Page 19 of Forbidden Bliss

“You bet. But Tristan?”

“Yeah?”

Hunter pauses, then says, “You break her heart again, I’ll have to break that pretty face of yours. Just thought you should know.”

My torso tightens before his heartfelt belly laugh resonates through the phone.

Chuckling, I relax and shake my head. “Noted. I’m ready to be there for them. To be the father Lana deserves and the partner Willow needs.”

There’s a pause before Hunter speaks again, this time with a hint of a smile in his voice. “Good, because they’re ready for you. It’s time for you to step up. Besides, I could use a break from all the Disney movies.”

I laugh. “Alright. I’ll take over from here. I’m getting the chopper ready right now.”

Hunter clears his throat. “The helipad will be ready.”

“Perfect. Thank you.”

“Absolutely,” he replies. “Oh, and one more thing.”

“Yep?”

“Take care of them,” he says, his tone carrying a familiar protective edge. “I don’t want a repeat of last time.”

“Me neither,” I respond. “You have my word.”

The call ends, and I stand there for a minute to absorb the conversation. Who knew he would finally be on board with this whole thing?

The reality of what I’m about to do settles over me. I grab my bag, feeling a sense of purpose as I head to the rooftop of my penthouse, where my helicopter pilot awaits.

After the chopper rises into the sky, the landscape transforms into a patchwork of greens and browns, with scattered peaks reaching towards the horizon.

The trip to the North is far different from just a couple weeks ago, when I drove the Lambo up. This time, there’s no uncertainty and no fear. Only the clarity of knowing where I should be and who I need to be there for.

As the helicopter approaches the house, I spot the helipad below, a small clearing amidst the trees. The rotors slow, and we descend, landing smoothly.

Hunter stands by the pad with his hands clasped behind his wide hips. After the engine shuts down, he walks over and extends a hand. “Welcome back, Tristan.”

“Thanks.” A smile tugs at my mouth as I shake his hand firmly for the very first time. “Seriously. For everything.”

He nods before stepping aside and gesturing to the entrance. “They’re inside. Go to them.”

As I head towards the house, the door opens, and suddenly, Willow is there with Lana by her side. Her eyes meet mine, and a rush of emotions floods through me.

Lana’s face lights up with a smile, and she runs towards me. “Daddy!” Her voice is full of joy. “Where have you been? I made a new painting for you.”

Bending down, I scoop her into my arms.

“I’ve been finding my way back to you.” My throat chokes with emotion. “And I can’t wait to see your new creation.”

Willow’s eyes glisten as her face breaks into a smile. “I knew you’d be back.”

A sense of calm rolls through me. “I can’t stay away from you. In fact, I intend to spend every day of my life earning your trust. You and Lana are the only future I care about.”

She steps forward and touches my cheek. “I believe you, Tristan, and I believe in us.”

My shoulders suddenly feel lighter, like they’re floating. “I have plans, Willow. Big plans. An art gallery for your work, an art school where you can teach, and a stable home for Lana. Will you come back to Las Vegas with me?”

She puts her index finger up to her mouth. “Hmm. Sounds like you’ve mapped everything out.”