The Billionaire’s Hidden Heiress
[Book 2] Chapter 101

lan POV

Dawn had surprised me when she made the request for dinner, but after thinking it over, I thought it was an excellent idea for us to introduce ourselves to each other's families. Unfortunately, Knox and Lorelia were unable to join us and it ended up just being my father and myself along with Dawn, her mother Carina, and Faith but I had high hopes that the dinner would go smoothly and that Carina would have no more objections to the engagement.

My father readjusted his tie for what felt like the millionth time as I glanced at him with a wry smile. "Your tie is fine father," I said dismissively "stop playing with it."

My father glowered at me "I'm just trying to ensure that I look tidy and make a good impression for your fiancee and her mother, who I hear has some concerns."

"About the tie?" I deadpanned and heard him give a low growl as he opened his mouth to give me a solemn telling-off when the hostess came back with a wide smile on her face. "Are you ready to be seated?" she asked eagerly.

"Yes please, but we are expecting another three to join us in the private room," my father said politely "perhaps we should wait for them before going in? I wouldn't like

appear rude" he added, flushing slightly.

The hostess gave him a warm smile "Sir, it is cold right now and I'm sure the rest of your party is just behind you. Let me assist you to the room and get you some drinks while you wait. If you give me the names of the rest of your party, I will ensure they are brought straight to you when they arrive."

“Dawn and Carina Evans with her daughter Faith," I said firmly.

The woman scribbled the names down and nodded. "Follow me," she said and I wheeled my chair behind her, feeling strangely confident, as we went along the corridor and into a large private room in the back, seating ourselves at the table and peeling off our jackets as we breathed a sigh of relief. The hostess handed us some wine.

"I will take your orders once your party is here," she said smiling and then headed back out.

The room was luxurious, elegant, and spacious, exactly what I had been hoping for. I didn't have to worry about running into anything with my wheelchair and appearing clumsy. I sighed and sipped at my wine, wondering when Dawn was going to arrive. Before long the door was opening up and Dawn was walking in, hand in hand with Faith, while her mother walked resolutely behind her. All of them were dressed up. Dawn looked gorgeous in a black cocktail dress that reached mid-thigh and sparkled, her long blonde hair curled and wavy down to her shoulders, her makeup subtle and natural looking. Faith had on a little pink princess dress that complimented her coloring and Carina, Dawn's mother, had on a royal blue one-shoulder dress that went down to her ankles, hugging tightly to her narrow waist and flowing, her golden honey skin glowing beneath it. Her hair was like Dawn's, blonde but with lighter hues and although she was older, she was still very much an attractive woman. I glanced at my father and noted to my surprise that he was blushing as he got to his feet to greet them all.

"Welcome," my father said, holding out his hand to Carina who lightly took it.

He kissed the palm of her hand to his lips, causing me to look at him shocked, but Carina gave him a long slow smile and nodded at him. Dawn came around and kissed me on the lips while Faith sat down at the table, eyeing the menus, a hungry expression on her face that made me laugh.

"Did you see that?" Dawn murmured, nodding to her mother who was being seated at the table by my father who pushed her chair in for her.

"Yes and I'm not about to comment on it" I breathed "be thankful they are getting along."

My father looked as though he'd been hit over the head with something as he sat down and gazed at Carina who looked a little uncomfortable but smiled widely at him.

"So you're the infamous lan Grant" Carina said, fixing her eyes on me while I glanced at her amused "tell me, what exactly is it that has you so smitten with my daughter here, that you felt the need to propose so quickly?" she demanded.

Dawn's face flamed bright red as she glared at Carina who pointedly ignored her. My lower lip twitched as I fought back my laughter. I was starting to see where Dawn's sassiness came from. Faith kicked her legs back and forth, biting her lip and studying the menu with a seriousness expression on her face. I doubted she could read it but chose not to comment on that fact.

"Well Maam" I said politely as she continued to stare at me "I'm in love with Dawn, plain and simple. I could give you a hundred different reasons, but it all stems from that one simple fact."

She nodded at me, a look of satisfaction flitting across her face "and what about Faith?" she asked, sipping at her wine, raising a brow and regarding me coolly "does she fit into your plans as well or is this a case of having to take her because you must?"

I blanched and shot a look at the little girl who appeared oblivious to her grandmother's statement. "Faith is a part of that plan. She will be treated as though she is my own" I said quietly "I don't know how much Dawn has told you, but I'm unable to have children due to an accident in my youth. To have Faith is therefore a blessing and one I don't take lightly."

