I just showered and changed into the pink nightgown Amabella bought for each member of the bridal party. It’s satin with a matching dressing gown that has a jeweled print of my name on the back and the wordbridesmaid.
“Yes, the pajamas are perfect. Thank you.”
She smiles at me, though I can see the gesture is stiff. There’s even an awkward silence between us, when usually she’s like a doting mother to me. I know it’s because she feels strange about my relationship with Felix and Tyler. Amabella and Josh haven’t offered their support of our relationship since we announced it two weeks ago.
They also haven’t rejected us, which I suppose is a good sign. But I’m not sure if their silence is because they’re trying to keep the peace for Ally and Dan’s wedding.
Whatever the reason, it doesn’t bother me. Though it would be nice to have their acceptance, I don’t need it. One thing is for sure—their behavior is far better than how my father reacted when learning that not only had Tyler gotten me pregnant but I was also involved with Felix.
“Where has everyone gone?” I ask, realizing we’re alone.
“Ally is upstairs in her bedroom with the bridesmaids. They’re waiting for you so they can start the manicures.”
“Oh, great. Can you tell her I’ll be right there? I need to speak with Tyler and Felix quickly.”
“Of course.”
I rush for the pool house, jittery with excitement over my late period and eager to share the news.
“Harper?” Amabella calls right before I’m out of sight.
I turn back to her, met with an awkward smile once more. Only this time, there’s a sincere look in her eyes.
“I made mistakes with Ally when I found out about her relationship with Dan. You’re family, like a daughter to me, and I like to think I learn from my mistakes. I’m pleased for you and my boys. You look very happy. The happiest I’ve ever seen you. I know you’ve had a difficult past with your parents. Your father especially. I want you to know you’ll always be welcome in this family, no matter what.”
I smile, my chest warming. “Amabella, that is so lovely. Hearing it means a lot. You’ve always been a motherly figure to me too. I hope my relationship with Felix and Tyler isn’t causing you too many issues.”
I’ve seen what the media says about us. On the one hand, there’s gossip articles praising my freedom of love. Then there are reports about how sick the Blackwood family is and that we shouldn’t represent a charity for families. That being said, all the Blackwood children have followed Tyler’s lead, stepping down from all association with Forever Families.
Amabella rubs my arm. “I don’t understand your dynamic with Felix and Tyler, but I’m trying to, darling. What’s important is that you three are happy. You’ve shared snippets of your past with me. I hope you won’t hold it against Ally, but she’s helped me understand a little more about the heartache and loss you’ve experienced.I’m sorry you’ve had to live through so much pain. I’m sorry for any pain my husband may have caused you.”
“I’m not mad with Ally one bit. As for Josh, I have mixed emotions. While he did a lot of terrible things, he also saved Felix. For that, I’ll forever be grateful. I just wish he’d gone about everything differently. I hope you and Josh are in an okay place.”
“It’s as you say—there are mixed emotions. But Josh and I will be okay.” Amabella exhales heavily and smiles, brushing out the fabric of her dress. “All right, off you go to Felix and Tyler. Then hurry back to Ally.”
She draws me into a hug, squeezing me tight. I welcome her embrace. A moment ago, the interaction between us was awkward. But as I sink into Amabella’s arms, not only do I feel at peace with her, but I feel closer to my mother.
Once we part ways, I’m racing out the back door, across the garden and into the pool house. The lights are dim. The scent of cigars and liquor fills the air. Felix is sitting at a round table with Dan and Killian, playing poker. Wherever Tyler is, he can’t be far. There’s a fourth set of cards laid on the table, along with a lit cigar.
“Big day tomorrow, bro. How are you feeling?” Felix’s lips twitch when he catches sight of me in my pink nightwear. He crooks a finger, signaling for me to join him.
“Excited.” Dan counts his poker chips, laughing when noticing my arrival. “Hey, no ladies allowed.”
“I’ll be quick.” I sit on Felix’s lap.
Before I can get a word in, he pulls me close andwhispers in my ear, “If you only came here to tease me with this outfit, you’re in trouble.”
I giggle and whisper back, “My period is late.”
Felix freezes, his eyes locking with mine. “How late?”
“A week.”
He groans against my ear, the deep sound sending tingles down my spine, all the way to my clit. “How am I supposed to spend tonight without you in my bed now that you’ve dropped this news on me?”
“I suppose you’ll enjoy me more the next time we’re together.”
“I’m buying you a test. I need answers.”
