“I came to help a friend.” I offered her a small smile. I’d never cared for Tabitha. She was gorgeous, tall, thin, and blond, but her attitude had become crass over the years. And she was annoyingly involved in climbing social ladders.
“I see.” She looked from Marty to Meredith. “I didn’t realize that you were so close with the Thysmer family.”
I didn’t say anything. She was baiting me, trying to figure out if there was something going on between me and Meredith. And considering that I didn’t know, I wasn’t going to answer. Rather, I wasn’t sure exactly what it was.
“The Thysmers are our neighbors. Arthur has come several times to visit with my father.” She leaned close to me and lowered her voice. “He and Father drank most of our scotch in one sitting.”
“I wouldn’t think that a funeral is the place for gossip, Tabby.” I narrowed my eyes. Tabitha loved to spread rumors. It was something she lived for; it fed attention in her direction.
“It’s the perfect place.” She reached out and straightened my tie. “It’s been too long since I’ve seen you. Where have you been hiding?”
From the other side of Marty, I felt Meredith look in our direction and then quickly away.
“I’ve been putting together an art showing in London.” I looked past Tabitha to the other people milling about. I was more than a little bored and edging into irritation.
“I heard about that. How long will it be going on? I’m going to London tomorrow. I’ll stop by.” She tossed her long hair over her shoulder and flashed a grin. “We could meet up and have dinner.”
“It’ll be running for a few more weeks.” I shifted my feet and Marty pulled on my hand. “What do you need, buddy?”
“I’m hungry,” Marty whispered loudly. I almost shouted in relief. Finally, a way to escape.
Besides, I was hungry too. Meredith was in conversation with the minister, but I saw her look down at Marty quickly and then at me. Did she need me here with her? Or would she be okay with me leaving to feed Marty?
My eyes ran over the line of people that were gathering to talk to her and my family and I made a decision. I just didn’t have it in me to schmooze anyone else.
“Let’s go see if we can find some snacks.” I looked back at Tabitha. “It was nice to see you, but I must be going.”
“Did his mother not bring something for the boy?” Tabitha shot a surreptitious glance in Meredith’s direction. “And you? Playing babysitter? I thought you didn’t like kids.”
I took a step closer to Tabitha and lowered my voice. “I like that boy more than I like most people.”
Turning to walk away, I caught a hint of a smile on Meredith’s face.
“Come on, Marty, let’s get out of here.”
We headed to the limo, where Cathy was talking with Rachel.
“Got any snacks in your car?”
“I think we have some stuff.” Cathy smiled at Marty. “Hungry? It’s been a long day.”
“Starving!”
“Climb in there and see what you can find.” I opened the door and motioned for him to get in.
Marty threw himself headfirst into the car and slid across the leather bench.
“Watch the shoes,” I said.
“I am!” He disappeared in the dark interior.
“How is Meredith?” Rachel asked.
I looked over to where Meredith was standing next to her father and grimaced. She was currently talking with Tabitha, and a pang of guilt slid through my body. I had taken the quickest way out of the receiving line that had formed.
“She’ll be fine.” Cathy read the guilt on my face. “She handles people as well as Alex.”
I looked back toward where she was leaning forward and speaking quietly to an elderly woman. Her shoulders were loose and relaxed and she was smiling. If I wasn’t looking for it, I would miss the way her body was angled away from her father’s, the way she tucked her hair nervously behind her ear.
“It’s not the people that I’m worried about.” I glanced back at my sister.
“He is on good behavior right now,” Rachel informed me. Apparently I wasn’t the only one worried about Arthur. “I’ve kept a close watch on him today. Unless he’s been sneaking stuff in the bathroom, he’s sober.”
I looked back over at Meredith and frowned. Samantha and Alex were right there with her and her father.
“The reading of the will is tomorrow?” I shot Rachel a glance.
She adjusted her glasses and frowned. “Yes. Tomorrow afternoon the attorney will be at Thysmer.”
“Has my mother sent a representative?”
“I believe that she asked Alex to be present.” She looked at me over her glasses. “Unless you want to be there.”
“I’ll do it. The old man already hates me anyway.” I shrugged before checking to make sure Marty wasn’t listening.
“You must have said something that made an impact.” Rachel looked back toward Arthur. “He was sober when I arrived at Thysmer this morning and muttering about a prince.”
“I gave him an order from the crown.” I frowned. It wasn’t something that was done lightly. In fact, I’d never used my title to force something on someone. I was surprised that it didn’t bother me more.
“That explains it.” Rachel sighed..
“Well, it worked.” Cathy sighed. “I’m just glad today has gone smoothly.”
“Now we get through tomorrow.” Rachel nodded her head. “And things will sort themselves out.”
“Do you have any idea what the old man left?” I looked at the small woman.
“I wasn’t privy to that information.” She frowned. “Though I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was concerned.”
I let out a breath. If I was worried, I couldn’t imagine how Meredith felt. She truly felt a sense of responsibility to her township. Having her father take over as duke would leave them in a bad place. However, if her granddad did something drastic, it would change her course of life. It would be nearly impossible to be both the acting duchess and go to school full-time, much less having an active stage career.
Not to mention having a son.
“I found crackers and grapes!” Marty slid across the back bench of the car and held up his treasures. “Anyone want some?”
“I’m good.” I ruffled his hair.
“Well, don’t stuff yourself with fizzy water and crackers. I’m thinking we’ll have a lot of food waiting on us when we get home.”
“You mean Thysmer?” His face took on a worried cast.
