Page 114 of Line Change

“That’s awesome, Sutton. Congratulations,” Holt says.

“Thank you.”

“Congrats,” Hunter says.

“Yes! Another niece.” Wes pumps his fist. “I can’t wait to spoil her.”

I snort. Of course he can’t. But deep down I love it. I love that my daughter will have these guys and their wives as her family.

“We’ll get out of your hair, love,” Bash says, rounding my desk and giving me a quick kiss.

“How’s Elias?” I direct my question at Hunter.

“It’s been rough,” Hunter says, his voice sounding sad.

My heart sinks. This is all my fault. Well, my father’s, but still. Cannot wait to bury that piece of shit.

“I’m sorry. If there’s anything he needs, please let me know.”

“We’ve got it covered, but I will,” Hunter says. “Once he’s up and around, maybe we can plan something with all of us.”

I nod.

“He’s going to stay with Mads and I for a while,” Hunter adds.

Holt snorts. “Have you told him that yet?”

Hunter sighs. “No. Mads volunteered to tell him.”

“Because that’s going to make him more willing to accept the offer,” Wes says.

I shake my head. Good luck to Madison. But I do hope he agrees. I can imagine he’s going to need help, at least for the first few weeks.

“Right. I’ll see you later. Text me when you want me to come get you,” Bash says.

“Probably five-ish. I can always ask Becca for a ride if you’re busy.”

Another thing I need to sort out is a working car. I was hoping to have the money from my grandmother by now so I could buy a new one, but alas, my father had to go and be a conniving asshole, so here we are.

“I’ll be here,” Bash says.

The guys file out of my office with waves thrown over their shoulders. Once they’re gone, I grab the lemonade and take a healthy swig of it, and baby girl kicks. I think she likes it too.

I lean back in my chair, enjoying my drink and letting myself relax for a few minutes, when my eyes land on my phone, and I remember the words Anders said to me the other day, week, however long it’s been, about reaching out if I need anything.

I pull up his number and hit Call.

“This is Anders,” he answers on the second ring.

“Hi, Anders. It’s Sutton, I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“No, I was just getting ready to meet my wife for lunch. What’s up?”

I tell him everything that’s been going on, glossing over some of the finer details. “Since you’re hooked into the hotel industry, anything you know that I might be able to use as leverage?”

“Actually, word’s been circulating that your father has been struggling to get approval for his new hotel chain outside of Atlanta. Apparently, there’s been backlash from the residents, and the county isn’t terribly on board with rezoning the land.”

“Interesting.”