“Pen, stop worrying. Freya will understand. She has me, her brother, remember. She’s grown up knowing work commitments trump most things.”
“That’s not something to be proud of,” I tell him. “Things are going to have to change when we have children.”
His eyes soften at my words. “I agree. When our children arrive, I promise to take my foot off the gas. As their mother, you’ll need to do the same. No more gallivanting backwards and forwards to the UK.”
My hackles rise, but I stamp down on my annoyance. It’s not like I don’t want children. I do, more than anything. I’ve spent my entire adult life working, but now, I’m ready to slow down.
“What will you tell your mother? We’re supposed to go over the final wedding plans.”
“Let me worry about my mother. Knowing her, and as you said before, she has everything under control. It’s a formality. Stop worrying.”
I grimace, and he smiles.
“I promise to put an end to bridesmaid talk,” he adds.
“Thank you.”
Typical Kris. He doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. We’re getting married in two months, he tells me to have faith in the process and the hired managers. I admit, where his mother is concerned, I should have no concerns. Maybe her being in control is a good thing, especially now.
“Remember, you’re marrying me, not my mother, father, or sister,” he says.
“Damn, there I was hoping—Freya?—”
“Get out of here!” he says, laughing.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” I tell him, standing up and handing him my now empty coffee mug.
I lean forward and drop a chaste kiss on his lips.
CHAPTER 10
PEN
Mason, Caleb’s driver, is waiting for me when my plane lands. Trust Gabriel to get things organised.
I called him on my way to the airport to give him my flight details. I told Kris to remain at home and that I’d see him soon, but he insisted on his driver taking me. During the flight, I arranged a bouquet for Freya and the silver ring I saw her eyeing up in the store the last time we went shopping. This is my apology.
“Ms Penelope,” Mason says, opening the door for me. “It’s good to see you.”
I return his smile. Mason’s driven Caleb for years. He’s family. With Caleb and April on their extended honeymoon, he’s working for Gabriel and Leah.
“You too, Mason.”
“Gabriel suggested I take you straight to his office,” Mason says as he closes the door before climbing into the driver’s seat.
“Change of plans,” I say. “Can you take me straight to Elijah’s office?”
I was thinking about it on the way over. If what Elijah fears is true, then we need to understand it as quickly as possible.
Mason’s eyes meet mine in the rear-view mirror.
“As you wish.”
I pull out my phone and fire off a secure message.
A reply comes back almost immediately, making my shoulders relax.
Next, I send a message to Gabriel.
