"When you took advantage of me on the couch that night, I knew I was going to marry you. It was emotional for me. That time was different than any other."
"I didn't take advantage of you," she said.
"I disagree," he said with a smile and wink. "That was when we made a baby together. As soon as the word pregnant came out of the doctor's mouth, I wanted to wrap you in my arms. I have never been that excited in my entire life. When I heard that tiny heartbeat, I thought I was going to break down like a baby. It was the sweetest sound I had ever heard. It was our baby. In that moment I realized my life became so much more important. There's a baby counting on me. I'm going to be a dad. You're the one I think about before I make every decision. How will that decision impact our life. I do it in business and at home. Now, I have two people to think about with each decision. I have someone else to protect and keep safe as well. I'm going to be the best damn dad there is. I'm going to make you and our baby proud."
"I'm already proud of you, Cliff," she said.
Tears were already pouring down her face. She wasn't sure how much more she could take. Just when she thought she was going to break, he dropped down on one knee and looked up at her with her hand still in his.
"I love you, Rachel. I want to be with you every single day for the rest of my life. You and our baby are my everything. Would you please do me the honor of loving me for the rest of your life? Will you fall asleep in my arms every night and wake up every morning with your legs tangled around mine? Will you challenge me every day and mock me from time to time? Will you let me protect and keep you safe every day? Will you marry me, baby?"
He opened the ring box and she gasped as her eyes widened.
"That is the most beautiful ring I have ever seen."
He waited quietly on his knee.
"I can't believe I'm about to say this. You have my heart. It's one hundred percent yours. I never thought I would even consider getting married again. I never thought I would give my heart to anyone, but I have. You are the only man I can imagine loving ever again. You're it for me, Cliff. You and our baby are my everything. I can't believe I ever thought about pushing you away. You are my dream guy. I love everything about you. You're sweet, protecting, caring, funny, bossy, and controlling in all the right ways. I can't imagine my life without you in it. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you. I would be honored to be your wife."
Cliff placed the ring on her finger.
"When did you get the ring? It's so perfect."
"You're going to think I'm crazy," he said.
"When?" she asked.
"I got it three days after we made a baby. I knew that night that I was going to spend the rest of my life with you. I thought about what could have happened to you and it was devastating. I couldn't see my life without you in it. I ordered the ring that Monday afternoon. I had it designed and picked it up two weeks later."
"You've had it this whole time. You didn't propose because I was pregnant?"
"No," he said. "I've planned on proposing for ten weeks. I just wanted to make it perfect. I didn't plan on doing it in the entryway of our home, but I couldn't wait another second once we got here. I can't believe I'm going to be a dad, and I'm going to have a hot wife."
Cliff wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her belly.
"Hey baby, I'm your daddy. I want you to know that I love you and mommy so much. I'm going to make sure you always have what you need. I love you with all my heart little one. I'm going to hug you, rock you, spoil you, play with you, and teach you everything you need to know. You're my pride and joy, and I can't wait to meet you. I'm going to talk to you every single day until you're here in my arms. I'm going to be the best daddy I can be."
Cliff kissed her belly again. When he got to his feet, she wrapped her arms around his neck and held him tight as her tears dripped down onto his shirt.
"I don't know what I ever did in my life to deserve you," she said through her sobs.
"Whatever it was, it must have been good," he said with a laugh.
Chapter 18
Seven Months Later
Rachel and Cliff were sitting at dinner at his sister's house. Her baby boy had just turned nine weeks old. He was adorable and was definitely a mix between her and Jake. Cliff had just gotten back the results of the DNA test proving Jake to be the father of baby Alex.
Rachel was holding Alex in her arms just above her ready to pop baby belly. He was sleeping soundly as he held onto her finger. She loved watching his little legs move as he slept. Cliff was upset that Jake was still denying his connection to the little one. He couldn't understand how anyone could turn away from their own child.
Rachel sat thinking about how attentive and amazing Cliff was through her pregnancy. He attended every appointment with her and worried about what she should and shouldn't do. The nursery was finished and was right across the hall from them. She had a bassinet for the baby in their room for the first few months. There was no way she wanted her little one out of her sight, and she knew Cliff would run back and forth all night long. He was true to his word and talked to their baby every day and kissed her belly goodnight each night.
She was due any day and had just finished her last day with her class. They were such a great group of kids. She promised to bring the baby to see them before they got out for the summer. They had eight more weeks of school left so it didn't make sense for her to go back before fall. It would be to disruptive to her class and the baby. Cliff didn't want her to go back until the baby was older, but he hadn't said to much about it.
