Longing For The Beach Billionaire Daddy
Chapter 244

*Shelby*

**One Month Later**

We quietly opened the side gate to the castle and pushed the strollers through, our arms piled high with our purchases. Drawing back a set of wooden double doors, we stepped into a magnificent living area. Intricately carved wooden cabinetry lined the walls of the kitchen, and granite countertops sparkled in the light that cascaded from a sparkling chandelier suspended over a grand oak table.

The chairs around the table were upholstered with midnight blue velvet, each positioned to optimally showcase the breathtaking valley view through the large windows. Delicate glass vases with dahlias and sage green hydrangeas adorned the center of the table, and I couldn’t help but take a deep breath as I admired their beauty.

We packed the refrigerator with our freshly-picked produce, and Michael set about preparing his signature oven-baked chicken thighs. We spent hours in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, sautéing mushrooms, marinating the meat, and carefully layering ingredients into a huge baking dish. As the savory aromas wafted through the house, we laughed and exchanged stories while awaiting the masterpiece that was soon to come.

While we were talking, the topic of Henderson Chemical naturally came up.

“Have you heard anything about the trial date for Henderson and his accomplices?” Michael asked me. He paused to taste test something he had simmering in a pot on the stove. It must have been delicious because he silently hummed approval as he sat the spoon back on the countertop.

“Yes,” I replied. “I heard the trials are set to start in two months, as long as there isn’t another continuance. There’s been a lot of back and forth between the prosecutor and defense lawyers.”

He grabbed a nearby cloth and wiped his hands while continuing our conversation. “I still can’t believe everything that’s happened. Can you believe this all started with a civil suit?” he said with a heavy sigh.

“I can’t. I wonder what’s going to happen with the federal charges since the crimes span so many different states,” I wondered aloud.

“Good question. I’m just happy to hear people project that the civil suit will probably be one of the most massive in our country’s history,” Michael disgustedly shook his head.

“It’s comforting to know that, although nothing can be reversed, some of the victims will be compensated for their pain. So many medical bills are still accumulating from Henderson’s neglect.” I shuddered and watched Michael continue preparing the food.

Michael sautéed potatoes and swirled butter on the fresh bread we had bought as I took our plates out of the cupboard.

I looked over to where Thomas and Amelia were sitting in a playpen. It was hard to believe they were developmentally on track after their traumatic birth almost a year ago. With all the challenges they had overcome, my heart warmed every time I saw them reach a milestone. They were babbling, laughing, pulling up, and playing together and had developed a unique bond that only twins could share.

As Michael pulled the delicious-smelling chicken from the oven, he enthusiastically asked, “What do you think about going back home to New York for a quick visit in a month or two?”

“Yes! I think we should do that,” I responded excitedly, visions of seeing my old friends and visiting old haunts filling my head.

“I know Reggie has everything under control, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss sitting in on meetings every now and again,” Michael divulged while I set the table for dinner.

“Well, Lauren graduates soon. Why don’t we plan a trip to see her graduation, and then you can go and shadow Reggie for a few days to get your fix?” I suggested, grabbing a stack of napkins from the cupboard and putting them on the table.

“Well, Lauren graduates soon. Why don’t we plan a trip to see her graduation, and then you can go and shadow Reggie for a few days to get your fix?” I suggested, grabbing a stack of napkins from the cupboard and putting them on the table.