Longing For The Beach Billionaire Daddy
Chapter 223

*Shelby*

After the sun had been in the sky for a few hours over the enchanting landscape of Maui, we found ourselves surrounded by the warmth and love of our friends. The morning brought with it a bittersweet realization that our time on this beautiful island was drawing to a close. However, before bidding our farewells, we were determined to make the most of the precious moments we had left.

Gathered around a cozy breakfast table, laughter and playful banter filled the air. Lin and Aubrey had taken charge of our adorable twins, refusing to let go of the opportunity to create cherished memories with them. It was a heartwarming sight to witness as they fed, changed, and showered our little ones with unconditional love and care.

During the joyful chaos of breakfast, Lin playfully tickled our daughter, eliciting a chorus of giggles that echoed through the room. Aubrey chimed in, her voice brimming with adoration, “You’ve got the cutest little toes, yes you do!”

I couldn’t help but smile, my heart overflowing with warmth as I observed the beautiful interaction between my friends and our precious babies.

As Aubrey carefully cradled the baby, she turned to me, her eyes sparkling with affection. “Shelby, I hope you know how lucky you are. These little angels are truly a blessing.”

Touched by her words, I nodded, my voice filled with emotion. “Believe me, I count my blessings every day. And having friends like you and Lin in our lives … well, it just makes everything even more special.”

Aubrey’s eyes welled up with tears of joy, mirroring the overwhelming emotions that enveloped us all. “We feel the same way, Shelby. We’re grateful to be a part of your journey, to watch these beautiful little souls grow, and to support you and Michael every step of the way.”

The sincerity in her words resonated deeply within me, reinforcing the unbreakable bond we had forged. I knew that no matter where life took us, the connection we shared would endure, anchoring us through the highs and lows that lay ahead.

“And, I have to tell you, I’m not giving this one up until you pry her from my hands,” Lin cooed.

“Seriously,” Aubrey agreed. “We don’t get enough time with them. I’m soaking up every second of this sweet, baby goodness.”

As the conversation continued, we all could sense time slipping away, and the reality of our departure was becoming increasingly difficult to avoid. A wave of melancholy swept over me as I realized how much I would miss this paradise and the company most of all.

“Take all the time you need. We’ll just have to plan another getaway soon so you can spoil them even more.”

The suggestion was met with enthusiastic agreement, and we settled into the comfortable chatter of longtime friends enjoying each other’s company.

Watching Lin and Aubrey dote on our children, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with gratitude for their presence in our lives. Their unwavering support and genuine affection were a constant reminder of the strength of our friendships. In that moment, I felt an immense sense of belonging and a profound appreciation for the bonds we had cultivated over the years.

As I soaked in the love and laughter around me, my heart swelled with a deep affection for Lin and Aubrey. They had become an integral part of our family, offering a level of companionship and understanding that went beyond mere friendship. I realized how fortunate I was to have such incredible people in my life—people who embraced the joys and challenges of parenthood alongside me.

The morning unfolded, and the boundaries of friendship seemed to blur, giving way to a profound sense of kinship. Lin and Aubrey embraced their role as honorary aunties, forging a bond with our children that would undoubtedly leave a big mark on their lives.

As our breakfast came to a close, we finished our last sips of coffee and tea, soaking up the final moments of our time together. I had to get our belongings together, but our time in Maui was over.

“I need to finish packing,” I dropped a k**s on top of Michael’s head.

“Oh, we’ll help,” Audrey offered.

In the quiet of the room, Lin, Aubrey, and I busied ourselves with the task of packing up my precious babies’ belongings. The air felt charged with a mix of anticipation and concern, and it was during this moment of intimacy that Lin broached the subject of the case.

Delicately folding tiny clothes and stacking diapers, Lin’s voice carried a weight of worry. “You know, Jerrick shared some unsettling information with me in lieu of pillow talk last night.”

“Oh yeah? I’m almost afraid to ask.” I chuckled as I folded another onesie.

“Yeah. Seems the company you’re up against is ruthless and lacking any morals–which I guess we already knew thanks to their careless actions against the environment and what they did to your client. Jerrick said they’re incredibly dangerous, Shelby. Like you should be worried kind of dangerous.” Her words echoed in the room, uncovering wth an underlying sense of caution.

With a casual shrug, I responded, “I’m just a consultant on the case. I won’t even be present at the trial.” I tried to downplay the significance of my role, hoping to ease any concerns that may have been brewing within Lin’s heart.

