Of Mountains and Men: A Why Choose Romance

Chapter 32

"The diner was simple, greasy and perfect." I sigh happily, now snuggled in James. Charley passed out in his car seat the moment he was buckled in. "I think we'll be able to put him straight to bed."

"Yeah, he's pretty passed out." James agrees, "I'm glad you're here, even though the airport terrifies you."

I bite my lip suppressing a giggle, "It was awful, but the flight wasn't so bad. I'm happy to be with you three." I frown, "Where did you each grow up?"

"New York." James says.

"L.A." Michael says.

"North Platte, Nebraska." Andrew chuckles.

I gap at him, "You're from a small town too?"

He laughs, "No, North Platte is a lot bigger than Paleriver. It was a huge step though to move to the west coast and moved up the business ladder to get to where I am today. Of course, these two I met the day of orientation."

"How long have you known each other?"

Michael glances over at Andrew in the passenger seat, "Eleven years now."

I nod, "That's a long time."

"It is, but hopefully we'll spend the rest of our lives with you." James says, and I start bawling. His eyes widen, and I smack him.

"Don't say such sweet things to a pregnant lady!" I cry really easily now.

They all laugh.

"What's so funny?" My tears dry up and I feel a bit grumpy.

"Nothing." They all say.

I wait, for them to continue, or explain or something and I get nothing. Then we're pulling into an underground garage. "This is where you park every day?" I ask wide eyed, "Isn't it kind of scary?" I'm peering around, everything is well lit, yet still dark and shadowy.

James laughs, "There is security out front, and cameras absolutely everywhere."

We park in an assigned spot, I go to get Charley out of the back, Michael shoos me out of the way. "He's too heavy for you to be lifting so much."

I roll my eyes, "I can handle him just fine."

"You have help now." Andrew reminds me, taking my bag.

James scoops me up in his arms, I squeal and swat his arms, "Set me down. I can walk just fine." I let James lead the way to the elevator, scowling at him, how dare he pick me up that brat.

James scans a badge that lets him into the elevator, maybe it is a little safer than I was initially thinking. Once in the elevator, James inserts a key and presses a button for the penthouse. My jaw drops, "You own a penthouse apartment? That you need a special key for?"

He chuckles, "Yeah, I wanted the best for Priscilla and I. We didn't come from a lot of money, so it's nice being able to buy whatever we want now. That's why the three of us understand how hard you've had it and want to give you a fairy tale ending."

I punch him as the tears start to fall from my eyes, "I suppose I should have asked you more about yourselves sooner, it's all been about me and I'm a terrible person." I sob, this time I let James catch me before I fall. The door opens up and he carries me into his apartment.

"I'm putting Charley in the guest room, it's right here." He gestures, quietly taking him in.

I nod, still crying, "I can't believe how selfish I've been."