The Takeover (The Miles High Club #2)

by T.L. Swan

“I would give up having my own children, Claire, so that I don’t lose yours.”

“I love them. I want them as my sons. I want their surname to be Anderson-Miles.”

“Because I deserve my own family, God damn it. And I love them, and if you can’t see that, I don’t even fucking know who you are.”

“All this time . . . I thought you loved me,” he whispers through tears. He pauses as my eyes search his. “Guess not.”

I want to talk to my boys . . . I want to kiss my girl.

“Dad sent Tristan for us, Mom.”

“Don’t you see?” he yells. “Dad was the one who found Tristan and sent him to us.” His eyes well with tears. “What the hell would a man like Tristan Miles want with us . . . if Dad hadn’t arranged it in heaven?” he cries.

“We came to get you,” Patrick whispers into my shoulder. “We want you as our dad. We don’t care what Mom says. It’s up to us, anyway.”

I fucking love this kid.

You’re our dad, and dads belong with their kids.”

“Where’s Fletch?” I ask as I lead them into the bathroom. “He wouldn’t leave Mom alone for the weekend.” I smile proudly. Always looking out for his mom. “That’s my boy.”

I turn toward her. “Claire—” “I love you,” she cuts me off. Her eyes are filled with tears, the pain in them unbearable for me to look at. “Whatever you want me to do,” she whispers. “Wherever you want me to live. I’ll do it.” Her eyes search mine. “Just don’t leave me again.” She sobs. “I can’t stand it. I can’t do this without you, Tris.” Her chest heaves with tears, and it’s obvious she’s been crying a long time. “Please don’t leave me again,” she begs in a whisper.

“Baby,” I whisper as I pull her close. I’ve never seen her like this. “I’m not. I promise. I love you. We can do it your way.” I hold her tight. “As long as I’m with you, it will be okay. I don’t need papers; it’s okay.”

My love . . . for her. “I love you,” I whisper.

The boys and I are looking for an engagement ring for Claire. We’re finally going to be a family.

My wife.

“Claire, will you marry me?”

“You’re going to be a father.” My world stops. She smiles through tears. “I’m two months pregnant.”

“I’m taking over as CEO of Anderson Media. Fletcher and I are going to run it together.”

“I’m going to run my sons’ company . . . for them. I can build it back up so that by the time they are old enough to take it over, it will be booming.”

“You’re a good man, Tristan.” He pulls me into a hug and kisses my cheek.

“When will you be back?” he asks. I turn back to him. “When my boys are men.”