Lory and Courtney looked heartbroken when Nicholas spoke of the cheating and the baby. Francis remained calm, although I knew from his clenched fists his emotions inside didn’t match what he expressed outwardly.
Geoffrey didn’t even try to hide his feelings. “How could you not tell me, man? Why? I would have been there for you. I would have given that bitch and her family a piece of my mind.”
Nicholas shook his head. “That’s exactly why I didn’t tell you. I wanted to forget it. To get as far away from it as I could. I was ashamed.” He paused and I squeezed his hand. “It was stupid, but that’s how I felt. Then once some time passed, I just didn’t want to rehash it all.”
Geoffrey looked sad. “But you let Dad talk to you the way he does?”
“He’s a whole other story. Let’s not get into that now.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat as Nicholas took a drink of wine. It was my turn now.
“So, Nicholas told you all that as background for what’s been happening lately. We wanted you to be aware just in case you saw something suspicious.” They all turned their attention toward me. “You know I’m taking classes at QCU. Well, someone’s been following me.”
Their eyes widened as I told them about my encounters with the stranger who ended up being Hector.
“On my birthday, Nicholas received a package at work. It had pictures that made it look like I knew Hector personally. Like I was with him.” Nicholas stiffened next to me, but I kept going, wanting to get it all out. “He went to see Hector, who lied and said he was sleeping with me.”
“What the hell?” Lory yelled, her anger making me cringe.
Geoffrey looked at Nicholas. “Is that where you were when Willow called me looking for you the other day?”
Nicholas nodded. “I fucked up and went after him first. I should have gone straight home and…”
I cut him off before he went any further. “It doesn’t matter now. What matters is that you all know what Hector did and that he is still trying to hurt Nicholas. It’s not just Hector, though. Rosemary is trying to convince Nicholas’ father that I don’t love him. She and Hector both are trying to get between us from two directions and different motivations.”
“Do you think they’re working together?” Francis asked, finally chiming in.
Nicholas shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. As far as I know, they no longer communicate. Their whole affair and sham marriage were done out of spite. I think they’re both acting now because I’m happy with Willow.”
Everyone was silent for a few minutes, digesting all the information. I turned my head to give him a small kiss.
Courtney broke the silence first. “But what now? When Hector realizes his plan didn’t work, he may become even more desperate for revenge. What if he continues following you, Willow? I don’t like the thought of you by yourself … with the baby.” Her voice broke a little. “I mean, don’t get me wrong. I think you can kick some ass, but maybe you should carry a weapon or something. I don’t know.”
I gave her an understanding smile and Nicholas cleared his throat. “She won’t be by herself. Virgil is going to be her new best friend.”
I shook my head. We were still debating this scenario. He had decided Virgil’s new job was to be my babysitter. I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about it, even though Nicholas was adamant.
“Why not take a restraining order out on the psycho?” Lory suggested.
“That is an option we are considering too,” I told her. Although we were suspicious of Benson at the moment and were thinking of going to another lawyer to discuss different paths we could take to ensure Hector stayed away from me.
After a few more rounds of questions, I was so tired I practically fell asleep on Nicholas’ lap.
“We can talk more tomorrow, but I’m taking her up to bed,” he said, helping me up.
After changing and falling into bed, I reminded Nicholas about his promise. I had definitely reserved enough energy for the special fingers.
Saturday we spent exploring and shopping in the main part of town. It was old-fashioned, yet obviously catered to the wealthy. I spent a small fortune on trinkets and souvenirs that would likely end up just catching dust.
But we had a great time all together. We stopped in a crowded bistro for lunch and fresh seafood.
When we returned to the house, we spent the rest of the day on the beach. The guys splashed around in the water for a few minutes but decided it was too cold. Courtney, Lory, and I stayed in the sun on the sand and made fun of them.
Nicholas started a fire as night settled in and we sat around the flames on blankets and bundled in sweaters. The other four went inside eventually, but I was enjoying my time wrapped in Nicholas’ arms, with the sound of the surf competing with the crackling of the fire.
I was sitting between his legs, my back pressed to his chest. Every so often, I would feel his lips press against my hair, my cheek, and my neck. Each time made me nestle further back into him.
It was perfect.
I was almost sad we were leaving the next day.
“Are you glad we came?” he asked.
“Yes. I was just thinking how perfect this weekend has been.”
His fingers tangled with mine as he rested his chin on my shoulder. “We can come back anytime you want.”
“With all our kids?” I teased.
He laughed, shaking the both of us. “As many as you’ll give me.”
“How many do you want?”
“I don’t know. Two? Three? Four?” He nibbled on my earlobe, his warm breath on my skin making me shiver. “How many do you want?”
“I like that range you gave.” I didn’t want to be a baby factory, but I liked the idea of a large family.