Quantum Meruit

Prologue

AN: the cover was created by me and IG username @tommyfanfictions

3RD PERSON POV – JUNE 1ST, 1996

               It was the middle of the night and Nikki Holland was sleeping when she suddenly felt her waters break. She shook her husband, Dom Holland, awake.

 "Honey, wake up!!! It's happening..."

                He stirred, but didn't open his eyes. 

"Dom!"

 "Hmm?" 

"My water just broke. We need to go to the hospital now!" 

                He bolted off the bed, grabbing the clothes she had laid on the chair the day before. They couldn't be too careful these days. 

"Nikki, I'll get the bag and call your family, you go get changed. I can't believe this is actually happening! Our child is finally here!" 

                Ten minutes later, they were locking their front door. They were on their way to meet their firstborn. The first-time parents were really nervous, but the joy of knowing that they'd be soon holding their child was overwhelming. And the fact that they didn't know the gender made it all even more exciting.

                Nikki had been in the hospital for a few hours before any action actually happened. Dom couldn't fathom what his wife was going through. In fact, he was even more nervous than she was. After what seemed an eternity, a cry was finally heard in that small hospital room in Kingston. 

"Congratulations, Mrs. Holland, you have a son. I'm going to clean him up and hand him to you in just a minute. What will you name him?", the doctor asked. 

"Thomas Stanley Holland", Dom answered. 

               They quickly cleaned baby Thomas up and handed him to Nikki. She was crying, so was her husband. The young couple stayed there admiring their newborn son. 

"We love you, little Tom." 

                They stayed there for a while, just the three of them, before calling their families to meet their baby boy.

                  In a matter of minutes, the whole Holland family was there jammed into that small room. They were all very eager to meet the youngest member of the Holland family. 

"Isn't he lovely?" 

"He's adorable!" 

"Can I hold him?" 

                   Suddenly a cough was heard. It was Dom's father trying to speak. 

"Everyone, please, may I have your attention? I have something to say. I have decided to give my first grandson an inheritance. 1 million £. But, it won't be just given to him like that. He needs to complete some requirements first."

 "Requirements? What does this mean?", Nikki asked while holding her baby boy.

 "Like a contract of some sorts, father?", Dom inquired. 

"Yes, like a contract. So, let me tell you what will need to happen in order for Thomas to get his inheritance. First, he needs to be married by 23. Second, he needs a legitimate heir with said wife by the age of 24. Not just an heir, a male heir. Then, and only then, will he be able to claim his money. He is to be informed about this on his 18th birthday. He will then have five years to make his final decision. If when the time comes he doesn't desire the money, it will all go to the next male heir in line, provided he too accomplishes said requirements.", Dom's father informed.

 "What? This is absurd!", Nikki exclaimed.

 "This will be his decision to make. You cannot and will not interfere with this.", Dom's father explained, "But let's change the subject for now... I want to hold my grandson."

                 Nikki reluctantly handed him baby Thomas. She was too happy with the arrival of her son to think about what her father-in-law just said. She would think about it in due time.