The Broken One (Corisi Billionaires, #1)(64)

He shook his head. The pain I expected to see in his eyes didn’t materialize. His expression was somber, but not tortured like it had been the first time he’d met Ava.

Ava looked from Sebastian to me. “I would like a daddy.” With that, she went back to introducing the stuffed animals to each other.

“Ava, why don’t you take your pack to the living room?” I suggested.

She didn’t need more encouragement than that to gather them up and take them to where her dolls were. I smiled as I watched her introducing them all as if they were real.

When I turned back to Sebastian, I said, “I hope you don’t mind that I sprang the gift like that. After we talked, I remembered I’d stashed them in my closet.”

“This was the perfect moment.” He leaned across the table and laced his hand with mine. “You have an amazing daughter, Heather. So young, but so confident. I see a lot of you in her.”

That made me smile. “Nature versus nurture. I was always serious, always needed to feel in control. Brenda was a much freer spirit. She believed in things like luck and fate. We were very different people—but in the ways that mattered, we were the same. My hope is that Ava gets the best of both of us.”

He nodded. “In the future I have no doubt car veterinarians will exist. With a powerhouse like Ava, how could they not?”

I loved how easily our hands fit together; would our lives blend as smoothly? I wanted to believe so. “Thank you for not pushing to get to know her before I was ready.”

He raised my hand to his lips for a gentle kiss. “This is too important to rush.”

My breath caught in my throat. The last few weeks had been magical, but we hadn’t talked about the future. Nor had he said he loved me.

I understood why. Some men might throw the word around or use it for gain, but Sebastian wouldn’t say it until he felt it.

He didn’t play games.

“So,” he said, “when is this festival?”

“Saturday.”

“Do you want to meet there or for me to pick you and Ava up?”

Forward, not back. “Let’s all go together.”

His smile said it was the answer he’d hoped for; then his expression turned serious again. “What do you think will happen when you see your father?”

I tightened my hand on his. It was a question that took a moment to consider before answering. I lowered my voice. “I’m not sure, but I know I need to give him a chance. In the past when something scared or disappointed me, I closed the door on it. I want to do better—for Ava.”

He was quiet for a moment. “When you’re ready, I’d like you and Ava to meet my family.”

“Your family?” A small panic washed over me even though I knew it was the next logical step.

“We gather at my parents’ home every Sunday. You’re welcome whenever you’re ready for that step.”

I didn’t thank him for his patience, mainly because I couldn’t breathe. We’re doing this. We’re taking this to the next level.

Yes, I’d asked him to meet my father, but that was because Sebastian was more than a lover now—he was also my friend. So far, though, being with him hadn’t had a stronger impact on the life I’d made for myself.

Meeting his parents was a big move, especially to a man like Sebastian. Despite my feelings for him, I wasn’t sure if I was ready to make that leap.

Everything would likely change.

If things got serious—where would we live?

Would he understand that I still wanted to work?

Would he want children? Would I? How would that affect Ava?

All those questions and more awaited me as soon as I agreed to meet his family. I sat there, slightly hyperventilating, wishing I could think of something—anything—to say.

The front door of my house flew open, and Erica’s three children poured in with Erica fast on their heels. She looked uncharacteristically flustered. “I hate to do this, but Bob was in an accident at work. He’s at the ER. He got his arm stuck in something. It might need surgery. Could you watch the kids so I can go to the hospital?”

“Of course.” I was on my feet in a heartbeat. “Have they eaten?”

Sebastian was at my side.

Erica brought a hand to her mouth. “Yes. No. We were in the middle of dinner when Bob called.”

“I’ll drive you,” Sebastian said.

Still looking panicked, Erica said she was fine, but Sebastian insisted. “Erica, we’ll take your car. I’ll get a ride back. While I’m out, I’ll pick up pizza for the kids.”

Relief spread across her face. “Sebastian, you’re my hero.”

“Mine,” Ava chimed in. “He’s my hero.”

“Look! He brought puppies,” Charlotte exclaimed.

Erica answered her phone. “I’m on my way, Bob. No, I’m not; Sebastian is driving. Fifteen minutes tops.”

I stopped Sebastian near the door and gave him a quick kiss. “No, my hero,” I murmured against his lips.

He lifted his head and winked. “Save your gratitude for when we’re alone.”

I chuckled and told Erica to call me as soon as she knew anything. Wrapping my arms around myself, I watched him sprint down the stairs with Erica, and I realized it was already too late. Even if moving forward held uncertainty, I loved Sebastian and I wanted him in my life. Not just on the phone, not only for lunchtime romps.