Page 96 of Silver Fox's Secret Baby

Marie did a double-take when I entered the kitchen. “Ah... welcome, Mr. Banion.”

“Please, call me Henry.”

“Okay, Henry. Will you be having eggs and toast too?”

“That would be lovely.”

She had a sly smile on her face as she turned back to the stove. I took that to mean that she was on board with my being a part of Samantha and Pax’s life.

The weekthat followed was a whirlwind of emotions and new experiences. Each day, I'd find myself at Samantha's mother's house in the evening, feeling more at home than ever before. The smell of fresh-baked cookies or a simmering pot of spaghetti sauce would greet me at the door, thanks to Marie. Pax would greet me by running into my arms and asking me to play. Since Samantha and I rode to and from work together, I spent the entire ride holding her, kissing her, and feeling like the luckiest man in the world.

One of my favorite parts of the day, besides lying next to Samantha, was dinner. When Victoria was young and my parents were alive, we had dinner together, but it always felt like an event. With Samantha and Pax and Marie, it was lively, full of laughter and warmth.

At work, Samantha continued to assess and offer feedback on my various news platforms. I had to threaten to fire Alan once when I walked in and found him disrespecting Samantha. She didn’t like it but was enduring it until she could get her business off the ground. Once she told me that, I dedicated my time to helping her achieve that.

We also visited Victoria, Alex, and baby Hank one evening. Victoria nearly groveled as much as I had asking for Samantha’s forgiveness at cutting her off. Samantha, of course, was gracious and apologized too for not telling the truth about Pax. Pax was confused about how Victoria was his sister, but he was tickled to know he was an uncle to little Hank.

As far as Samantha’s father went, he was facing jail time and he had no leverage to get out of it. I hired Saint Security to make sure her father stayed away from us. As far as I was concerned, he was out of our lives forever.

The next week continued in much the same way—work, family dinners, and quiet moments with Samantha. Each morning, I would help Pax get ready for school, enjoying our newfound routine and the connection it brought. My world shifted, priorities rearranging themselves. Work was no longer the commanding force it once was. Instead, Samantha and Pax filled my thoughts and dreams. Each morning, I woke with the desire to be beside them, to hold them close and share our lives as a family. As I tied his shoes or zipped up his jacket, I daydreamed about a future with them, a life filled with love, laughter, and togetherness.

I did go to my house a few times to check in. While Knightly and Mrs. Tillis felt useless without me there, they were happy for me. I was happy too, except for one thing. I needed Samantha and Pax permanently with me. I couldn’t be sure she fully trusted me, but I’d become impatient. I wanted it all.

I met with her in her office, reviewing her business model.

“This is good, but I wonder if you’ve considered offering a subscription plan. Regular audits, so to speak.”

She considered it. “That’s not a bad idea. Keep them coming back.”

“Right. You generate a steadier income and potentially more referrals since people are getting regular input.”

“Thank you. You know, if this billionaire publishing empire doesn’t work, I could use someone like you.”

Not caring that we were at work, I leaned over to her. “You can use me all you want.”

“Why do I think we’re not talking about business anymore?”

“Why Samantha, do you think I’m suggesting something untoward?”

She smirked. “Aren’t you?”

I laughed. “What can I say? I can’t stop wanting you.”

Her smile was radiant. It told me that now was the time to make her mine forever. “How about we go to my place?”

“What about Pax?”

“How about you go and pick him up and meet me at my place? I have a surprise for you.”

“I like surprises.” Her hand slid down my thigh.

“Stop it, woman, you know I’m incapable of resisting you.”

She laughed, and after a kiss, we left the office together.

When I arrived home, I headed straight to my office. “Is everything ready?”

“Of course,” Knightly said.

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