“Nurture over nature. He is her father after all,” I say. “And Zach, is she speaking to him?”
I almost choke on the words, but I’m proud that I hold it together.
“Not as far as I’m aware. Lottie’s keeping her distance from them both. Elijah is trying to support her, but she’s still closed-mouthed about it all.”
Our food arrives at that moment, so we take a break.
When our waitress leaves, Pen looks up.
“I’m going to say one more thing, and then I’ll stop, and we can discuss Christmas presents.”
I smile, Christmas is a big thing in the Frazer household. All gifts are well planned and inexpensive, at least for the adults.
“Jax. There’s a reason Elijah and Caleb like him. He’s a straight talker, and he’s not hung up on any of the Frazer bullshit. I’ve known him for many years and have remained friends with him. He’s genuinely one of the good ones.”
My hand goes to my pendant. “I know.”
Pen doesn’t say anything as it sweeps back and forth.
“Christmas presents. I was thinking?—”
And just like that, the conversation switches.
CHAPTER 38
JAX
There’s a knock on my office door.
“Come in,” I say.
Caleb pops his head around with a grin.
“Morning. It’s good to have you back.” He drops into the chair opposite me. “You were up and out early this morning.”
My flight got in from the US late last night, long after Caleb and April had gone to bed.
I motion to the pile of work on my desk. “I wanted to get a head start.”
I sit back and rest my elbows on the chair arms.
“And how areyoudoing? Have you recovered from your week away with my sister?”
I force my shoulders to relax as I motion to the final report on my desk.
“Absolutely. We covered a lot.”
Caleb smiles, and some of the tension ebbs.
“It looks like you’re prepared for tomorrow,” he says.
Am I?
It’s been almost two and a half weeks since we returned from the Maldives. Since I held her in my arms, the memory alone hasmy stomach jumping and my breath quickening. Facing her over a boardroom table, surrounded by other people…
I shake myself mentally.
“Did you get a chance to look over the electronic copy I sent you?” I ask, wanting to distract my thoughts.
