He tried to engage the boy in various games he’d purchased for him, but Peter’s constant response had been disinterest.
“I’ll set it up while I wait,” Peter said, surprising Callum in the best way possible
Impulsively, Callum reached out and pulled Peter into his arms so he could give him a tight hug. When he set him back on his feet, he ruffled his hair and gave him a sly smile. “Maybe you can be my best man at the wedding.”
Peter’s eyes grew to the size of saucers. “Really?”
Callum grinned. “I can think of no one more perfect for the part.”
He left Peter gaping and went to greet his friends who’d both been shown into the parlor. “You’ve no idea how glad I am to see you right now. I’ve got news that I’m terribly eager to share.”
“How intriguing,” Anthony said, his expression curious. Standing next to the sideboard, he was in the process of pouring himself and Brody a drink. “Brandy?”
“Thank you.” Callum grabbed the already filled glasses and brought them to the table. He set one down in front of Brody, who reclined on the sofa, and lowered himself to one of the armchairs. Keeping the wide grin that threatened at bay was a struggle. Eventually he had no choice but to let it win over. He raised his glass as Anthony came to join them. “I’m to be married, my friends.”
Anthony lost his footing and spilled his brandy while in the process of claiming his seat. Brody choked on his drink.
“What?” both men asked at the same exact time.
Callum smirked and raised his glass in salute. He took a sip and savored the heat the brandy produced as it slid down his throat. “I proposed to Lady Emily today and she has accepted.”
Anthony shook his head as though baffled, then raised his glass. “Congratulations, my friend.”
“That’s marvelous news,” Brody said. “A bit surprising since I’d no idea you had an interest there, but I’m happy for you.”
“Our wives will be pleased as well since Emily is a good friend to them both,” Anthony said. “Have you considered a date?”
“Not yet.” Callum still couldn’t quite believe this was happening. It felt like a dream. “The plan so far is to make the announcement in the paper. Beyond that, it’s all rather new.”
“Well cheers to you and your fiancée,” Brody said while extending his glass.
Callum clinked his own against it and drank. “Thank you. I look forward to celebrating a bit more with you both in the coming weeks.”
“I trust you’ve told her about the book we’re releasing?” Anthony asked.
“Not yet,” Callum confessed. “I barely had the chance to address my poor financial state, which was brought up by her father.”
“How doesheknow you’re struggling?” Brody asked.
“Apparently people take note when dukes start parting ways with their belongings or when they stop using their own carriage in favor of hiring hackneys.”
“Ah.” Anthony grimaced. “I’d not really thought of that. Or at least, I’d not imagined anyone would be quite so astute.”
“Rosemont probably took an increased interest in me when I began spending time with his daughter.” Callum relaxed against his chair and stretched out his legs. “Whatever the case, the fact remains that Emily and I are betrothed.”
“You yourself look like you can scarcely believe it,” Brody said.
Callum sent him a sideways glance. “If I told you about my history with Emily and how our engagement came to be, you’d have a hard time believing it too.”
“Fill us in and we’ll put that theory to the test,” Anthony told him.
“Very well.” Callum set his glass aside and proceeded to give his friends an account of the mishaps that had taken place between himself and Emily. He went on to explain how the two had put their differences aside in favor of helping Peter. Finally, he told them about the favor Emily had asked of him and how he’d decided to follow his instinct.
“You’re right,” Brody said once Callum had finished. “That is an unbelievable story.”
Anthony frowned. “Elements of it are very familiar though, wouldn’t you say, Brody?”
“What are you talking about?” Callum asked. “I’ve never told either of you about any of this before.”