Neither Cliff or her wanted a big wedding. She jokingly suggested they run off to Vegas to get married. One month later, her joke became a reality when he flew her to Vegas for a surprise wedding. He flew out both of their parents, a few of his friends, and a few of her friends. She was shocked when everyone surprised them in the hotel lobby at the Paris hotel, where he told her they would be getting married. Jen and Tina were both there, and joked with Cliff about them taking Rachel to the pool to meet a man. Cliff assured them that he was the only man going to the pool with her. He was able to get the exact same room he stayed at when they met. It wasn't the honeymoon suite, but it meant something to him and he knew she would feel the same way. They had a romantic wedding in a chapel at the hotel with the people they loved the most around them. After the wedding, they all ate dinner at the same steakhouse he took her too the night they met. To finish the night perfectly, they all went to see Elton John, and Rachel cried just as much as she had the first time. It was the perfect wedding, and Cliff had planned it all. She was so proud to call him her husband.
"Rachel."
She snapped out of her thoughts when she heard Cliff call her name.
"Yes," she answered, hoping she hadn't missed something important while she was reliving her perfect wedding.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes," she said confused. "Why?"
"You just winced and made a strange sound," he said.
"I'm good," she replied.
Cliff's sister had been working from home for him since she told him she was pregnant. She was doing pretty good for herself. He had helped her get a two bedroom apartment and filled it with furniture. The baby's room was ready in plenty of time. He had worked his ass off between helping her and taking care of Rachel and their nursery. Cliff let his sister know that she needed to be able to take care of herself. He helped her get on her feet, but she needed to live on the money she made working for him. She wasn't getting a free ride. It was time for her to grow up. She was doing a fine job of it.
Rachel had put aside her feelings over Jake and walking in on them. She knew how shitty Jake was and actually felt bad for the baby's mom. Cliff had done so much for Rachel. She knew she needed to move on and accept her new nephew and his mother as her own family. The baby didn't ask for them as his parents.
Cliff had called a friend of his and was discussing how they should move forwar
d with the Jake situation since they had the results of the test. It was time to take him to court for child support. Jake had a new job and had no excuse. When Cliff hung up the phone, he looked over at baby Alex and shook his head.
"I'm not getting involved in the case. My friend will handle everything with you," he said to his sister. "I don't want him to be able to cry conflict of interest or anything like that. I just want you to get help with Alex."
Cliff walked over and sat next to Rachel.
"I would like to get his ass for everything he did to you," he said.
"I haven't heard from him in seven months. That's good enough for me. He has to have a job for your sister to get support from him. I'm not out to ruin anyone's life. I just want to live mine with my family. I found the love of my life. It was because of him and what he did to me. If I hadn't seen what I saw, I would never have met you. I wouldn't have been in Vegas for my divorce party. I wouldn't trade a single thing he did to me. It brought me to you. I can't imagine life without you, babe."
Baby Alex opened his eyes and looked up at Rachel and over to Cliff.
"If he didn't do what he did, we wouldn't have this precious little man right here."
Rachel winced and looked up at Cliff.
"What?" he asked with a look of panic on his face.
She rubbed her stomach and shrugged.
"It was nothing."
A few minutes later she moaned. Cliff took baby Alex and handed him to his sister. He was on his knees in front of Rachel within seconds. When she cringed again, she looked into his eyes. A look of panic crossed his face again.
"We're going to the hospital. Shit! Let me help you up. We need to go. Where are my keys?"
"Right here," his sister said holding them up. "Your phone is too."
He turned around to grab them and then back to Rachel. She stood up and grabbed his arms.
"I need you to calm down, Cliff. You're freaking me out. Just help me out to the car," she said with a whimper. "It's fine. Everything is fine, babe."
He looked at her and wrapped her in his arms.
"I just want you to be okay. I want our baby to be fine."
"We will be. I'm going to be in pain. It's going to hurt. I just need you to be strong. You're my rock, Cliff. I need to look into your calm eyes. Just be there for me. We'll be fine."
He took a deep breath. Rachel giggled and then winced again.
"Do not laugh at me, woman. I love you. I can't help but try and protect you."
"You're the one that got me into this," she joked. "I'd gladly let you push the baby out. You're so cute, babe. You run a huge firm and go into courtrooms full of craziness. You're stern and bold. You don't take anyone's shit. I go into labor, and you go soft."
"I can't help it. I love you two so much. I don't love any of them. You ready to go have a little Martin?"
"I'm more than ready to bring this baby into our world. I'm going to miss you kissing and rubbing my belly though."
Rachel started walking to the car with Cliff right next to her.
"Give it a few months. I'll be talking to your belly again. You're the sexiest pregnant woman I have ever seen."
Rachel stopped and turned to face him.
"Hold on a minute," she said. "You better talk to me after I've pushed the baby out before you say things like that. Lets go have a baby, Mr. Martin."
"A baby it is, Mrs. Martin."
They didn't want to know the sex of the baby during their ultrasounds. Rachel wanted to be surprised. She just wanted a healthy baby. They hadn't discussed names at all. Cliff wanted them to see their bundle of joy before they even thought about it.
Fifteen hours after walking through the hospital doors, they had a beautiful baby boy. Cliff stayed by her side every moment. Tears fell from his eyes when he saw his son for the first time. They placed the baby in Rachel's arms, and she smiled up at Cliff.
