Shane's POV

"Alexander has a son?!"

Emilia began to explain. "Like so many other women, I fell for Alexander's charms. But he didn't assault me. I consented to do what happened. When I found out I was pregnant, I went to tell him. Alexander stood in his living room, laughing in my face like I had made a joke. Even sadder was the fact that he had another woman in his bedroom the day I told him. She came downstairs, totally naked, oblivious to see that I was standing right there. Or, maybe she did it on purpose. Before today, I haven't seen him since that day. I have been raising Hayden on my own. I came today to see Alexander get what he deserves. And thank you for the offer of lunch. We want to come."

"You're welcome. You can ride with us. But first, we have to deal with the media. How old is your son?"

"Hayden is three years old."

"Okay. I'll carry Hayden but shield his face from the media."

"That is fine. And thank you. Hayden is a friendly little fellow."

He sure is because he came right over and let me pick him up. Then, the little guy rested his head on my shoulder. "Let's go face the media."

I grabbed Bliss's hand with my free one. Then, she linked her arm with Emilia's. I'll discuss with her later about us helping Emilia financially with Hayden.

As soon as we reached the podium, I spoke first. I placed my free hand over Hayden's face to shield him from the media.

"First, I want to address the reporter who shoved the microphone in my bride-to-be's face. This ordeal with Mr. Mahoney was stressful for us, especially for her. For him to do what he did was disgusting. We have always addressed the media after each court date. Can the media just once show some freaking respect to others?! Now, I am not saying the media as a whole is guilty. So, could you not twist my words? My next sentence is directed to the few who will ruin it for others. Plain and simple - show some respect!"

"Moving on, my bride-to-be and I are relieved this is finally over. Now, we can focus our attention on our wedding and her business, which is coming soon to New York. Thank you for your time."

Bliss' POV

"As Shane said, we can finally be happy and move on with our lives. Plain and simple - I love Shane Landes, and he loves me. He is the ONLY man allowed to touch me intimately. I am sick and tired of people's racist comments about me and our relationship. And I am tired of constantly addressing this topic - I don't need any man's money! I have never asked Shane for one dime! I have my own money! Get that through your thick heads!! Now, if I have to address this topic again, nobody will like it."

"Mr. Mahoney got what he deserved. I DID NOT ask for anything from him but to leave me alone. On December 14th, I am marrying the only man I want, and he is standing by my side - Shane Landes. Thank you for your time, and enjoy the rest of your day."

Mason and Ryan led everyone down the courthouse stairs, and we proceeded inside the limo to the restaurant Shane picked for us.

*********

After everyone was seated, I introduced Emilia.

"Everyone, I would like you all to meet Emilia and her son, Hayden. I'll go around the room. Next to Shane are Adrian and Brently. They are Shane's parents, but I call them my mom and dad. Then, we have Nana Margie and Grampa Eddie, Shane's grandparents, who I just adore. Next to Shane's grandparents is my grandpa Marcus, who is the best. Then, my Florida family - Kam, Cris, Noeli, Marco, Kalani, Isabela, Antonio, and the kids. The kids are Día, Rocco, Isabella, and Kekoa."

"Then, my New York family - My brother, Julian, sisters Jessica and Andrea. Mason is my bodyguard, Andrea's boyfriend, and my best guy friend. Sitting next to Julian is Carly, Shane's sister and one of my best friends, who is like a sister to me. Carly and Julian are dating. Then we have Layla, who is holding her baby boy, Logan. Braelyn, who is very sweet, is Layla's daughter. Ryan is her husband and my best guy friend. And Austin is my friend also and Braelyn's father. Next to Austin are Kevin and Aris, me and Shane's best friends."

"It is nice to meet everyone. I was one of the numerous women that Alexander charmed into liking him. My son is a result of his charms."

I whispered to her, "You don't have to say anymore. My family will understand."

"It's okay. I don't mind. It was actually four years ago, in August of 2015, when I first met Alexander. He was very charming and good-looking, or so I thought. What we did was consensual. When I found out I was pregnant, I went to tell him, and he laughed right in my face. And, to make matters worse, he had another woman in his house the same day. My son was born in June 2016. He just turned three last month. I made sure I sat up front, right behind Alexander, because that would be the only time he would see Hayden. And I came to support Bliss. That was my main focus. I hate Alexander for what he has done, and he is getting what he deserves."

