Page 69 of Protective Phlox

Chapter

Twenty-Seven

SAVANNAH

It had been so long since I had a girl’s day that I’d forgotten what one was even like. College was probably the last time that I could recall. We’d started the morning early and had breakfast at Roses du Couchant, a stunning spot right on the beach that looked out at the water. Then we headed off to get mani-pedis, which Helena insisted we do with champagne. Of course, this turned into a laughing fit and a balancing act not to spill the drinks.

Nathaniel’s sister, Kaylani, was sweet and funny, and within minutes, it felt like we’d known one another our whole lives. She told me she preferred to be called Lani, loved to party, didn’t take herself too seriously, and would lie for me if needed. I wasn’t sure what to make of that opening statement, but after spending half a day with her, it totally suited her personality.

“Wow, that was incredible. My masseuse was hot. I would go back there for a different kind of service anytime,” Kaylani said.

“Kaylani,” Helena gasped, making the two of us laugh. Helena slipped her arm into mine as we walked to the cars. “Ignore my daughter. She has a foul mouth and a dirty mind.”

“Oh please, Mom. You know you love it. You just don’t want to admit it. We all know that you’re a sex kitten. I mean, you had four kids.”

I snickered when Helena’s face turned bright red as she glared at her daughter. “I’m not saying I don’t understand. I’m just saying that we are in the company of gentlemen, and it should be private girl talk.”

Helena looked back over her shoulder, and so did I, forgetting that we had an entourage of men with us. I’d strangely gotten used to them lingering all the time. Goran didn’t seem to mind, but it was hard to tell with the dark shades and the hard set of his mouth.

“Fine, I’ll behave,” Kaylani said as she held out her hand, inspecting her nails, which now had glittery stones all over them.

“Did you enjoy yourself, Love,” Helena asked while patting my arm that she was holding.

“I did, thank you. It was all very relaxing. I especially loved the mud bath.”

“Oh, it is lovely, and your skin feels as soft as a newborn baby’s bottom afterward. Are you ready for the last stop of the day before we meet up with Nathaniel and Titus for dinner?”

“I can’t even imagine what else you have planned, but I am all in. This is the most fun I’ve had in a very long time.”

“I’m so happy. It’s great having you in the family, and it means so much to me that you’re letting me plan your wedding here.”

“I’ll be honest, I’m not much for planning large events, so you are helping me out with your willingness to get involved. All I know is that Nathan wants red as one of the colors. That was his only stipulation,” I said as we got into the back of the limo. Goran and a couple of the guards got in with us, but the rest were in the other SUVs that followed us everywhere.

“I can work with that. The florist is set to come out tomorrow at eleven, and then we will meet with Mr. Cartier about renting out the butterfly conservatory for the ceremony. He has many places, but I’m sure you’re going to fall in love with the gardens they have for events, and the butterflies are beautiful.”

“It sounds so magical,” I said.

“I know I’ve said this to you already, but no matter what my husband says, we are all delighted to welcome you into our family. I’ve never seen my son so happy. He has a light in his eyes, and that’s because of you and Cutter.” Helena grabbed a tissue from her purse and dabbed at her eyes. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to get all emotional like this.”

“Yeah, I wasn’t sure what you were going to be like being an ex-Fed and all, but you’re amazing, Savannah. I’ve always wanted a sister, and I hate Vera with a passion. I can’t believe Father has set sweet Titus up with that woman. She is a soul-sucking leech.”

“Kaylani,” Helena scolded again, but Kaylani seemed to be cut from the same cloth that I was. She wasn’t holding back for anyone or anything.

“I’m serious. I don’t know why Father insists on pairing us all up like we’re part of his thoroughbred breeding program. It’s not right.”

Helena sighed. “We’ve been over this. Your father has found who he wants you to marry, and there is nothing I can do. I’ve tried to talk him out of it.”

Kaylani rolled her eyes, crossing her arms and ankles like she was double-blocking the idea of an arranged marriage.

“He can say whatever he wants, stomp his feet, and call me names, but he will not force me to marry some old windbag so that he can make more money. He has more than he can spend before he dies, which can’t come soon enough.”

“How about we change the topic,” I interjected quickly as Helena’s face blanched. “Where are we headed next?”

Helena shook her head at her daughter but focused on me. “That is a surprise.” She leaned closer and whispered, which was useless because everyone would still be able to hear her. “Speaking of surprises, have you told Nathaniel yet?”

I looked at her and then everyone else, who tried to pretend they weren’t listening.

“Told him what?”