83

No one could wipe the smile off Nathan's face; he was incredibly happy.

That day, he had decided to ask Suzanne for a new chance to be with her and their family.

He only left her side when he had to go home to shower, and because it was necessary, but after that, he spent the whole day with her and the babies.

He still had matters to attend to, but for now, he wanted to enjoy his family.

He had become more overprotective than ever, that protective instinct having blossomed even more with his children frequently in his arms.

The limousine was waiting to take them on an outing, but there wasn't just one limousine; there were three more black cars, one in front of the limousine and two behind. Nathan had explained that those were the security personnel he had hired.

It might have been a bit excessive, but after the scares they had experienced, he wasn't willing to take any chances.

He helped her settle in the back and then took one of their children in his arms, and they set off for a family picnic.

It was a relaxing moment, and Nathan saw with satisfaction that Suzanne was becoming more confident and comfortable in his company.

He very much wanted to take her and their children to his house, but he was sure she wouldn't like that, and he was right, because on the way back, she immediately questioned their destination.

"This road doesn't lead to my house..." she looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"We're going to the mansion," he looked at her with a grimace, noticing that she became serious. "Please, you don't expect me to stay away from you all."

"Why don't you visit us?" her response made a lump form in his throat, fearing she didn't want a chance between them.

"Because... I want a permanent place by your side," he said, and she swallowed nervously. "Today I'll leave after dropping you off at home so you can rest. I'll be back as soon as possible, okay?"

She just nodded, wondering what was so urgent that he needed to leave her and their children alone.

"Will you come back today?" she was unable to look him in the eyes when she asked that.

“Of course, today,” he assured, and Suzanne gave a half smile.

Nathan took longer than necessary because his lawyer was traveling and had asked for an urgent last-minute meeting, which made him return practically running.

The man had reproached him severely, but the magnate Strong couldn't wait for what he was planning.

He had equipped his own mansion with everything necessary for her and their children, a house suitable for having his family back, with or without her grandfather's consent.

He was sure Suzanne would be happy. He was ready to tell her everything he felt, everything he had hidden, and everything he wanted for her in the future.

He had no doubt that he wanted her as his wife again.

Later that night, he entered the room and smiled at seeing the cribs beside Suzanne's bed, who was deeply asleep.

He approached her and frowned, puzzled, seeing that her cheeks bore traces of tears.

For a moment, Suzanne had thought he wouldn’t come back, so she had started crying without even predicting it or being able to avoid it.

“I love you,” Nathan whispered, caressing her cheek.

It was the first time he had said that, but she couldn’t hear him.

He heard some small whimpers and approached the cribs, seeing one of his little ones move, now awake.

“You and I are going to the living room for a bit, little man. Let’s go so we don’t wake Mommy and your sister,” he whispered tenderly to his little one, taking him in his arms.

He walked down the stairs with the baby in his arms, and then his phone started ringing. He grabbed it before the baby could get scared by the noise.

"Hello?"

"Nathan?"

"Yes."

"It's me, Jamie."

"I know," he said, rolling his eyes.

He loved his friend, but sometimes he acted like a fool.

"I just wanted to let you know that everything is ready to start the company repair," he commented in a flat tone.

"Perfect. Thanks for taking care of everything," he said sincerely.

"You know you can always count on me," Jamie smiled slightly.

"Jamie..."

"Yes?"

"Have you... talked to Dylan?" he asked cautiously, hearing a sigh on the other end of the line.

"I tried, but he slammed the door in my face and won't answer my calls or messages," he swallowed, feeling sad.

"Don't give up, friend," Nathan urged, feeling somewhat strange for saying something like that. "You love him, don't you?"

"Very much," Jamie confessed with a trembling voice. "If he never forgives me..."

"He will, you'll see," Nathan assured, forming a plan. "He will agree to talk to you, trust me..."

"But how...?"

The conversation was interrupted by the baby's cry, who calmed down as soon as his father stood up and began to rock him in his arms.
"Is that one of your little ones?" asked Jamie, who had heard the cry.

"Yes, Suzanne and the other one are sleeping."

"You're very lucky. I'm eager to meet them," Jamie said more cheerfully.

"Yes, I know. So come and see them," Nathan said with a smile.

"I will soon."

"Good. I wanted to let you know that I need to talk to you in person," he smiled thoughtfully. "I have something in mind."

"What is it about?"

"I want to spend more time with my family," Nathan simply said.

"Oh! I understand, you know I'd be happy to help you."

"I thought so. Now I have to go, I need to give my son his bottle," he said proudly.

"I never thought I'd hear you say that," Jamie said with a smile.

"Neither did I, but I'm delighted to be able to say it," Nathan said, ending the conversation.

The little one fell asleep as soon as he finished his milk, so Nathan placed him in his crib and lay down next to Suzanne without touching her, waiting for his turn to re-enter her life properly.