"Honey, you and your son are a part of our family now. That piece of slime will never bother you, Bliss, my daughter Carly or Jessica again. And, call me mom. Your son is adorable."

Hayden walked over to play with Rocco and the kids. Adrian truly is wonderful. That is one of the reasons that mom is special. I just thought of an idea.

"Emilia, can I set up a bank account for Hayden? Alexander had no right to laugh in your face that you were pregnant. Hayden also deserves to benefit from the compensation the judge awarded me. And I am sure that I want to do it."

"I don't know what to say." She started getting emotional, so I hugged her.

"Emilia, you are my friend. I take care of my friends and family. I can even babysit Hayden for you sometimes. I don't mind. Like mom said, 'You are a part of our family now.'"

"Thank you all so much for your support and kindness. It means a lot to me."

Shane leaned over to my ear and said, "You are a beautiful, kindhearted person. I love you." Then, he kissed my cheek.

He had me blushing in the restaurant, and I kissed him back.

Braelyn came over, and she had a bag with her.

"Auntie, I have a gift for you." It was a pretty pink bag. "Daddy helped me make it."

I opened it to see what was inside. It was a picture of Braelyn and Austin dressed up, a memory book, and a CD.

"It is a way for me and Braelyn to say thank you for everything - for the times you babysat Braelyn and for showing how much you cared about Braelyn at Layla and Ryan's wedding. The CD is a recording of the father/daughter dance that Braelyn and I attended. Braelyn even won a special award her teacher presented to her at the program," Austin mentioned. "I have a gift bag for everyone at my house."

"Aww, thank you, Lollipop." I kissed Braelyn on her cheek before she went back to her seat. "And thank you, Austin. Or should I say Princess Braelyn? That tiara is adorable. I will always treasure this. And congratulations on winning your award, sweetie."

"Thank you, Auntie."

**********

We had a great time at the restaurant, but I am ready to go home, take a nice warm bath and go to sleep. Shane told me to take the next few days off, and I will enjoy it.

Before we left the room, I wanted to say a few words.

"To everyone in this room, thank you so much for your support. For these past two weeks, I couldn't have made it without you, especially today since Mr. Mahoney was in the courtroom. Jake, Mason, Sean, and Cris' security team, thank you all for protecting my family. Isabela, Antonio, Kalani, Nana Margie, Grampa Eddie, Grandpa Marcus, Adrian, and Brently, thank you all for coming into my life and treating me like a daughter and granddaughter. It means a lot to me. I miss my parents so much, but it helps to know you all are there for me."

The tears started falling, so Shane began to rub my back in a circular motion.

"This is hard because I mean every word I say. Thank you to my sisters - fleshy and best friends. Jessica, Andrea, Carly, Kam, Layla, Noeli, and Aris - Thank you for your text messages and phone calls. They were special."

"My bros and guy best friends - Julian, Mason, Cris, Ryan, Marco, Kevin, and Austin, thank you all for being my protectors and being there for me."

"And to my new friends - Emilia and Hayden - Thank you for your support, and welcome to my family."

"I can't forget my kids - Día, Rocco, Braelyn, and the babies - Kekoa, Isabella, and Logan - just seeing you all puts a smile on my face." I blew them a kiss. "I love you guys."

"Lastly, to my boo and love of my life - thank you, Shane, for every trip and the countless nights you stayed with me at my house. I love you very much and can't wait until December 14th to show it."

"Surprise! On our trip to Barbados, our wedding coordinator and Grandpa Marcus came through for us. Laura was able to secure enough hotel rooms for our guests. And Grandpa Marcus said that we could have our ceremony and reception in the backyard of my mom's birth home. December 14th is a special day because that was her birth date."

Mom stood up and pumped her fists. "Yes!! Now, we can start dress shopping for you and the bridal party. And I know just the place. I'll need to make an appointment now."

"While everyone is here, I want Jessica, Andrea, and Carly to be my maid of honor. Layla, Kam, Noeli, and Aris, would you ladies be bridesmaids?"

"Of course, we will, girly," Layla and Kam nodded in unison.

"Emilia, I would like you to be a part of our wedding too. Would you be one of my bridesmaids? I promise I will make sure someone will take care of Hayden."

