Maisie turned to me, support etched into the soft lines of her face. “So, what can we do to help? You name it and it’s yours”
I smiled, the weight of the past hours finally easing a little. “Idohave an idea.”
“Consider it done.” Laney smiled. “It doesn’t even matter what it is. When we put our minds to it, there’s nothing we can’t do.”
I held Claire a little closer, feeling my resolve solidify. Together, with these girls by my side, we could make this right. I just had to pray that by the time we did, Harrison would still be waiting.
CHAPTER 43
HARRISON
It was Christmas Eve, but I wasn’t in the holiday spirit.
Not even close.
My house on the estate was a blur of twinkling lights and pine garland, the whole place transformed into a classy, festive dream, but I felt like I was moving through it with cinder blocks tied to my feet. My heart was heavy, my stomach hollow.
It had been almost forty-eight hours without a word from Aurelia and the silence was deafening. I was here. I’d come. I would be waiting just like I’d promised her I would, but honestly, I was entirely unconvinced she would show up.
As much as I knew she loved me, as much as I knew that she’d called it off against her will, and as much as I knew she wanted me—this, us—I also knew duty. I knew family when they had names like ours and I knew the harsh, constant pressure of carrying forward the legacy.
When her mother had made her choose between us and them, she’d chosen a very traditional route of manipulation, but it was a classic for a very good reason—it worked. Kids like Aurelia and I were raised to believe in family, duty, and legacy above all else.
We were made aware of the expectations our parents had for us before we could even spell the wordexpectationand that sense of obligation was bred into us. If my parents had given me the same ultimatum, I probably would have made the same choice. Or at least, I would have considered it.
That didn’t mean it didn’t suck, though.
The first guests began to arrive, laughter and chatter spilling into the grand entryway. Callum, Maisie, and Brody were among the first, and I managed a weak smile as I greeted them. “Hey, guys. Thank you for coming.”
Brody darted past me, wide eyed at the decorations, while Callum gave me the kind of pat on the back that was meant to sayI’m here for youwithout actually putting it into words. I frowned at him, wondering what that was all about, but Maisie hung back. Her eyes lingered on me, her gaze sharper than usual. She hooked a hand around my arm and tugged me aside.
“Are you ready?” she asked in a low voice.
“Ready for what?” I muttered, deadpan. “A lobotomy? Because that’s all I want right now.”
Her lips quirked into a soft, understanding smile, but she shook her head. “For the wedding, silly. Are you ready to get married?”
My brain short-circuited. I stared at her, sure I’d misheard. “The what?”
Maisie crossed her arms, very obviously enjoying my stunned expression. “Don’t play dumb, Harrison. You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
“I don’t—” My throat tightened, but clearly, Maisie knew exactly what today was supposed to have been and I sure as fuck hadn’t told anyone, which only left Aurelia.
She told them? But that means…
Something was up.
Before I could process Maisie’s smug little smile, the door opened again. Sterling walked in with Laney at his side, Claire bundled against her chest. Laney’s eyes found mine, knowing and steady. “Have you been outside yet, Harrison?”
My stomach dropped. “Outside? No. Why?”
“I’d go take a look out there if I was you.” A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
Sterling gave me a clap on the shoulder and stepped aside, making way and motioning me past him with a knowing smile on his lips, too.
What the fuck is going on?
I pushed through the crowded rooms. The hum of voices faded behind me as I slipped out the back door. The crisp December air bit at my skin, but I barely noticed it because what I saw in the garden stopped me in my tracks.