However, her head shook in gentle disagreement. “It doesn’t matter, Shelby. You have the potential to uncover evidence that could cost them millions. And that makes you a target,” she explained, her voice laced with genuine concern. “That makes your family a target.”

Her words struck a chord deep within me. I realized that the impact of my work extended far beyond the confines of a courtroom. I’d always known the repercussions of exposing the truth had the potential to ignite a firestorm, drawing the attention of powerful and ruthless people.

But, I couldn’t walk away from this. Not when they were doing so much damage. And especially not now that they were trying to bully their way out of it.

If I backed down from bullies, Michael and I never would have made it. Between Todd, Lauren, Blaine, and Marmie, I was a champion when it came to weathering the storm against those who thought they could throw their weight around and come out on top.

“I’m taking precautions, don’t worry. I would never knowingly put my family in danger.”

“I know you’ve got this, Shelby. When it comes down to it, I always worry about the other guy. You’ll come out on top, just like you always do. I just want you to be careful.”

“Please, please be careful, Shelby. I don’t know what we would do if we lost you, or these sweet, sweet babies.” Audrey cooed, bouncing Thomas on her knee.

At that moment, I was grateful for Lin’s unwavering support and her ability to see beyond the surface. She understood my unshakeable commitment to justice, even if it meant facing adversity head-on. Lin’s reminder to be cautious, and to watch my back, served as a stark reminder of the risks involved.

I knew the path I had chosen was not without its dangers, but the desire to bring down those who violated the trust of their communities burned within me.

As we finished packing, I made a mental note to be extra vigilant in the coming days. Lin and Aubrey had only reinforced my resolve to see this case through to the end. I knew that I needed to be cautious and watch my back, but I also didn’t want to let my fear take over. I had faced bigger challenges before, and I had come out victorious.

“I have zero intention of allowing this to touch my family, believe me. We’ve been through enough already.”

“Good.”

As the time came to say goodbye to our dear friends, Lin and Aubrey, tears welled up in my eyes. Embracing them tightly, I whispered, “Thank you for everything. We love you both so much.”

Aubrey smiled through her own tears. “We love you too, Shelby. Always here for you, no matter what.”

Lin chimed in, her voice filled with affection, “And don’t you forget it. Take care of those little angels.”

Michael and the babies were already waiting outside as I closed the door to our room, taking a deep breath before stepping out into the warm Hawaiian sun.

Boarding the private jet, a mix of emotions engulfed me. Gratitude for the unforgettable memories we had made in Maui mingled with apprehension about the looming storm of the Henderson Chemical case. Michael clasped my hand, offering a reassuring squeeze as if he knew the storm brewing within me.

We made our way to the airport, my mind elsewhere. I wasn’t even paying attention as we boarded the plane. Once we’d secured the twins and settled into our seats, I leaned back, staring out of the window, lost in my thoughts. Michael sat beside me, his presence a comforting anchor through the chaos in my mind.

“You okay?” he asked softly.

I turned to him, managing a weak smile. “I will be. It’s just hard to leave all that beauty and return to… everything.”

“I know,” he said, his eyes reflecting understanding. “But, you’re right. We’ll get through this together. We always do.”

The engines roared to life, and the jet began its ascent, carrying us back to reality—the reality of our responsibilities and the weight of the case that now bore down upon us. I was torn between the joy of being with our friends and the gravity of the task that awaited me.

As the plane soared above the clouds, I couldn’t help but think about Lin’s warning and Jerrick’s concern about the case. The situation with Henderson Chemical was undoubtedly more dangerous than I had anticipated, and the potential repercussions seemed daunting. But I had to stay strong—I had to find a way to seek justice while protecting my family.

Despite the fear I felt, I couldn’t deny that I felt passionate about it as well. This case was about more than just winning, it was about standing up for what was right and ensuring that justice prevailed.

“Thank you for understanding and for supporting me in this.”

He smiled and pulled me into a warm embrace. “Always, Shelby. I know we didn’t exactly get off on the right foot last night and I’m sorry about that.”

“No, I’m sorry, Michael. You planned this wonderful trip, and it got derailed by my job. Then, you planned out that beautiful dinner to make up for the loss of our trip, and all I could do was talk about the case.”

“And I should have been more understanding. It’s not like my job hasn’t taken over our lives every once in a while. We will get through this, and we’ll be alright. Together, Shelby.”

“Together,” I echoed.