"I would be honored. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Julian, will you take daddy's place and walk with me?"

I saw a few tears in his eyes. He came over and hugged me. "Yes, I will. It will be an honor."

"Layla, Austin, Cris, and Kam, do you mind if I have the girls be flower girls - Día, Braelyn, and Isabella?"

Layla's POV

"Braelyn, would you like to be a flower girl?"

"What's a flower girl, mommy?"

"A flower girl throws pretty flower petals on the ground. Then, Aunt Bliss will walk through the flowers to Uncle Shane. Remember like what you did at my wedding?"

"Okay, mommy."

"It's okay with me, Bliss."

Austin also agreed. "It is okay with me too."

Kam's POV

"Mommy, can I be a flower girl with Braelyn?"

Those two are like peas in a pod. "Of course, you can, princess."

"It is okay with me, Bliss," Cris mentioned, and I agreed.

"What about me, mommy?" My handsome little prince asked.

"Sweetie, you don't want to toss flowers. That is for girls."

Shane's POV

"Rocco, how would you like to help me out?"

"Okay, Uncle Shane."

"Gentlemen, I'll make it easy for everyone. How about you all walk with your wives and girlfriends? And, Austin, how about walking with Emilia?"

"I'm okay with it." Emilia and Austin answered at the same time.

"I just want to say thank you - thank you for being there to support Bliss with both court dates. I know it means a lot to her, but it also means a lot to me. It was rough, but with your support, we made it through. Thank you. And I'm paying for lunch today." Then, I sat down.

Bliss had her hands on her hips and her eyebrows arched. "Seriously?"

"Yup." And I sure did emphasize the letter 'p.'

After I paid for the lunch, we made our way out of the restaurant. We made sure to give Emilia a ride home first. Then, we left to head back to Long Island.

***********

We made it back to my house safely.

Everyone said their goodbyes and drove their vehicles home.

"I need to go back to my house to let Kam, Cris, Marco, Noeli, Antonio, Isabella, Kalani, and the kids inside. I may stay there and sleep in my bed tonight. Goodbye, Lover Boy."

I sure did sit Bliss on my truck. And I got a taste of those lips. "Is this going to be a habit - you sitting me on counters and your truck when we are married?"

"Yes, ma'am, it is. Perfect height for when you wrap your short legs around my waist so we can........"

"Uh, Shane, remember that the kids are around us. Now, get me down so I can go home and go to sleep. Can you set up an appointment with Jacob and Hermione? I want to start planning what to do with those bank accounts, houses, cars, and Alexander's business. Well, the business I know I want to sell."

"Of course. I'll see when we can go into the office." I lifted Bliss off the truck. We then walked to her Infiniti.

"Aunt Bliss, can I ride with you?" Rocco tapped her leg and asked.

"Of course, you can." Bliss grabbed his car seat from the Escalade that Kam was driving and put it in the Infiniti. Then, Bliss helped Rocco into his seat and walked to the driver's side.

"I'll text when I am home. See ya later, Lover Boy."

Bliss pressed the keyless ignition, as did Kam. Marco was right behind them in the Mercedes. Then, all three vehicles pulled off.

Nana Margie and Grampa Eddie were already inside, so I went to join them.

I think everyone has been tired from the past two weeks. My parents crashed right on one of the living room couches. My grandparents probably crashed into their room.

Twenty minutes later, I heard Bliss' ringtone going off.

*******

Bliss to Shane: "We made it home safely. Thank you for everything and for being my husband, future, and support system. I can't wait to be 'Mrs. Lover Boy.'" 💋💋💞💞

As I scrolled to the bottom of the message, she took a selfie of herself in her red, lacy underwear while blowing me a kiss. Bliss must have used her tripod to take the picture because she posed on her bed. That explains why she took a little longer to text back.

Shane to Bliss: "Hey, that's not fair! I'm not there to see this sexiness up close. You're fortunate you have a house full of guests. Otherwise, I would be over there in record time. 😏😏 And I am glad you made it safely. You're welcome and thank you for letting me into your heart. Until tomorrow, 'Mrs. Lover Boy."

😘😘

**********

Narrator's POV

The next day, Bliss enjoyed relaxing with Kam, Noeli, Día, and Isabela at an all-day spa while the fellas watched the kids.

