“I knew you would one day, just maybe a bit differently—different order,” Isabeau said. “I have a whole theory about things. Want to hear it?”
“Let me guess. It involves lilac?”
She smirked. “Obviously. All good stories in our family do.”
“Another time, then, Isabeau. I have to run now. That event I mentioned starts at four o’clock, and I can’t be late. Thanks a lot for stepping in today. I already asked HR to contact the nanny agency Chad mentioned.” Not that that was their job by any means, but the team was always willing to help out, and clearly I needed all the help I could get.
Isabeau pressed her lips together. “I don’t believe in nannies. Celine and I can take turns coming here. And your mom is dropping by in the evenings anyway.”
“She is?” I asked. Oh, for fuck’s sake. I had to do something so I could at least keep track of what was going on. Never in my entire life had I been so out of it.
“Yes, she is. She figured it’s better if she comes later in the day so we’re not overwhelmed.” She looked extremely displeased at anyone thinking they’d be overwhelmed.
“That’s not a bad idea,” I admitted.
Isabeau’s eyebrows went up to her forehead. “Well, I’ll be here tomorrow morning, so let me know if there’s anything I can bring.”
“I don’t want to take advantage of you or Celine. You two have a busy store to run.”
“We have a plan for that too. Whoever isn’t with Charlotte will be at the store.” It was endearing that she and Celine were willing to go to all this trouble.
“It won’t be for too long,” I promised. I liked that I could count on my family, but I didn’t want to overdo it. Everyone had their own things going on, and that was good.
“I have to get going. If anything happens, just give me a call,” I reminded them.
“Nothing will happen,” Celine said as Isabeau and I stepped into the living room. “We know babies, Beckett. We were around all of you when you were born.”
“Granted, it’s been a century,” Isabeau said in jest, “but we still remember enough.”
“Okay. Keep sending photos too,” I added.
Isabeau sighed. “We will. You’re going to have trouble finding a nanny if you keep asking her for picture updates every half hour.”
“I’ll ask her for updates every ten minutes, and she’ll do it because I’m paying her.” I smirked, teasing but not. “You get more leeway because you’re my grandmothers.”
“Very generous of you,” Celine said a tad dramatically. “Now, go. You don’t want to be late.”
After I left the penthouse, I headed straight to the warehouse district where the event was taking place. On the drive, between a few red lights, I ordered a rocking chair. I couldn’t believe things like this existed. I was going to buy everything that would make life easier for me and my little girl.
As I entered the venue—a converted warehouse—a waiter immediately approached with a tray of champagne glasses. I almost reached for one before realizing alcohol was the last thing I needed. I wanted to be alert at all times. What if I had to drive Charlotte to the doctor in the middle of the night?
“Do you have anything nonalcoholic?” I asked.
The guy pointed to another waiter across the hallway. “My colleague has orange juice.”
“Perfect. Thank you.”
As if he’d heard us talking, the other waiter made a beeline for me. I immediately took a glass of juice from the tray.
I glanced around, looking for the host, but instead, my eyes fell on Piper. She was wearing the same red suit from this morning. She was in deep conversation with a woman who seemed to be hanging on to her every word.
Her hair was still styled off to one side. Her neck was long and so damn enticing.
I laughed at myself. Only I could be ogling a woman I’d thrown out of my office. But then again, I hadn’t ever held back from admiring a gorgeous woman.
“Beckett, you made it.” Gino’s familiar voice startled me. He hosted this award ceremony every year.
I looked up at him and shook his hand. “Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to be presenting this award.”