"We have a son," she said. "He's just as handsome as his daddy."
"What do you think?" he asked. "What should his name be."
"He looks just like you, Cliff. I want to name him after you," she said through her own tears.
"Really," he said. "I'm not sure. He's perfect. I think he needs a perfect name."
"He's perfect like his dad. He's my little Cliff. You think he'll be a lawyer?" she asked.
"He'll be anything he wants to be. I'll make sure of that," Cliff said, as he rubbed the baby's cheek. "Your our little Cliff. Daddy loves you, son."
As Rachel watched her husband rub their son's cheek, all she could think about was how much her life and changed and how lucky she was.
Epilogue
One Year Later
Rachel stood in the kitchen, as she looked out the window into their beautiful backyard. She couldn't believe how surrounded by love they were. Little Cliff was in the middle of everyone for his very first birthday celebration. His proud daddy hoisted him into the air and swung him around. Rachel couldn't help but notice how unbelievably gorgeous her husband was. Alex stood waiting patiently, on wobbly legs, to play with his cousin. Cliff grabbed him up from the ground and carried the boys over to his sister.
She was doing very well for herself. Jake was paying his support each month but had yet to see his son. Cliff still kept her on doing work from home for him. It gave her the money she needed, and freed him up a little more.
He wasn't working nearly as much as he had been, and Rachel hadn't gone back to work. She loved every moment of being a full time mom. It was the best feeling in the world. She was thrilled to have her husband home as often as she could and missed him so much when we away from them. He was an amazing father and loved their son very much.
Rose was there to help her with the preparations for the party. She was only working five days a week at the house and was extremely happy to have her weekends free.
Jen and Tina spoiled the little one every chance they got.
Rachel looked around at the beautiful flowers she had planted. They had all grown so much over the summer. She agreed to let Cliff hire someone to cut the lawn, but he kept the offer open for her own John Deere. She noticed Cliff looking at her as he walked toward the house. He had such a sexy smile. When he opened the sliding door, she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tight.
They both laughed, as they looked down at the huge belly that was separating them. He leaned down and kissed her belly.
"Daddy can't wait to meet you, baby girl," he said. "I love you so much."
Rachel smiled down at him and rubbed her belly.
"Are you ready to go celebrate, little momma?" he asked, as he stood up and put his arm around Rachel. "In less than a month, were going to have another little Martin."
"I'm more than ready to meet our little girl," she answered. "I want to enjoy more than a few months of not being pregnant this time."
They both burst into laughter.
"Come on," he said. "Let's go show our little man how much we love him."
They walked hand in hand out to join the party. Rachel looked over at her little boy, as she rubbed her belly and smiled.
"Thank you for making all of my dreams come true, Cliff," she said. "I am truly the luckiest girl in the world."
The End.
Be sure to watch for my next novel - “Built for Love” (Bachelor Billionaire #5) October 30, 2015.
I will also be working on and publishing throughout this year and the beginning of next
A secret project not yet titled
His Assistant (5 years later)
After the Dark Knight
A book tying it all together (Bachelor Billionaire #6) – title undecided
Please continue on for Chapter 1 of “His Assistant - Part 1”, Chapter 1 and 2 of “Sea of Love” (Bachelor Billionaire #1), and Chapter 1 and 2 of “A Love Rekindled” (The Game of Love #1).
Other Stories by Sharon Cummin
Romance Series
Romance and a... Series: The Complete Collection
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bsp; Billionaire Romance Series
Finding Love, Keeping Love, and Saving Love
Bachelor Billionaire Series
Sea of Love (Bachelor Billionaire #1)
Sea of Love is a complete, stand-alone novel. It is #1 of a 5 novel series.
Hot for Love (Bachelor Billionaire #2)
Hot for Love is a complete, stand-alone novel. It is #2 of a 5 novel series.
Battle for Love (Bachelor Billionaire #3)
Battle for Love is a complete, stand-alone novel. It is #3 of a 5 novel series.
Rescue of Love (Bachelor Billionaire #4)
Rescue of Love is a complete, stand-alone novel. It is #4 of a 5 novel series.
The Game of Love Series
The Game of Love Boxed Set
His Assistant Serials
His Assistant, Part 1
His Assistant, Part 2
His Assistant, Part 3
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His Assistant – Part 1
Prologue
Brooke
As I sat in the front row of the funeral home, I could not help but think about her life. My mom passed away just two days before. A chill ran through my body, as I sniffed in the smell that surrounded me. I was glad there were only three flower arrangements delivered. It would have been hard to get any more than that back to the house. People came in and out of the room, letting me know how sorry they were. They all stood around telling stories about my mom. The entire room acted as if they knew her so well. She had been such a good friend to each of them, they claimed. I had to laugh, as I listened to the bullshit going on around me. None of them knew her. Not a single one of them were there for her. I can't remember any of them offering to help me through those two long, painful years. If they were such good friends, where the fuck were they when I needed help?
What Happened After Vegas? (Unexpected Love #2) Page 11