The Birthday Deadline (Billionaire Brides) by Ella Cari

was there and the person at the desk looked at me like I was insane.
    Though my worries were becoming smaller and smaller, there was still that one piece of the puzzle that didn't quite fit. My heart, though lighter, was still in pain. There was a hole there, a hole that nothing but a green eyed, raven haired man could fill.
    I dreamt of him constantly, of waking in his arms, of feeling his kiss one more time, but it never happened.
    When I woke up on the morning of my birthday, I first thought of him. It was his birthday as well.
    What was he doing? What plans did he have? I was sure Cornelius had a huge bash all planned out for his newly single son.
    I left the apartment that day earlier than normal. I had to start going into the flower shop earlier and earlier in order to keep the shelves fully stocked and to have time to tend the vast amount of plants. It was getting to the point where I would be forced to hire some help to keep up with the demands of my customers, though I was pleased as punch about that.
    As I approached the shop, hot cup of coffee in hand, I noticed a long box resting up against the glass doors. I bent down, peeking at the card. My name was printed neatly across, along with 'Happy Birthday.'
    Pausing to glance around, I saw no one on the tired, morning street.
    I lifted the box, under my arm, unlocking my shop door as I stepped inside and walked to the counter. I lay down the box and set my coffee to the side, gently undoing the crisp purple wrapping paper. I lifted the lid of the box, taking in the contents.
    A sunflower rest in a vase, its stem slightly crooked, small bits of tape remaining. A sunflower that had once been broken, but now was repaired and growing in strength.
    "Happy birthday, Delilah." A deep voice spoke from behind me as I held the sunflower delicately in my hands.
    I turned, gaze meeting that of my once husband.
    "Sebastian." I whispered in confusion, "Why are you here?"
    He moved closer, reaching out a hand as though he wanted to touch me. His fingers grazed over my shoulder.
    "I haven't stopped thinking about you." He said quietly.
    He stood only inches away from me, I could smell his familiar, sweet fragrance. I could remember clearly what it felt like to melt in his arms.
    "I made a mistake." He continued, urgency coloring his tone and his green eyes.
    He held out his hand to me, waiting. I stared at his extended fingers, hesitantly laying my own hand on his. Fireworks of electricity exploded in my belly at just his sweet ouch. I swallowed, looking away, his fingers lacing in mine and bringing me closer to him.
    I had no words, but his touch was painful. Was he here just to remind me how much I cared for him?
    "I told my father that he could claim my company if he wanted to. I didn't care." He said firmly.
    Sharply, I turned back to look at him, "Sebastian, no!" I gasped, "That's your entire life!"
    Sebastian smiled, for once, a true smile.
    "No." He responded, "My entire life shouldn't be wrapped up in the business. My father, though in a twisted and confusing way, did prove his point to me." The billionaire's eyes met mine, searching me, "When my father first negotiated those terms with me, all that he wanted was for me to never forget that life existed outside of work. I didn't listen to him, of course, what son listens to their father?"
    Still, I didn't smile, more confused than anything, "What are you saying?" I mumbled.
    "He didn't mean to, but when my Father gave me the choice of you or the business, all of a sudden I understood what he'd been trying to tell me all those years ago." Sebastian said, "All of a sudden it made sense. I was so shocked in that moment, I could find nothing to say, and I'm sorry to you, I’ll be sorry for putting you through that for the rest of my days."
    "It made sense?" I whispered, staring up into the green eyes of the man I cared for so deeply.
    "Yes. If it came down to my business or love, I would choose your love any day." He whispered