Page 80 of Billionaire's Second Chance

“You sure all this wouldn’t be too pompous for her?” I glanced at the dining area.

Greg ran his hands over the length of the table. “Too much? I think it's perfect.”

The original plan was to meet at the Hotel Royale for a formal dinner, where my parents would also join us and meet Ava for the first time. But then I had another idea, and I didn't want to risk a flock of paparazzi ruining our night.

“How about our other plan?” I stared at him with expectation.

Greg strutted to the bar. “Trust me. She has no idea.”

He took one of the whiskey glasses and tipped it toward me.

“Cheers. To a fitting surprise,” Greg announced with a silly smile.

I drummed my fingers on the glass before downing the whiskey. Nothing could go wrong. The plan was simple. Greg would show up with our surprise guests ten minutes after everyone settled down.

Quinn was in on the plan too. All she had to do was ensure that our parents showed up on time and were kept sufficiently distracted.

“I should get going, Damon,” Greg looked at his watch and made for the door.

“One more shot?” I offered, nudging him with my elbow. “Who says no to first-class whiskey?”

We shared another shot. I gulped mine while Greg needed two swigs to down his glass. I laughed subtly as he winced.

“Can you tell it's not my thing?" he wiped off some whiskey residue from the corner of his lip and walked out. "See you later, Damon."

***

Quinn fixed my red lapel rose and hit my chest playfully. Servants, dressed in black checked outfits, moved around, setting the table.

“What’s taking her so long?” I paced the room.

“Relax, she’ll be here soon," Quinn stared at me from the couch.

“Maybe I should call her again.” I reached for my pocket and whipped out my phone.

“You would do no such thing.” Quinn jumped up, snatched my phone, and dropped it in her purse.

My heart thumped in my ears. Keeping every mention of Ava and our baby a secret from my sister and parents had been a Herculean task. I could hardly wait for the moment to come.

“Mom would love her,” Quinn said out of the blue.

“It’s not Mom I’m worried about," I ran my fingers through my hair.

“Dad?” Quinn blurted. “Relax. After his stroke, Dad has been extra sweet. I bet he would drool over Ava.”

She knew Dad better. After all, they were similar. Our mother called them coconuts—a rugged exterior with nothing but sweet, soft water underneath.

A car honked. I jerked, raced to the window, and pulled the curtain away.

“She’s here.” I grinned

Quinn left for the kitchen, leaving me alone in the foyer.

I flung the door open. What I saw made my lips part. Ava, dressed in a red corset dress with a slit running from her mid-thigh to her ankle, smiled at me, and my heart pumped fast.

“You look.” I offered her a hand. “Breathtaking.”

I cradled her waist, then swept her into my arms, her blonde wavy hair falling over my hands. She rose to her toes and pecked my lips.

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