The Billionaire's Widow

37

Paige's POV

Amy's wedding had finally arrived. It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon-one of those perfect days where everything feels like it's in its place. Saying I was excited would be a massive understatement. The whole day, I was buzzing. I got to see family friends I hadn't seen in months, even years, and I finally met Austin's side of the family too. It made everything feel full, whole, like two worlds were finally blending.

What made it even better? Things between Hailey and me had healed. We were finally in a good place. That alone had my heart smiling the entire day.

My big sister was officially Mrs. Hartley.

The wedding was everything you'd expect from Amy-huge, elegant, glamorous. The venue was indoors, and the theme colors were gold and white. Her wedding planner? Absolute genius. Every detail looked straight out of a movie.

Amy's dress was the ultimate princess gown-full skirt, delicate sparkles, beads catching the light like magic. Romantic and dreamy, with just the right modern touch to make it stand out. It was very her-bold, beautiful, unforgettable.

Then, Austin stepped forward and cleared his throat on the mic. I smiled, knowing exactly what was coming. Amy had told me beforehand-they had a surprise for his family.

"Um... I want to thank you all again for coming to our wedding and supporting my wife and me as we begin this journey together," he said, his voice warm. The room erupted into cheers and claps.

I glanced over at my sister. She looked stunning. Her makeup-done by the top artist in town-was flawless. That had been one of Hailey's wedding gifts to her. Amy was so touched, she'd asked me to call Hailey just to thank her personally.

Austin continued, taking Amy's hand. "I know some of you already know, but... we have an announcement."

He paused, then grinned.

"We're pregnant."

The entire room exploded into cheers, claps, gasps, and laughter. Austin leaned down and kissed her, and the cheers only got louder. I couldn't stop smiling. She looked radiant-glowing in every way possible.

Later that evening, during the after-party, I stepped outside to the garden for a breather and a quiet moment. I had a glass of champagne in one hand and my phone in the other, FaceTiming Hailey-because I missed her.

"I'm not drunk. I can still see you," she giggled, shaking her head.

I laughed. "Your eyes are definitely smaller. You're drunk."

"Baby, my eyes are perfectly fine. You're just being silly," I said, cheeks a little flushed.

"You just called me 'baby,'" she teased, smiling.

"You should get used to it," she grinned.

I giggled. "By the way, Amy says thank you again for sending Susan. She's amazing. Like... insanely good."

"It was nothing. I'm glad she loved it," she said softly. "Have the newlyweds left yet?"

I shook my head. "Not yet. And trust me, the moment they leave, I'm out too. My feet are screaming."

She laughed. "Wanna come over for a massage?"

I could tell by the look in her eyes she wasn't just talking about a massage.

"Tempting," I smirked, "but I'll have to pass."

She gasped. "Did you just say no to me?"

I chuckled. "We both know it wouldn't end at a massage. And like I said, I'm exhausted."

She frowned dramatically. "But I miss you."

"You look so cute when you pout like that."

She blushed and tried to hide her face. "Stop."

"Paige?" a voice called out.

I looked over. "Oh, hey, Stephen." I smiled at him before turning back to my phone. "Babe, I'll call you later, okay?"

"If you're hanging up for that guy, then promise me you'll come over tonight," Hailey said, raising a brow.

"Babe!" I laughed, eyes wide. "Are you seriously making me choose?"

She nodded confidently. "Yup."

I looked at Stephen, who seemed confused. I sighed, then smiled.

"Fine. I'll see you soon."

"Oh, I'll be waiting," she said with a wink, then ended the call.

I laughed, shaking my head as I slipped my phone into my clutch.

"Sorry about that," I said, turning to Stephen as he sat beside me.

"I didn't know you and Kim were back together," he said casually.

"Kim? Oh God, no!" I laughed. "That wasn't Kim."

He looked visibly relieved. "Good. I wasn't ready for another one of your heartbreak sagas."

"Shut up," I giggled. "I'm never going back there."

"So... new girl?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I smiled. "I'll tell you more when the time is right. It's still fresh, and I want to keep it between us for now."

He nodded understandingly. "Fair enough. Just promise me you're happy. You're basically like a best friend to me. I don't ever want to see you go through what Kim put you through again."

"I promise. I'm happy."

"Good." He smiled. "I was about to head out. Need a ride?"

I shook my head. "Nope. I forgot to tell you-I got a car."

He blinked. "Wait... what?"

I laughed. "Yeah. With all the wedding chaos, my feelings for this woman, and work, I forgot to mention it."

"Paige! That's huge! Congrats!"

"Thanks." I stood up. "Actually, come with me. I'll show you. I was just about to check if Amy and Austin left anyway."

He followed me out as we walked toward the carports where the guests had parked.

"Let me guess," he said, "it's white?"

I rolled my eyes, smiling. "Why do you know me so well?"

"Paige, we've been friends for almost five years. I know your favorite colors by now."

"You're too much," I muttered with a laugh.

We reached the front, and I pointed. "Okay, here she is. My baby."

Stephen's eyes widened. "Dude! No way you picked this on your own."

I smirked. "Let's just say... it was a gift from my special lady. But I got to choose the final one. She just gave me a few... luxury options."

He blinked. "She bought you a car?"

I nodded.

"You better marry her."

We both burst out laughing.

"You're ridiculous."

I pulled out my keys and unlocked the car.

"Alright, buddy. I've gotta go to my woman."

"Catch you later, Paige," he said, pulling me in for a quick hug.

______________________