since I was twenty. It kept me sane while pursuing the business.”

“And you never missed days?”

“I missed a lot, especially in the beginning, but I’d still go right back, even if two weeks passed. Finally, I had the time to keep a strict regimen.”

“But why?”

“I’m a simple man, Charley,” I say, grinning as we swap positions and I sit on the bench. “If I don’t lift heavy stuff now and then, I feel like I could murder someone.”

He laughs, then the laughter dies when he looks up. I expect to see something terrible, but it’s Ami, wearing her work gear, her hands clutched to her chest, her hair gorgeous how it’s tied up.

Her expression is excited, but Charley asks, “Oh, Ami, what is it? What’s wrong?”

I think I know, and it’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s got me almost cheering if I’m reading her right.

“Nothing’s wrong,” she says in an awed voice, like my voice when talking about our love. “I just did a test and… I’m pregnant.”

“Pregnant,” I repeat, too stunned to react.

Then she smiles and yells, “Yeah, pregnant! A bun in the oven is cooking over here.”

I laugh, and she laughs as we close the distance. When we hug and breathe each other in, I know she hardly knows what she’s saying. She’s bubbling up with love and excitement for the future, and so am I.

“I’m so happy,” I whisper, my voice almost cracking. “I’m going to be there every step of the way, every single one, throughout the pregnancy training stuff. Don’t blame me if I’m a crap bloke about it, but hell, I can say,breathe, breatheat the birth, and be there for every bloody thing in that kid’s life. I’ll be there for both of you.”

She’s crying as she presses her face against my chest, clinging to me. “I love you so much. I love our lives. I love everything. Dad, get over here!”

I smile over at Charley. He sheepishly joins us, and then I clap him on the arm, and Amelia hugs him.

“You’re going to get your wish, Dad,” she says. “You’re going to meet your grandchild.”

EPILOGUE

FOUR YEARS LATER

Amelia

“The only reason I agreed to do this bloody interview is because it’s for charity,” Tommy says as we get ready backstage.

We’re in our private dressing room, Tommy wearing a tuxedo. I’m wearing a modest yet pretty dress, which is exactly how we both want it.

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