“You dirty dog, you.” Montgomery jumped to his feet. “How much are we talking about?”
“Let’s just say on paper we are the second richest family on the planet.”
I had to give my brothers credit. Along with myself. We’d parlayed our father’s wealth into one hell of a lot of money.
“Daddy would be proud,” I offered.
“Yes, he would.” Jaxon was the one who seconded my comment.
“Are we done here?” Sinclair asked. “We do have a reception to get ready for.”
At least both Sinclair and Montgomery had been amazing about the nuptials taken. Only Jaxon remained a stick in the mud.
“Not until we know the next step,” I interjected.
“She’s right,” Donatello piped in. “We should arrange a visit with Mr. Dreyfus.”
The various bit players who’d been utilized by the Brotherhood had met an early demise. That had included the photographer. The kid behind the desk at the adorable hotel where we’d stayed. Even a couple of new hires from Indulgence had disappeared.
“Oh, that’s exactly what we have planned,” Alexander told him. “As soon as we have everything in place. And don’t worry. That will be within days.”
I rose to my feet. “So we can go?”
“Absolutely.” Alexander had taken to studying me even more than he’d done before. Yes, he’d attempted to have a discussion after our return, but it had been cold and short. I simply hadn’t been in the mood.
However, when I’d called him before leaving for the church, he’d surprised me by being genuinely happy for me. Happy. Excited even.
Why was it that I felt so very much like a fake? I headed from the room before anyone could stop me. Within seconds, I sensed Donatello’s presence. He’d tried to talk to me before we’d come to the meeting and I’d shut him down.
I didn’t know what was wrong with me.
Was this a stupid case of now that I’d obtained my fantasy, I no longer wanted it? The sickness inside continued.
Before I left, I moved closer to Alexander so only he could hear. “You are giving me the wedding present I asked for. Yes?”
My brother laughed. “A little stout, but my friends in Italy are working on it.”
“That’s all I want, Alex. That’s it.”
“You love him.”
The answer should have come easily. “He deserves closure.”
“Yes, he does. I’ll ensure it happens. Go get ready for your party.”
Nodding, I backed away.
I was almost to the door when someone jumped out in front of me.
“Jesus!”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to terrify you.” Catherine giggled when she saw my face. As the glorious wife of Alexander and my mother’s favorite daughter-in-law, she’d come up with the idea of the reception, had planned it, supervised every detail, and remained in full control. All while being the mother of two wildly adorable children and keeping her clients happy and out of jail.
Talk about Superwoman. “I’m fine. It’s just been an exhausting few days.” I also sensed Donatello lingered in the shadows. “Did you need anything?”
“I was just checking to make certain you didn’t. I know the first few weeks after getting married are the roughest.”
“Oh, yeah? And why is that?” If she noticed Donatello waiting in the wings, she didn’t show it. Or maybe she didn’t care. She spoke her mind like I did. As a matter of fact, every woman who’d married one of the Prince boys was strong, independent, and took no shit from anyone.
