Page 44 of The Billionaire's Secret Child

Love.

She hadn’t believed in love at first sight before Aidan, but now fantasy became reality, a dream the truth. She finally admitted what she had known for so very long. She was in love with Aidan Bancroft.

With that sudden knowledge came peace. An involuntarily smile graced her lips as taut muscles finally relaxed, as contented sleep finally overtook her. A final thought of half-reality, half-dream drifted by…

Tomorrow, they would finally get their happy ending.

“Tell me,do you believe in love at first sight?”

“Boy, do I ever. Don’t you?”

“I’m just not sure.”

“Then why don’t we let our listeners decide? Call 333-WRTT and tell us what you think.”

Laura stretched catlike, cracking open sleep-drenched eyes. Her lips tugged up as she emerged from the foggy morning haze, somehow well-rested despite the tumultuous night. She deactivated the alarm, and only a lack of time stopped her from calling the radio program to tell them about love at first sight’s newest convert. With speed resulting from anticipation and hope, she jumped out of bed, ready to embark on a day of new beginnings. She hummed softly as she strode into her daughter’s room. “Good morning, sleepyhead.” She placed a gentle kiss on Jeanie’s forehead. “Rise and shine.”

“I don’t wanna.” Turning over, Jeanie burrowed deeper under the covers. Only her little feet remained visible.

Laura’s grin widened. Jeanie reminded her so much of Aidan. “But we have to get up, sweetie.” She gently nudged the bump under the covers. “You don't want to be late for preschool. Today is going to be a very special day.”

A little blue eye peeked out from under the covers. “Why?” she queried, childlike curiosity overshadowing the sleepiness in her gaze. “Is ice cream involved?”

Laura laughed and hugged her daughter. “It’s even better than ice cream. I can’t tell you now, but this is going to be one of the most important days in our lives. Now let’s get up and start it.”

The little blue eye disappeared. “Don’t wanna.”

Time for drastic action. “If you get up now, I could be convinced to make pancakes.”

No more convincing was necessary. With more energy than a pinball at the arcade, Jeanie jumped out of bed. Her hair was still mussed from sleep, her clothes wrinkled from bed, but it didn’t diminish her glow of pure excitement. Could the small child somehow sense what was happening?

Laura quickly made a pancake feast for herself and her daughter, with blueberries and strawberries and fresh whipped cream, and got them both dressed. Today she chose a soft silk dress, light yellow like the morning sun, with a sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice and lightly flared skirt. A wide tie in the back molded it around soft curves. She wore her hair long and free in beachy auburn waves. A sparkling solitaire on a thin gold chain completed the outfit.

The minutes sped by in a hectic rush. Laura dropped her daughter off at preschool and traveled through busier than normal roads to the county park. Since city hall would not hold the number of people who wanted to attend the collaboration announcement, an outdoor stage would provide the venue. The papers were already signed, thus it was more a formality than an official event.

It was a gorgeous day, the early morning dew moistening the air, crisp and fresh. Soft hills of rolling green created a gorgeous backdrop, punctuated by tall pine trees and soft wildflowers. Laura parked in the grassy field that served as overflow parking and trekked over the buoyant ground, greeting smiling friends with fluffy maltipoos and rambunctious cockaliers. In the distance, Aidan stood tall, as always, the center of attention. A smile surfaced as she approached. “Hello, Ms. Blake,” he greeted formally.

“Mr. Bancroft, a pleasure as always.” She winked widely.

His eyes sparkled. “Someone ate her sunshine cereal this morning.”

“Actually they were sunshine pancakes,” she corrected with a laugh. “I was just thinking if Pine Ridge had a currency, you would be on the hundred dollar bill.”

He shook his head. “I’m not so sure about that.” He studied her, and his expression turned contemplative. “Really, though. You seem… different.”

Not only seemed, butwas. She was a new woman, in love and sure of her choices. “I am different.”

“Oh?” Perceptive eyes sharpened. “Care to share what prompted this fascinating change?”

She gazed at her love, the father of her child. If only she could tell him now, reveal that he was a father. Would he jump for joy, embrace her and proclaim he was the happiest man in the world? But she couldn’t say anything in front of a hundred people and before a vast day of changes. After the announcement, festivities and formal ball, she would reveal the truth that would redefine their lives. “Not yet. Tonight.”

“I thought all secrets had been revealed. Do you have something else to share with me?” His tone was light, his eyes full of humor.

“Yes.”

Ever-so-slowly his humor faded. “Really?”

“Yes,” she repeated, even though it would not be good enough for him. No doubt he would cajole her into telling him, using his not inconsiderable skills to wheedle the truth. Fortunately, any attempt was cut short by the arrival of a dozen city officials bearing greetings, handshakes and congratulations. As they left, more arrived, signaling they would be afforded no more privacy now.

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