Shane called Hermine and Jacob to schedule an appointment for Bliss to discuss how she wants to proceed with everything the judge awarded her. They said for Shane to bring Bliss in on Friday.

******

Bliss' POV

I miss having everyone stay at my house. It's back to just me, Precious, and Raven.

I'm driving to Shane's house first because we are taking Nana Margie and Grampa Eddie to the airport. They are flying back to London today. Mr. Jimmy will fly them over, then fly back so he can take a well-deserved vacation.

Everyone came out of the house as soon as I pulled up in Shane's driveway. After turning off my engine, I stepped out of my truck and locked it.

"Good morning, everyone."

"Good morning, Bliss."

I walked over to hug Nana Margie. We were about to get in Shane's Denali, which he had recently bought because he liked Mason's, but he stopped me from taking my seat. Shane and Grampa Eddie opened the doors for us.

Shane wouldn't let me get in until he got his sugar. So, I gave it to him. Before I pushed away, he pinched my booty. "That was for sending me that picture on Monday. You have no idea how hard it was to stay home."

"Yes, I do." After winking at Shane, I got in the Denali. "Why do you think I sent it?" Before Shane closed the door, he said, "Wait until later, Mrs. Lover Boy."

Once Shane got in, we were off to the private airport.

*******

Mr. Jimmy was there, ready and waiting as soon as we got to the plane. Shane went to get Nana and Grampa's luggage and placed it on the plane.

I gave them both a great, big hug. "Thank you so much for coming to New York for me. I appreciate the support and love you both so much."

"Honey, we love you too. We only fly for special reasons or occasions. And we can't wait until your wedding in December. Come over for a visit if you can break free from Shane for a bit."

"Hey! I heard that," Shane says as he comes off the plane.

"I sure will. We will probably have to see Laura, so I will definitely come to see you."

"Jimmy said whenever you are ready, he is ready to take off," Shane says to Nana and Grampa.

"Have a safe flight and please call me to let me know you both made it home safe."

"I sure will." Nana and Grampa made their way on the plane. The flight attendant closed the door.

We then got in Shane's Denali, and he drove back to a safe distance from the plane. Then, Mr. Jimmy taxied to the runway, and they were off to London.

"Next stop - Hermione and Jacob's office."

*******

"Okay, Bliss, with your permission, we could find out how much was in Alexander's bank accounts. He had about five accounts in America and one account in London. Let's do the London account first," Jacob mentions.

"Okay."

"Alexander was an extremely wealthy man. In US dollars, Alexander had 35 million dollars. And, it is still growing interest."

I started choking when Jacob said that much money. Shane began to pat my back as Hermione went to get me some water.

I drank the water. "Oh my gosh, that is a massive amount of money."

Hermione then talked about the American accounts.

"As Jacob stated, he had five American accounts in New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona. The account in New York has 50 million dollars. The account in California has close to 50 million dollars. The account in Texas has 60 million dollars. The account in Arizona has 40 million dollars. The account in Florida has the most - 100 million dollars. The total from the bank accounts is 335 million dollars."

"Oh my gosh!" I passed out right at the table.

Shane's POV

I knew he was successful, but not that successful. Hermione went to get Bliss some more water. "If you have a large bottle, you might as well bring it out."

Hermione came back with several bottles of water. "Sweetheart, wake up!" I kissed her, and that seemed to do the trick.

"Sorry about that. That is just an astronomical amount of money. I have no clue what to do with it."

"We are here to help you, Bliss. Next is Alexander's properties. He had properties in each state we mentioned that have the accounts. We researched his properties, and they were well-kept. Each house was well over 5 million dollars. He also has a New York penthouse that is worth 10 million dollars. If you wish to sell them, you will get that amount and more. He also had at least three luxury cars at each property - I'm talking about Aston Martin, Bentley's, Lamborghini's, Mercedes, BMW's, Land Rover's, and Porsche vehicles."

"Shane, hold me up before I pass out again. For his properties and the cars, I want those to be sold, and I want a bank account set up in each state. The proceeds from the sales of the properties and cars will go towards' shelters for women. The New York penthouse, I want to keep and have it redecorated."

"Okay. So, I noted that down for you. We will set up auctions in those states and have accounts drawn up for the proceeds."

