The Billionaire's Widow

78

Paige’s POV

"I thought you wouldn't come," Hailey said, brushing a quick kiss against my lips.

"Amy wouldn’t let me go," I said with a small shrug. “I’m sorry.” We stepped into the living room, where everyone was already gathered. After spending the day with my own family, I’d promised to spend the evening with hers — and the Anders. The house was warm, filled with chatter and clinking glasses. I grabbed a drink from the table, trying not to be too late for dinner.

"Paige!" Cammy came running over, her little black dress bouncing with every step. I laughed and caught her.

"Hey, princess," I said, kissing her cheek.

"Gray and I got you a present!" she grinned.

"You two are the best." I kissed her again. “Where is he?”

"I’ll call him!" She wriggled out of my arms and sprinted off to the game room.

I greeted the others with hugs and smiles. The warmth in the room made me feel instantly at home.

"You look really beautiful tonight, Paige," Kiara said warmly.

"Thank you, Kiara." I offered a genuine smile.

"You’re welcome." She turned away, and I looked around for Hailey. She was off to the side with her brother Nathan, speaking quietly. She looked… uneasy. He was trying to calm her, but she didn’t seem convinced. She caught me watching and gave a faint, tight smile before returning to their conversation.

"Paige!" Gray called out. I looked down and smiled as he appeared beside me. I scooped him up into a hug.

"Hey, buddy!" I said, kissing his cheek. He giggled.

"Why didn’t you come in the morning to open your present?"

"I’m sorry, sweetheart, I was with my family earlier," I said.

He frowned. "Aren’t we your family too?"

I smiled gently. "Of course you are. I just meant my mom and sisters. But you guys are very much my family too. You know that, right?"

He nodded slowly. "Okay."

I set him down and watched him run back to the game room. I turned and made my way toward Hailey. Something wasn’t sitting right with me.

"Hey," I said softly, leaning in to kiss her temple. "You okay?"

"Um… yeah. I’m okay, baby," she said, but her expression told another story.

"You sure?"

She hesitated, then looked at Nathan. He gave her a subtle nod. Before she could answer, Karen’s voice rang out:

"Dinner is ready!"

Annette stood beside her in an apron — of course she’d insisted on helping in the kitchen.

"I’ll get the kids," Hailey said quickly, escaping toward the game room.

Hailey’s POV

The kids were shouting and laughing in the game room. I didn’t really need to fetch them — Charlotte could’ve handled it — but I needed the space. A moment to breathe.

"Dinner time!" I called. They dropped everything and scrambled for the door.

“Allison, your scar is healing well,” I said as she passed me.

"Thanks, Aunt Hailey." She smiled shyly and hurried off.

I followed slowly, my mind racing. At the table, Paige’s seat was next to mine, just like always. She looked relaxed — her sleek bun neat, her makeup subtle. She was beautiful. I took a calming breath and sat beside her.

"You okay?" she whispered. "You still seem tense."

I nodded. "I'm fine."

She didn’t believe me, but she let it go.

Tony said grace, and dinner began. The food was great — Annette had made some French dishes along with the usual Christmas fare. Everyone was in high spirits. It had been years since we were all under the same roof like this.

Nathan started telling a story about our childhood. I didn’t catch all of it, but everyone burst out laughing.

"But Mommy hates cats," Cammy blurted.

"That’s because one ruined her favorite teddy," Nathan replied.

"And my hat!" I added, chuckling.

"It must’ve been a special hat for you to still hold a grudge," Annette teased.

"It was," I laughed. Then I turned to Paige. She was watching me with a smile.

"Mr. Scribbles?" she said, eyebrows raised.

"Don’t mock my teddy. He meant a lot to me until Mom’s cat basically murdered him."

"You are such a child," she muttered with a smirk, and I giggled.

After a few more bites of food and glances from Nathan, I knew I had to go through with it. I cleared my throat and gently tapped my glass. Conversations faded.

"I… um, I just want to say something," I started. "Thank you all for being here. Having everyone together again, especially with Paige here, means more than I can explain."

I turned toward her and took a slow breath.

"I was going to do this privately, but then I thought… you’ve already become part of this family. They’ve welcomed you. So why not let them be here for this moment too?"

Her expression shifted. Confused, then surprised.

I pulled out a ring box and opened it.

"Paige Carson… I love you so much. Being with you has reminded me what it means to live again. After losing Xavier, I didn’t think I could feel this way again — but I do. I really do. If there’s one thing I learned, it’s that life doesn’t wait for us. So I’m not waiting anymore."

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

The room went still. No dramatic gasps, just quiet tension — everyone waiting.

Paige blinked fast, her eyes glossing over.

"I love you too," she whispered, then nodded. "Yes."

My heart finally unclenched.

"You said yes?" I asked, just to be sure.

She laughed quietly and nodded again. I slid the ring on her finger. She leaned forward and kissed me — not rushed, not flashy — just full of emotion. The room erupted into warm applause and a few light cheers.

"Ewwww!" the twins groaned, making everyone laugh.

I leaned back, hand still holding hers. She looked at me, eyes damp but steady.

"I mean it," I said quietly. "I’m ready for all of it — you, the kids, the future."

She nodded. "Me too."

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