‘Look, the crux of it is, I love your sister. I love the baby growing in her womb—my baby. And I’m going to marry your sister—with or without your blessing.’
A million hummingbirds swirl in my stomach. I glance at Cole, and the look he gives me is one of sheer adoration.
Surely my family will have to see that this thing between us is real?
Surely they won’t make me choose?
Avery practically swoons from her seat beside Ivy. ‘It’s like Romeo and Juliet but he’s so much hotter than Leonardo Di Caprio,’ she blurts.
Killian scowls at her.
‘I know we’ve had our differences in the past, but I’m hoping we can put it all behind us, for Zara’s sake,’ Cole continues. ‘And for the sake of our baby.’
‘Differences?’ Caelon booms. ‘You built a hotel directly opposite ours that sticks out like a porn star’s fucking prick.’
‘And you stole the Cannes development from under my fucking nose.’ Cole’s expression turns thunderous.
‘And you bought Barcelona just to spite us,’ James interjects.
‘Oh, boys.’ Avery exhales heavily. ‘Does any of it matter now? Zara and Cole are together. They’re having a baby. Put your differences aside. Life is short. We’ve all learnt that the hard way. You don’t have to like each other. You just have to tolerate each other at family occasions—like my wedding.’ She arches an eyebrow pointedly.
‘I thought it wasourwedding,’ Killian mutters.
‘Semantics, darling.’ She blows him a kiss.
‘I don’t like it,’ James says bluntly, then takes a large mouthful of whiskey. I haven’t missed drinking during this pregnancy, but Christ knows I could do with one today.
‘You don’t have to like it,’ my mother says softly. ‘But you do have to live with it.’
My brothers exchange glances.
‘If we were smart, we’d work together,’ I muse. ‘Form a union. Make Beckett and Hartmann hotels a partnership. Together, we’d be untouchable.’
‘No fucking chance,’ Cole and Caelon say in unison.
‘At least that’s something you both agree on,’ Layla says drily. Sean squeezes her knee.
My father clears his throat and turns his attention to me. ‘Zara, you’re unusually quiet. This man has spoken for both of you. Do you love him?’
My parents are both massive, unashamed romantics. They really do believe love conquers all. I should have come to them earlier, explained the situation. They might have been able to help. Maybe we could have avoided this.
I clear my throat. ‘I love him, Daddy. I love him morethan I’ve ever loved anyone. I don’t want to have to choose between him and you guys, but if I do have to choose, it will be him.’
A shocked silence sweeps around the room as the weight of my words sinks in. The most important thing to my family is loyalty. Always has been, always will be. The fact I’ve just announced mine now lies with someone else is frankly astonishing—even to me.
Tension emanates from every single one of my brothers.
Cole squeezes my hand, interlinking his fingers through mine.
‘We won’t make you choose,’ my dad finally speaks.
‘Won’t we?’ Caelon glares at Cole.
‘No. We won’t.’ My father’s voice is firm, unwavering. ‘From today, you lot call a truce. Behave respectfully when it comes to business. Don’t bad mouth each other in public,’ he directs this comment to Cole. ‘And for fuck’s sake, let’s keep this ridiculous feud out of the press. This family has already had its fair share of scandal. Cole, you have my blessing to be with my daughter. But if you are responsible for even one of her tears, so help you God, I’ll kill you myself,’ he concludes grimly.
‘Oh.’ My mother sighs with relief. ‘Welcome to the family, Cole.’ She beams at him and claps her hands. ‘This calls for champagne.’
‘Welcome to the fucking family?’ Killian echoes. His face is practically purple as he drains his drink and stands.
