Continuing my pathetic adolescent school girl giggling, I started humming “My Pony” while swaying my hips from side to side as I washed myself. I realised that Ginuwine’s song, and the visuals of Bryce creeping along the floor to me were going to be permanently etched onto my brain and inner eyelids. Awesome! Best birthday present, EVER!
Shaking my head in disbelief at his devotion to please me—and the fact that he was a pretty good dancer—I quickly showered and got myself ready so that I could get to work and help him in any way that I could, knowing that he had a tonne of work to do. I put on my purple Versace jersey wrap dress, which adapted quite nicely to my slightly thicker waistline, and paired it with my divinely gorgeous purple Manolo Blahnik Kilis.
I hopped along, putting my heels on as I walked to the top of the stairs, making sure they were secured nicely before I started to make my way down. As I took my third step, I felt a sudden surge of terror, a feeling of imbalance and dread as if my senses knew what was happening to me before my brain had a chance to convey the message. My heart stopped beating, and my breath paused as I realised I was falling forward rather quickly.
My first instinct had me turning to the side to prevent tumbling face first, while reaching out and securing the railing with both hands. But as I gripped the safety rail, I felt a shocking surge of pain in my ankle, forcing me to let go and slip further down, losing the fight to stay upright. I slammed into the stairs, hitting my head and instantly feeling really strange before all went black.
***
BRYCE
I really needed to fucking hire more staff. Ever since Alexis strolled into my life like an angel, I had been up to my fucking neck in work. Why? Because she was just a major distraction in every possible kind of way, and because of that, I kept pushing my work aside just to spend time with her. I couldn’t help it, and it was only going to get worse, especially when the baby arrived.
I didn’t want to spend day upon day working while the love of my life and our happy little family spent time with each other without me. No, fuck that. I had every intention to back off work and devote more time to what was more important. I had worked my arse off for a long time and I was now ready to reap the benefits.
I picked up the phone and dialled Arthur.
“Arthur Gordon, speaking.”
“Arthur, its Bryce.”
“Good morning, Bryce. What can I do for you?”
“I need to set up a board meeting. Topic of agenda will be making you Senior Vice President.”
Arthur cleared his throat. “That is certainly not what I expected you to say. Can I ask why?”
“Arthur, Alexis is pregnant. I’m going to be a father. I need to relinquish some of my duties and free up some time so that I can be the best father and partner I can be. I can’t do that without your help.”
“Oh...well...I see. Congratulations, Bryce. Good gracious, that was quick.”
I chuckled at my late father’s best friend—my close friend, and the only man I had ever looked up to apart from my dad. “Thanks. It wasn’t planned, but we are beyond thrilled. I’m going to sign over an additional 6% stake in the company to you, giving you 15% in total. You will hold the title of Senior Vice President, Gareth will still remain Vice President with his 10% stake, and his duties will go unchanged. Your duties however, will increase. If you require a personal assistant to help with the additional work load then we will hire one. What do you say? I don’t trust anyone else, Arthur. Please say yes.” I waited for his answer. “Listen think about it and—”
“No Bryce. Of course, I’ll do it. I am honoured, thank you.”
“No. Thank you, Arthur.”
“So, you’re gonna be a dad. I couldn’t be happier for you, Bryce, and I know your parents are somewhere up above, incredibly proud and smiling down on you.”
I almost choked at the old man’s words. I respected Arthur and looked up to him more than he’d ever know, and his kind words and thoughts of my parents pierced my heart in a big way. “Thanks, Arthur. I hope you’re right. Listen, I’ve got to go. I will speak to you about the changes in a few days, okay?”
“Of course.”
I ended the phone call, stood up from my desk and walked over to the window, taking in the view of Port Phillip Bay. Would my parents be proud? I hoped so. I’d never really given much thought to the notion that they could be smiling down upon me. I liked that idea though. I liked the thought that they could somehow see me and Lucy all grown up and happy with families.
I looked at my watch and noticed it was past 10 a. m. Alexis, you little sleeping beauty. The thought of her asleep on her stomach, her bare back visible and longing to be touched, stirred my need to go and see her. Fuck, the things she does to me. No wonder I am so far behind in work. I honestly didn’t care though. She made me so fucking happy, all I wanted was to be around her.