Page 41 of Don’t Fall for the Billionaire

Ashton

I sat in the nursery and rocked my son, Jackson Joseph Cross, who came into this world two weeks ago, weighing seven pounds four ounces and with a full head of black hair. He was beautiful and the greatest joy of my life, along with my daughter.

“Is he sleeping?” Eloise asked in a whisper as she walked into the room.

“He is.” I smiled.

She walked over and placed her finger on his hand. His fingers stretched around Eloise’s.

“He’s holding my hand.” She grinned.

“He knows you’re his big sister and already loves you. Come up here.” I patted the other side of my lap.

She carefully climbed up and lay her back against my chest. In that quiet moment, with my daughter on my lap, and my son in my arms, my world had never been so full.

“It’s time you got ready for bed,” I whispered to Eloise.

“I know, Dad. I just want to stare at him a while longer.”

After Eloise left the room to get into her pajamas, I carefully stood from the rocking chair and carried him to our bedroom, setting him in Charlotte’s arms. She smiled as she stared at him and softly ran her finger down his tiny cheek.

“I feel extremely guilty,” I said, climbing next to her.

“Why?”

“Because I wasn’t there for Eloise when she was this tiny. I saw her for a couple of hours a month, thinking I was holding up my end of being a father.”

“You did the best you could, Ashton.”

“No, Charlotte. I didn’t. I wasn’t there for her like I should have been. I missed all her milestones, her first words.”

“What matters is that you’re here now for her and have been. That’s what she’ll always remember.”

“Dad, I’m ready for bed.” Eloise stepped into the room. She walked over to Charlotte, gave her a kiss, and then pressed her lips against her brother’s head. “I love you, Jackson. Night, Mom.”

“Good night, sweetie. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

I climbed off the bed and followed Eloise into her room. As she climbed into bed, I sat on the edge and stared at her, the guilt eating away at me.

“I love you, Eloise.”

“I know, Dad. I love you too.”

“I want you to know that you’ll always be my firstborn. I will always be here for you, no matter what. I need to know that you understand that.”

“I do, Dad. Where is this coming from?”

“I just feel like I don’t tell you enough. That’s all.”

“You’re a great Dad. Now let me go to sleep. I’m tired.”

I chuckled. “Okay. Good night, sweetheart.” I leaned over and kissed her forehead.

“Night, Dad. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

I went back into the bedroom and climbed on the bed.

“Feel better now?” Charlotte smirked.

“Actually, I do.” I stared at my son.

“I can’t wait until the city transforms into autumn so we can push him down the street in this stroller, the leaves colorful and bright, crunching beneath our feet as we stroll along. It’ll be a crisp day, and he’ll be wrapped in a blanket, while I sip on a pumpkin spice latte.” She grinned.

“That sounds like a perfect day.” I smiled, interlacing our fingers. “Oh, by the way, I took a look at the quarterly reports for The Cozy Crumb. You’re way up this quarter.”

“Did you really think I wouldn’t be? The pies sell out faster than we can make them. Can you go there tomorrow and check on things? I know Melissa is handling everything while I’m on leave, but I still worry.”

“Of course, I will. Anything for you.” I leaned over and kissed her.

Jackson began to stir in her arms and let out a shriek, which turned into a full-blown cry.

“It’s time to feed him.” Charlotte whipped out her boob, and Jackson immediately latched on.

I sighed. “I remember when you used to whip out those babies for me.” I smirked.

“Ashton.” Charlotte laughed. “You’re bad. Don’t worry. You can have them back soon.”

“And I can’t wait.”

The Perfect Autumn Day

Ashton

It was that time of year again. Our first wedding anniversary was around the corner, and Jackson was already almost four months old. Where did the time go?

Charlotte walked beside me, her hand curled around my arm as I pushed Jackson’s stroller along the tree-lined street.

The day was crisp as our son was tightly wrapped in a blanket, shielding him from the brisk air.

The smile never left Charlotte’s face as she sipped her pumpkin spice latte, looking up at the crimson-colored leaves on the trees.

The city bustled around us in the typical New York City way. Cab horns honked, and people rushed by us on their way to their destinations. But Jackson didn’t care. He slept soundly through it all.

“Look at him,” Charlotte said. “He doesn’t even flinch with all this chaos around him.”

“That’s because he’s mine and a Cross. Born to thrive in the middle of chaos.” I smirked.

She gave my arm a playful squeeze. “Or maybe it’s because he’s already used to your snoring.”

I chuckled. “You’re probably right.”

“You know I am.” She grinned. “I hope Eloise is having a good time with your mom and Raphael.”

“You know she is. I’m sure they’re tearing up Fifth Avenue.”

We stepped into Central Park, and it looked as beautiful as ever this time of year. It was something I never noticed until Charlotte walked into my life. She showed me how one season, which was ordinary to most people, could be so much more.

For once, I didn’t feel like the city was rushing me. For once, I wasn’t Ashton Cross, the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar company, sprinting between meetings and phone calls, trying to meet deadlines. I was just here, walking with my wife and newborn son, more relaxed than I’d ever been.

Charlotte looked at me, her eyes dancing with happiness as the smell of roasted chestnuts filled the air.

“Today is perfect, Ashton.”

I couldn’t help but agree. The city never looked more beautiful. And it wasn’t because of the season. It was because of who I was enjoying it with—my family.

“Every day is perfect with you, my love.”

****

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