Carina looked surprised, glancing between Dawn and myself. I surmised that Dawn had not divulged that particular piece of information.

"I'm sorry for that" Carina said, looking sheepishly at my father who looked a little taken aback "I should not have been so forthright."

She was apologetic but I didn't want her pity.

I shake my head. I admire this woman's willingness to step forward and defend her daughter from a potential threat, even a wealthy one. She was looking out for Dawn and Faith. How could I hate her for that? She was being a good mother.

"On the contrary, I replace it refreshing that you're not attempting to smooth things over. I would rather you discuss your concerns then hide behind politeness or bullshit" I said tightly.

Silence. My father looked at me agape. Dawn turned bright red. Carina slapped her hand on the table and laughed out loud, causing the tension in the room to fade away.

"Oh I like you" she said approvingly "not afraid to call a spade a spade" she chuckled and turned to my father "what are your thoughts on the marriage? You must have some" she urged, raising a brow at him.

My father cleared his throat "it did surprise me that it was so quick but then his twin brother's relationship was also quick and he's now happy and having a baby so I am hopeful that this will have the same result" he fixed his eyes on me "and no matter what, even if the children are adopted, or they choose not to have anymore, I will respect their decision" he said quietly.

"So you're not pissed then?" Carina said crudely.

More silence. I had to glance away before I broke into laughter. My father looked like a deer trapped in headlights. He was far too polite for this type of questioning. Poor Dawn was staring down at the table, probably wishing she could hide under it. Faith took the opportunity to finally look up from the menu.

"What's pissed?" she asked curiously.

Laughter. I couldn't hold it back anymore. Dawn snorted. Carina giggled and my father chuckled. "It's a bad word that grandma shouldn't be saying" Dawn said shushing Faith who blinked innocently at her.

"As for the answer to that question, it's no" my father chuckled, while Carina grinned at him "I'm not angry or pissed as you put it" he paused while I almost doubled over laughing "but it did come as a shock. I however happen to like Dawn and think she'll make an excellent daughter in law."

"Really? Because she's terrible at baking" Carina commented while Dawn giggled "the last time she tried to make a cake she almost burnt the building down. They know her by name at the local bakery now" she divulged and my father threw back his head and laughed.

"Well I can't say I know how to cook and bake so who am I to judge" his eyes twinkled at Carina "besides it's not a requirement for a daughter in law."

I couldn't believe how much my father and Dawn's mother were getting along. Faith tugged on my shirt. I fixed my eyes on her.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I'm hungry" she moaned dramatically, running her stomach and staring at me.

I grinned and waved towards the hostess waiting patiently in the hall. She immediately came back in. Everyone immediately grabbed the menus. "What would you like?" she asked.

Faith brightened "Nuggets and fries."

It wasn't on the menu. Naturally. I could see Dawn about to open her mouth and let Faith know but I shook my head and fixed my gaze on the hostess who scribbled away on her pad. "No problem" she smiled and glanced at me "next?" she asked.

The rest of us ordered from the menu and watched the hostess head out. I knew the food wouldn't be long, not with a child in our midst and because we were in the private room they would make it a priority.

"Mummy" Faith's voice was small but loud in the quietness of the room.

All of us looked at the little girl, sitting so nicely at the table in her little pink dress and smiling widely at Dawn.

"What's the matter?" Dawn asked, leaning forward.

"I need the bathroom" she whispered.

"She needs to piss" Carine supplied and stood up, holding her hand out to the little girl "come on, I can take you."

"Okay" Faith said, getting up.

"Bathrooms down the end of the hall and to the right" I instructed her.

Carine winked "thanks sugar."

She walked out with a skipping Faith next to her. My father coughed and Dawn turned to him with anxious eyes. "Are you alright sir?" she asked.

"Oh, I'm fine" he said quickly, "it's just, I'm not used to women being so..." he trailed off.

"Crass?" Dawn supplied with a groan.

"Refreshingly honest" Mr Grant amended and said with a grin, while Dawn and I shot each other glances, my brow raised in surprise.

Was it just me or was my father totally smitten with Dawn's mother Carina? It had been a long time since he had looked at anyone, but since Carina had come into the room, he hadn't been able to take his eyes off her. I didn't know whether to be glad about that, or slightly unnerved. Either way, the night was going exactly as I and Dawn had hoped for.