Falling For Her Billionaire Baby Daddy

"I'm so glad that you two talked things out and are ready to start all over again," said Rosemary as she continued to fold Zoe's clothes.

They were in Rachel's former room, packing her bag in preparation for their flight back to Atlanta.

"It's good to know that Derek is ready to make an honest woman out of you."

"I beg your pardon? What are talking about, Mom?" Rachel asked.

"You know what I am talking about, Rachel. Don't play dumb with me. That man is in love with you and heads over heels smitten by Zoe. It's so obvious that even the blind can see it and that is why I believe that you should strike the iron while it's still hot."

"Don't be ridiculous, Mom. Derek doesn't love me, he likes me. There's a difference."

Rosemary rolled her eyes. "So, you are going to keep that fine man waiting because of a small technicality in language?"

"What are you getting at?"

"Look here, my dear. That man is every woman's dream; he is good-looking, rich, and a perfect gentleman. Those are the qualities of a good husband." "Husband?"

"Yes. If we start planning now, you two could have your wedding this summer. Imagine how glorious it would be to be wedded at the St. Agnes cathedral. It's the perfect setting for a classy wedding. What do think?"

"I think you are getting ahead of yourself. Derek and I are still getting to know each other and none of our conversations featured a wedding."

"Rachel, it takes a lifetime to know someone and I think you should start thinking along the lines of settling down with the father of your child. That is more respectable than being a baby mama, as they call it these days."

"You're unbelievable," said Rachel, shaking her head.

"Think about it, ok? I think it would be in Zoe's best interest if all of you were to live together under the same roof. That would be better than bouncing back and forth between your apartment and his."

"We can live under the same roof without being married to each other," said Rachel dryly.

Rosemary threw up her hands in frustration. "Why are you so stubborn? What do you have against marriage?"

"I don't have anything against marriage. I just don't want to marry for any other reason besides love."

"And who says he doesn't love you? Can't you see the effort he has made to win you back? Isn't that enough proof that he loves you?"

"Mom, please stop. I don't need you to interpret Derek's feelings for me. I'm sure I can do that by myself. Also, you of all people should know that when I am ready to get married, I won't do it in that uppity cathedral of yours. I'm way too unconventional for that." "Uppity cathedral?"

Rachel laughed at her mother's scandalized expression. "Sorry," she said and kissed her mother's cheek.

"I'll give you a call when we land in Atlanta. Don't miss me too much," she added with a wink.

******

It was Rachel's first time traveling in a private jet and she could not hide her awe. The interior of the jet was a study in luxury with soft leather seats and a mini bar with an assortment of drinks.

"This is beautiful," she said, impressed.

"Thanks," said Derek. "Would you like some champagne?"

She giggled. "don't you think it's too early to drink?"

He shrugged. "There is no timetable for drinking, Rachel. Besides, I think we should make a toast to our new beginning."

"Sounds good to me," she said.

At his signal, the air hostess brought two champagne flutes to them on a tray. "Would you be needing anything else?" she asked.

"Yes, please give my darling Zoe a cup of apple juice. It's her favorite," said Derek.

it.

Rachel was pleased to see that Derek knew Zoe's favorite drink and many other little details about her. It warmed her heart to know that he was genuinely involved in his daughter's life, and he wasn't just cozying up to the child for the sake of He has taken his fatherhood role in stride and proving to be a great co-parent so far.

When Zoe's apple juice arrived in a plastic cup, Derek raised his champagne flute to make a toast. "To our new beginning," he said.

"To our new beginning," Rachel echoed and clinked her glass with his.

"Yay!" Zoe exclaimed at the sound of the glasses touching.

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The flight began and Rachel leaned back in her seat to relax and enjoy the trip. Two and a half hours later, they landed in Atlanta and took a taxi to Rachel's apartment.

Derek then joined her in the kitchen to prepare dinner while they chatted and laughed like a regular couple.

Rachel couldn't deny how happy it made her that they were both getting along like this. Being with Derek felt so natural, so right, and she was glad that she'd chosen to give him another chance with her.

Zoe fell asleep shortly after they finished eating dinner and Derek offered to tuck her in. It was the sweetest thing ever, seeing him carry their daughter to her little bed and tucking her in so gently. It was as if he'd done this many times before. "I wonder where you got your daddy training from?" She teased him when they were alone again in the den.

He smiled. "I practiced with my best friend's kids."

"You two must be really close," she remarked.

"We are," he agreed. "I call him my brother from another mother. I can't wait for you to meet him."

"He sounds like a great guy."

"He is. He was my only family until now," he said and drew Rachel into his arms. "Now, I don't have to borrow anyone's family because I have mine."

"Aww, that's so sweet of you to say," she said. "I really like this new Derek."

"I like him too," he said. "How about a kiss before I head back to my place?" he asked hopefully.

"Sure, why not?" She said softly, and she pulled his head down, guiding his lips to hers. This time around, the kiss was intense and full of passion.