Now, it is Jacob's turn. "Those are just the United States properties. Alexander had vacation homes in London, Milan, Spain, and one in Barbados - Bridgetown."

Bliss' POV

"That is where my mom was born! Well, she was from Saint Lucy. Okay, I want those redecorated and changed into rental properties, except the Bridgetown property and the property in Milan. Those two I want just to have redecorated for myself."

"We can have that done. We will get some interior designers to present their designs for each property. The last thing of Alexander's is both his businesses. We have had inquiries already to see if you were interested in selling them. Have you ever seen the show, 'Shark Tank?'"

"Yes, I have."

"He has a small but very profitable investment company, as well as his technology company. What would you like to do with those?"

"I want them to be sold with the following condition - No employee will lose their job because of a new owner who wants to bring in his own employees. And I want to see it in writing and notarized. If that stipulation is violated, then a penalty for each employee terminated will be charged. The employees that get terminated would receive the compensation."

Jacob and Hermione took notes on everything we discussed about the properties and businesses. Lastly, I need to decide about those bank accounts.

"Okay, so for the New York and California bank accounts, I want those two accounts to be in the name of Hayden Blackwell and Emilia Blackwell. Alexander's son is entitled to that money. Will I need to handle that, or will you be able to take care of that?"

"We can do that for you. As for the other accounts, we will get them changed over to your name. And we will get started on the properties for you."

"Thank you both, Jacob and Hermione, for everything. What do I owe you for all of your help?"

"Shane already took care of it. He wanted you to use everything you received the way you wanted. We only ask for an invite to the wedding in December."

"You got it. I really do appreciate your support. You helped me so much. You are the best."

Shane and I got up and made our way to the elevators.

"Oh my gosh, I need a drink or something. That was an absurd amount of money. Not to mention what I will get with the sale of those businesses. What am I going to do with all of that, Shane?"

"How about opening up several locations of your makeup business?" Shane mentioned as we stepped off the elevator and made our way to the valet stand to wait for his Denali.

"I could do that - one in New York and one in my mom's hometown of Saint Lucy in Barbados. I'll worry about that later. I would still have so much left over. Right now, I am hungry. So, you pick the place, and I am paying."

"Pretty slick there, missy. How about the Brazilian steakhouse?"

"Sounds good to me."

*************

Narrator's POV

The rest of July and August went by fast. Bliss and Shane were in Marco's wedding at the end of July.

August was just as busy. Bliss and Shane attended Sophia and Griffin's wedding reception in Chicago. They also attended Niko and Tatianna's wedding in Greece. Bliss had tutoring sessions with her modeling coach. The coach was impressed at how quickly Bliss was learning. She declared Bliss ready for her photoshoot.

Alexander's properties sold very fast. Each property, along with the luxury cars, brought in about 15 million dollars each. Bliss will visit each state to pick a location for the centers.

Jacob and Hermione were also able to sell Alexander's businesses, which made Bliss a very, very rich woman - 1.4 billion dollars. She fainted when she heard that amount.

They also secured the best interior decorators for the vacation homes, so Bliss can have them redecorated. They also scheduled an interior designer to visit the Milan vacation home while she is there in August.

Adrian made an appointment at the Oscar de la Rental Bridal Shop in New York for September for Bliss's dress, the bridesmaid's, and the flower girl's dresses.

Shane gave Bliss the last week in August off to support Layla with her Milan grand opening. He would, along with his parents, attend the meetings she has scheduled.

**************

Bliss' POV

"Thank you, Shane, for letting me travel with Layla to Milan. And tell mom and dad I said thank you too. It is going to be a long week without you with me."

"I'm going to miss you too. Have a great time with the ladies, but not too great a time."

"I promise."

"Sorry about not being able to come, Layla. But I want to say congratulations."

"Thank you, Shane. And, Thank you for letting Bliss come to support me."

"You're welcome. Everyone have a safe flight and see you when you come home. Call me when you land in Milan."

Everyone boarded Cris' plane. Before the flight attendant closed the door, I waved goodbye and blew Shane a kiss. I watched Shane return to his Denali and drive away from the plane. We all put our seat belts on, and the plane took off for Milan.

****************

Thank you for reading chapter 33.

Bliss' outfit is courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Sammy HD (Astero)

And, thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