Chapter 1771
Winona shot him a glare. Were they on a first-name basis now, acting like best friends?
Caroline glanced at Winona’s growing belly. “It’s just a shame about his reputation as a playboy. Otherwise, he and Winona would make a lovely couple p>
“A prodigal son returning is worth his weight in gold,” Shane argued smoothly. “Making mistakes when you’re young isn’t the end of the world, as long as you learn from them, right, Caroline p>
Caroline nodded in agreement. “If Keaton truly has changed his ways, whoever marries him will be a very lucky woman p>
Shane immediately seized the opening. “So, if he were to pursue Winona, would you be okay with it p>
Caroline didn’t even hesitate. “Absolutely. As long as he’s committed to turning over a new leaf, cuts ties with his past flings, and treats Winona right, he has my full, one-hundred-percent support p>
Shane smiled triumphantly. “I support it too. What about you, Winona? Thoughts?” Winona rolled her eyes and refused to entertain the conversation.
A little while later, when Caroline stepped out of the car to use the restroom at a gas station, Winona lunged over and snatched Shane’s phone right out of his hands.
The little punk had just sent a voice memo of their entire conversation to Keaton! Winona pursed her lips. “Traitor p>
Shane rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “I only sent the last part! I didn’t send the bit about the baby. Come on, tell me the truth. Do you like him p>
“Adult matters are none of your business,” Winona scolded.
“I’m just trying to make sure my future nephew has a good dad!” Shane protested.
“There are millions of men in the world. You think I can’t find him a dad p>
“Finding a dad is easy,” Shane countered. “But there’s only one biological father. A stepdad will never measure up to the real thing p>
Winona narrowed her eyes. “You’re trying awfully hard to sell him to me. Did he pay you off p>
“His money couldn’t sway me,” Shane said defensively. “I’m saying this because I genuinely think he’s a good guy! I really believe he’s changed. Why don’t you just give him a chance and see how it goes p>
Winona rolled her eyes again and ignored him, turning her gaze out the window as she sank into her own thoughts.
For the next few days, they stayed at the Gresham family estate. After Jade Gresham’s remains were properly laid to rest, they held a beautiful memorial service and read the eulogies.
Keaton stayed the entire time, working tirelessly to handle all the arrangements. Whenever someone asked who he was, he introduced himself as Caroline’s son. No matter the setting or the audience, he called her “Mom” with total ease.
Caroline was thrilled to have suddenly gained such a devoted son, and she spent the entire week beaming with joy. Winona’s grandparents and uncles were equally fond of him.
A week later, Keaton finally had to leave. Before heading out, he pulled Winona aside to say goodbye.
“I have some business to take care of back home, so I have to head out. If you need anything, call me anytime. My phone is on twenty-four seven. Even if it’s the middle of the night, don’t hesitate p>
Winona knew Richard’s birthday was coming up, and Keaton had to return to oversee the massive banquet preparations.
“Drive safe,” she said softly. “And… thank you for everything you’ve done this past week p>
Keaton shook his head quickly. “Don’t mention it. I wanted to be here. Being able to see you every day makes me… it makes me really happy p>
A heavy, charged silence fell between them.
Keaton stood there, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. He stared down at Winona, his heart hammering against his ribs. He knew this wasn’t the right time or place for a sweeping confession, but the urge to tell her how much he loved her was almost unbearable. Yet, the fear of immediate rejection held him back.
After an agonizing internal debate, he swallowed the words. He scratched the back
of his neck, a helpless smile on his face. “Well, I guess I’ll get going p>
“Okay. Bye p>
Keaton wanted desperately to pull her into a hug, but he didn’t dare cross the line. “Take good care of yourself and the baby. Just remember to take it easy, you’re pregnant. Don’t push yourself p>
“I will p>
“I’m really leaving now p>
Keaton let out a long breath. Too scared to hug her, too scared to kiss her, but entirely unwilling to just walk away, he did the only thing he could
think of—hë awkwardly reached out and gave her a gentle pat on the head.
As soon as his hand left her hair, he turned and practically fled to his car like a thief
in the night, his heart threatening to beat right out of his chest.
Once safely in the backseat, he stared down at his palm, completely intoxicated by the lingering feeling of her hair.
His driver watched him in the rearview mirror, amused by how painful the goodbye seemed to be. “Are we actually leaving, Boss p>
Keaton’s face darkened. “Drive p>
The driver chuckled and pulled the car onto the main road.
19et
They had driven a considerable distance down the street when Keaton suddenly rolled down his Window He leaned halfway out of t the moving car, cupped his hands around his mouth, and screamed at the top of his lungs.
artalled down his
“Winona! I love you! I love you! I am so crazy about you p>