Page 73 of Hearts of Wealth

“I’m not exactly a couch potato,” John retorted.

“We can start running in the morning,” I offered.

“If we’re going to be living at the manor, you can use Timothy’s treadmill.”

“Oh, I see how it is. You two will gang up on me now,” John grumbled good-naturedly, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

“Of course, Dad,” Catherine replied. “It’s all out of love.”

As I listened to their conversation, I felt a sense of gratitude wash over me. I was grateful for the love and support of Catherine and her family and for the opportunity to build a future with the woman I loved.

“Hey, guys!” Paisley called out. “I made sandwiches and stuff. We can have a picnic before we go home.”

She carried a picnic basket in one hand, and a six pack of soda in the other.

“Great idea, Paisley!” John said.

It was wonderful how easily he had accepted Paisley into his family. We each grabbed a sandwich and sat for a while, eating and talking about everything from school to work to future plans.

Eventually, the conversation turned back to me and Catherine. “So when’s the wedding?” Paisley asked curiously, looking between the two of us.

Catherine laughed. “We’ve been engaged for five minutes. I don’t think I’ve even had a chance to register any of it yet.”

“We have time,” I said.

“What kind of wedding are you going to have?” Paisley pressed.

I glanced over at Catherine and could see she was a little uncomfortable with the subject. “We haven’t talked about it,” I said.

“But we will,” Catherine added, giving Paisley a reassuring smile. “I promise.”

“Do you think it will be a big wedding?”

Clearly, Paisley wasn’t going to drop the subject.

“I honestly don’t know,” Catherine said.

John sat quietly eating his sandwich. I wondered if he felt obligated to pay for the wedding. I hoped not. That would just be silly considering my wealth.

“Paisley, did you pack yet?” I asked her.

“Already did it.” She shrugged.

After our picnic, it was time to go. I loaded up the car and helped John into Catherine’s truck. She followed me down the driveway, leaving the Hamptons behind. I knew it was going to be a special place for us. I hoped we would get to visit often.

I was looking forward to getting home. Catherine would soon be joining me at the house. I hoped it would be this week. I didn’t want to wait another day. I had just been giving her shit about not having patience, and now I was the one that couldn’t wait to get started with our lives together.

“I think she liked the ring,” Paisley said from beside me.

“I know she did.” I nodded. “You did good.”

“It wasn’t me,” she laughed. “You totally picked that one out on your own.”

“With your advice.”

“When are they going to move in?” she asked.

I glanced in the rearview mirror, seeing her in her truck behind me. “I’m not sure. I hope soon. John was a little hesitant, but I hope he’ll be ready to jump right in.”