The Billionaire's Substitute

All of him

One month later Ethan came for her just like he promised. This time, however, he didn't stay silent. Every night he called to check in with her, wanting updates about how Ava was doing. Ethan was back in her life by all means. It was going too fast too soon, but the man didn't give her time to breathe. It was like he knew once she did have time to think she'd put up a fight. So he prevented that from happening by taking charge and making sure to keep them moving. Rachel recognized the streets they were passing, they weren't heading to Ethan's apartment, but Gabriel's which confused her. She figured the man wanted them to settle in as soon as possible.

"Why are we heading to Gabriel's place?"

Ethan was focused on his driving, but he still answered her casually anyway, "I want to see my parents, I need to settle things once and for all."

She wasn't prepared to pay his judgy parents a visit, last time it really messed her up. They were vicious with their words, not hiding the fact that they didn't like her. She doubted their opinion about her changed, especially now that Ethan broke off his engagement because of her and Ava. She could only imagine what his parents would say this time.

"Okay, so Ava and I will stay at Gabriel's place while you talk to them?"

"We're going together, Rache." Ethan told her, his tone letting her know he wasn't going to give in, "We need to talk to them."

"Last time didn't go so well." She reminded him.

"Last time I wasn't in a good place. It's going to be different now, I promise."

He kept his word when it came to Lucille and he also kept his word about them moving in together so she didn't want to start doubting him now. She felt anxious meeting his family, but she couldn't avoid it. Even if it hurt it was best to talk things through. Ethan turned up the volume on the radio when their conversation ended, letting classical music play in the background. Rachel trailed her eyes to Ava who was awake in her car seat. The little girl didn't make much noise though, it was like she knew her parents needed a minute to prepare themselves for what awaited them later that afternoon.

***

Gabriel and Valerie were more than ready to babysit Ava for the rest of the day. The couple looked forward to it. Once Ava was out of her seat Gabriel fawned over her. The little girl was familiar with him, her face lightening up when her uncle started to talk to her. Valerie smiled at the sight, looking like a pleased wife. Rachel dropped the baby bag on the floor by the couch.

"You two are staying for dinner, right?" Valerie's eyes trailed to Ethan, her sister was aware that it all relied on how the man was feeling after their meeting with his parents.

"I can hardly say no, I doubt Gabe could part with Ava only after an hour or two."

Valerie sighed, "It's true, I guess you two will have to compete for her attention."

Ethan stepped forward and placed a hand firmly on Valerie's shoulder. It made both her and her sister curious about what the man wanted to say. Whatever it was it seemed like it was something serious. The look in Ethan's eyes said that much.

"I think it's time, Valerie."

Valerie frowned, it seemed her sister wasn't quite sure about what Ethan was telling her.

"Time for what?" Her sister asked the man quietly.

"Time for you to start a family of your own." Ethan pulled away from her sister and stepped around her, striding toward Ava and Gabriel.

Rachel shared a look with her sister. Valerie seemed overwhelmed by what Ethan just jokingly told her. At least Rachel wanted to assume Ethan was joking. They had a similar conversation months ago, she had been joking alongside Ethan back then. This time she couldn't laugh about it and neither could Valerie.