The Billionaire’s Hidden Heiress

Knox

POV

I see the stricken look on Lorelai's face as I hastened through the doorway, my mind whirling. I wasn't expecting this. Not at all. The news just shakes me to my core as I head outside, desperately seeking fresh air and a way to clear my head. I head outside and

almost collide with Flair and Rachel who are about to head inside.

"Knox" Flair says, craning her head to look up at me as I tighten my lips and glance down at the floor "What's wrong? Is Lorelai in bad shape?" her voice is sharp and filled with concern "We came as soon as we could. The poor thing must have been terrified" she continued as I remained mute "I wanted to see for myself how she was and well Rachel did too" she added, as Rachel nodded solemnly.

Nothing. I couldn't utter a word. It was like I was paralyzed. Flair peered closer at me, putting a hand on my shoulder. "Knox, what's the matter?" she asks softly.

I can't tell her. Not yet. This is something that I have to come to terms with myself. But I feel like an a*****e for abandoning Lorelai so quickly after being given the surprising news. It wasn't that I didn't want the baby. I did. More than anybody probably imagined. But fear overwhelmed me. It trapped me as I stared at my sister, wishing I could get everything off my chest. What if I was bad at being a father?

When I had babysat Hunter I had struggled just to perform the everyday ordinary tasks required. I had been naive, and inexperienced, and without Lorelai, I would have been lost as to what to do. My ineptitude had been glaringly obvious. I ran a hand through my hair, sensing that Rachel was observing me closely as well.

"She's badly injured, but recovering nicely. She's doing as well as can be expected" I said nonchalantly, trying to force a smile onto my face so that Flair wouldn't get too suspicious.

"Should you even be here?" I asked suddenly, as Flair fidgeted with her hands and Rachel feigned ignorance "With Karen on the loose? What if you're next" I said bluntly "She's already hurt one of the people I love, what if she does the same to you? You should be more careful. You should have stayed back where it was safe" I admonished, my anger rising.

Flair stiffened "For your information, we both brought bodyguards and I'm not about to spend the rest of my life looking over my shoulder waiting for when Karen decides she's going to strike next. We took precautions, we're not idiots" she said glaring at me as I relaxed slightly "and I came because Lorelai is important to you so she's important to me. It seems that some sentences in this chapter require you to read the complete chapters on Job ni b.com in order to avoid an incomplete reading experience You're engaged to her for heaven's sake and I want to get to know her a bit better before she becomes my sister-in-law." Rachel smiled "It's okay Flair, he's just concerned. He's not really angry, he's worried," she said, placing a hand on Flair's arm as Flair glanced at her "and he's just been through an ordeal getting Lorelai back. Give him some slack" she advised, her eyes twinkling.

"Where's lan?" Flair asked, pinning her gaze on me.

I shifted uncomfortably on my feet "He's still with the authorities dealing with the mess" I mumbled.

She huffs. "Of course he is, typical lan" she mumbled "At least your fiancee is safe now" she added soothingly "Do you think Lorelai would mind having visitors?"

Considering the news we'd just had, it might not be the best idea, but then I wasn't exactly the best when it came to reading Lorelai's moods. I hesitated and then slowly shook my head. "No, she's a little exhausted though," I said, as Rachel smiled and nodded knowingly "and she might be a little nervous."

Flair waved a dismissive hand "That's to be expected. I heard that she um" she leaned in close and whispered, "killed someone, is that right?"

I nodded grimly. Flair exhaled "I know what she must be feeling right now, the poor dear. Maybe talking to her about how I felt afterward, will help her. I also have the name of a good therapist that could help," she told me.noveldrama

"Thanks, I appreciate it," I said glancing back down at the ground and hoping they would both just leave me alone.

"Knox Grant, what are you avoiding telling me?" Flair's voice is sharp and blunt.

I glance at her sheepishly. "Nothing that I can tell you right now. It's personal."

She stared at me indignantly "Something is eating at you, I can tell. So spit it out, Rachel go inside, I'll meet you in a minute" She turned to her friend who wisely nodded and began to do as Flair ordered.

"Well?" she said icily, folding her arms across her chest and regarding me with a raised brow "You might as well spill because I'm not going to leave until you do."

