Her face takes on a serious expression. “Never stop showing her how important she is to you. No matter what opportunities come your way. She needs to never doubt your love for her.”
I nod, hoping she knows I’d never enter into a marriage if I wasn’t committed to making my wife my priority for the rest of my life.
Our honeymoon isa combination of love, lust, and tourist season. As much as I’d like to have Char all to myself, watching her come alive walking down the street hand in hand gives me an unexpected thrill. She revels in the smallest things. Dining in a new restaurant, window shopping, and even the most predictable sightseeing locations seem to fascinate her.
Knowing it’s coming to a close soon is a bit depressing. As much as I want to get home and check on Mom, I’m going to miss this uninterrupted time with her.
Rolling over, I pull her closer before dropping my hand down between her legs. I cannot believe this is my life. “You like that, baby?”
“Um, actually…”
My spine stiffens. “What?”
“Normally, I’d say yes. But I have to admit… I’m sore. At this rate, I won’t be able to sit long enough for the drive back home.”
I grimace. “Sorry. You can’t blame me. I can’t get enough of my wife.”
My wife.Two words never sounded so good.
When Char told me she was ovulating, I may or may not have turned into a he-man. We’d spoken a lot over the last year about marriage and kids. We agreed that while we’d never allowed ourselves to consider being parents one day, it was no longer something we wanted to prevent happening. Yet we’re both relishing having this carefree time together. And if it isn’t in the cards for us, we’ll simply enjoy life however it unfolds.
But secretly, I think I’m more eager than I’d like to admit to watch our baby growing in her belly. And equally impatient for us to give a child the life they deserve with two parents who love them,and each other.
I spring from the bed, bound and determined to dote on my bride our last day here. “I’m getting coffee. Then maybe we can hit thatlittle café around the corner before we check out and head back,” I toss over my shoulder as I pull on my pants.
Char sits up, wincing.Jeez. She really is sore.
“You need some ibuprofen?”
She giggles. “No. I think I’ll be okay. Just need to get moving. I think I’ll jump in the shower while you grab coffees.”
I’m a few steps from the door when I hear her call behind me.
“I love you!”
My chest is tight with the amount of pure adoration I feel for this woman. “I love you too!”
A month later,I’m in my study when I get a call from the family attorney. Having distanced myself from my father’s side of the family for so long, entertaining this call makes my shackles rise. Is my father trying to steamroll me into something related to the business again?
I’m still surprised he never reached out after we left the charity gala so abruptly. Max followed every lead he could and said there didn’t appear to be any connection to Geoffrey Markham and his minions. I’ve tried to simply walk away from that part of my life and move on.
“Mr. Newtown, I’m wondering if we could meet to discuss some paperwork I’ve come across.”
I can’t help but recoil at the conversation. Maybe if I can direct him to contact my attorney, he’ll leave me alone. Yet when I attempt to provide my lawyer’s contact information, he interrupts.
“If I may have just a few moments of your time, I want to ensure you understand the nature of the call. I’m not calling on behest of your father. This is regarding your grandparents.”
My spine stiffens in confusion. My grandparents have been dead for years. How is he calling on their behalf?
“This is a rather complicated situation that would best be discussed in person. Could I meet with you?”
There is still a feeling of unease, but I have to admit my curiosity is getting the best of me. And I’ll never manage to wait and see if he gets in contact with my lawyer. “Yes, of course. But I’m scheduled to work in the morning. I’m about to start the most tiresome stretch of my rotation, where I’m on for twenty-four hours, then off for twenty-four hours, for the next six days. I won’t be available to come to your office for another week.”
“There’s absolutely no need to worry about that. This information is of the utmost importance. I can be in Sycamore Mountain this afternoon if that works for you.”
Holy hell. What could be that pressing? “Sure. That’s fine. Why don’t I meet you at the town library?”
“That’s fine. I’ll see you around 3:00 p.m.”