The words burst out of me like a damn flood. Filled with frustration and self-doubt I blurt them out without thinking "Do you think I would make a good father?"

She looks taken aback "Why wouldn't I?" she asks coolly "I've seen how you are with Hunter Knox, you adore him and he loves you to pieces. You're his favorite Uncle and I'm not just saying that because lan's not here to hear it. You have a special bond with him. He loves being held by you."

But I'm not convinced "That's part of being an Uncle," I tell her quietly as she unfolds her arms and regards me with a piercing gaze "You're meant to be fun and cool. But being father material is different. I don't think that I would make a good...."

"Father" Flair supplied with her lower lip curled "why? Because you're on the spectrum?" she demanded heatedly.

I nod tightly. "I can't read people properly, I get super focused and I lose track of time" I began as if I'd said it a hundred times.

"Yes, you do" Flair interrupted without apology, shrugging as though it was nothing new to her, and to be honest, it wasn't "but you're also one of the kindest, loving, compassionate, and generous people I know. Just because you're bad at some things, doesn't mean you're bad at others," she told me softly.

"I didn't know the first thing about changing Hunter's diaper, or how to make his bottle, or how to feed him" I burst out panicked "Lorelai had to show me. A parent should know how to do that instinctively."

Flair burst out laughing, wiping tears from her eyes. "Oh Knox" she sighed, shaking her head and looking at me ruefully "do you think I knew how to do all that without being shown? I couldn't change a diaper or make up a bottle or anything else until I learned. Becoming a mother doesn't give you some sort of magic powers where you automatically know what to do. I was just as lost as you were when I first had Hunter. Grayson and I had to learn together how to take care of our son." "You did?" I asked uncertainly. "Yes," she said impatiently "we aren't born with the knowledge in our heads. You should have seen me the first time I changed Hunter's diaper. I accidentally put it on backward" she giggled remembering and despite myself, a smile curved on my lips. "But what if my child is embarrassed by me as they get older."

It was a thought that was always in the back of my mind. Flair inhaled sharply "Are you trying to tell me that Lorelai is pregnant?"

I stare into her eyes "Don't say anything, not yet. We just found out" I pleaded.

She exhales and picks her words carefully "Knox any child would be lucky to have you as their father. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. If anything you're going to be the most careful, overprotective father there is, because god knows the child won't be able to do anything without you knowing about it. They'll more than likely fear you instead" she teased as I chuckled, putting my hands in my pockets.

"What do I do now?" I asked her as she came closer and embraced me "I just left Lorelai back there. I panicked" I admitted sheepishly "I couldn't help thinking that...."

"You were wrong," she said sighing "As for what you do. You go and apologize to Lorelai," she said sternly, as I stiffened at the glint in her eyes and the expression on her face as she told me off "and you discuss this together. This affects both of you. A baby is not something to take lightly. I'm thrilled for you Knox" she added smiling at me as I grinned stupidly at her "I know how much you've always wanted a family, even if you try and deny it. I'll keep this to myself, but I expect you to make an announcement to the family soon" she warned.

I nodded again. "Also, apology flowers might be in order here. If I were in her shoes, I'd be pissed that you walked off just after receiving some important news" Flair advised, as she began to turn and head into the hospital while I stood there dumbly "and start reading up on parenting books" she called out over her shoulder "you'd be surprised how helpful they can be."

I watched her go back inside. My chest tightened. A father. I was going to be a father. My heart began to race and I could feel my breathing become shallow. Everything I had ever wanted was coming true. Like magic. I could feel my body trembling. Fatherhood would give me many more challenges to deal with, but I could feel my excitement beginning to grow at the prospect of it. I needed to make this up to Lorelai. I had let my fear get the best of me and walked away while she was feeling vulnerable. I had no doubts that Lorelai would make a wonderful mother. My doubts were only about my own abilities and my own inexperience. I closed my eyes and took deep breaths.

A son or daughter to call my own and love. I hope they resemble Lorelai and have her beautiful smile and that gorgeous hair of hers. If they are like me, then they will be loved regardless. I want this I told myself and straightened my shoulders and began to make my way steadily inside. I had an apology to give, even if it meant getting on my hands and knees. I was determined to ensure my child had everything it needed, and that started with both parents looking after its future.