“Um, no. I meant D’Lynsal.” I looked over at Cathy quickly, but she shrugged her shoulders. How did the two royals with no kid experience end up with the munchkin? “Is that okay with you?”
“Yeah.” He frowned and popped a grape into his mouth. “I like it there. Mom acts more like herself there.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“Is that because of the mushy stuff?” He cocked his head to the side and looked at me while he chewed.
“Um.” I looked around at Cathy and Rachel. Cathy was smiling, but hiding it behind one hand, while Rachel looked distracted by her phone, obviously pretending that she hadn’t heard what Marty had said.
“I’m just happy you both are comfortable there.” My palms started to become sweaty and I wiped them on my pants.
“Yeah, we are.” He popped another grape into his mouth. “My room is pretty awesome, but I miss my toys.”
“I’m sorry about that.” I frowned. “Is it anything in particular?”
“I dunno.” He shrugged. “Just stuff.”
“I’ve got some outdoor stuff you can play with,” Cathy offered.
“And if you want, you could draw or paint. I’ve got some stuff you can use.”
“That would be cool. Mom said you’re a painter. Not like the ones that paint houses, but the ones that paint pictures of things. Mom likes a painter named Fan Golf.”
“Van Gogh?” I chuckled.
“I guess. He p
ainted lots of things about a missing ear.” Marty took a sip of his water and made a face. “That stuff tickles my nose.”
“There’s probably some still water in there if you’d prefer.”
“Nah. I like this.” Marty took another swig. “Even if it tickles.”
“You’re kinda crazy.” I chuckled. “A good crazy.”
“Well, that’s better than being a bad crazy.” He took another swallow and made a face.
“Very true.”
I looked back toward Meredith, and she had turned so that she was looking at where we were standing. I pointed at the open door of the car and she nodded her head in understanding. She had wanted to know where her son had gotten to.
There were a few more people left to speak to, but I could tell by her stance that she was tired. When the last person approached her, I watched as her father turned in her direction and began speaking. I started to go up the hill, but Alex beat me to it. Knowing my brother, he had left Samantha on the other side of Meredith on purpose when he went to talk to Arthur. Casually he placed a hand on the man’s shoulder and joined in the conversation.
It was all friendly, but I also knew that it was business. He was reminding the old man to stay on good behavior. It seemed to be working, because Arthur had taken to merely answering questions that were directed at him.
Once they were finished, they all started down the hill toward the cars together. Sam had looped her arm through Meredith’s and was talking animatedly about something that had them both smiling. By the time they got to where I was standing I caught the tail end of the conversation.
“Tabitha could make the pope want to curse.” Sam shook her head.
“I don’t even know why she was here. Granddad thoroughly disliked her.” Meredith shook her head, sending her red hair swirling around her shoulders. She brushed at the black dress she was wearing and looked back at Sam with a small smile. “Though it was fun to watch you put her in her place.”
“It’s a talent.” Sam pretended to breathe on her fingernails before wiping them on her dress. “She’s one annoying bitch with the memory of a goldfish.”
Meredith laughed and her face lit up. Now that the funeral was over, I could appreciate how stunning she looked today.
Everything about her was understated elegance. She was the woman who walked down the street and caught everyone’s eye. Though I had seen her dressed to kill at Sam and Alex’s wedding, I was pretty sure I liked her naked best of all. My eyes ran over her body slowly, taking in every inch. Was it wrong that I wanted to whisk her away somewhere private? Probably, but I wasn’t sure I cared. She needed to spend time with Marty; needed to relax and let some of her stress melt away. She needed more than what I could offer right now. I seemed to make her nervous when we were alone.
“So what do we do now?” Her eyes met mine. Her father was standing behind her, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his pants.
I kept my mouth shut. It was the only way I could make sure I didn’t say what I was thinking out loud.
“If you have time, Arthur, I’d like to go back with you and set up a few things for tomorrow.” Rachel looked at the man with a serious expression. “I’d be honored to help with some of the paperwork.”
“All right,” he grunted.
“Then we’ll leave you now and get to business.” Rachel bobbed her head at everyone.
“Thank you for coming.” Arthur mumbled the words, his face a frustrated mask as he nodded his head at Alex.
“It was my honor, sir.” Alex reached out to shake his hand. With no way to escape without being rude, Arthur accepted his handshake before turning and swiftly heading toward the other limo.
I looked at Meredith as she watched her father walk away and I could see the worry etched in the planes of her face. There was also a good amount of guilt there that made me want to punch the old man again. She shouldn’t feel guilty that he was going back to an empty house. He’d brought it on himself.
“Don’t worry, dear, I’ll take care of him.” Rachel touched Meredith’s arm and gave her a warm smile.
“Thank you.”
“I think that after a day like today, we deserve to have fun and relax.” Alex rubbed his hands together. “Marty, would you like to help me feed the birds today?”
“What do they eat?” Marty stuck his head out of the limo.
“Mice.” Alex put his hand on the small of Sam’s back.
“For real?” Marty’s eyes got huge. “Can I, Mom?”
“Um, what will that involve?” Meredith looked at Alex with worried eyes.
“He’ll wear a full glove and I’ll be with him the whole time,” Alex assured her.
“Okay,” Meredith said. Her face still looked a little hesitant.
“I’ll go with them,” Sam said. “After I eat something.”
“Food does sound like a good idea.” Meredith rolled her head from side to side. “I didn’t eat much this morning.”
“Then let’s head home.” I opened the door for her and helped her climb in. It wasn’t until I noticed Alex raise an eyebrow in my direction that I realized I had called D’Lynsal home. For all of us.
I helped Sam slide into her seat and looked up at Alex and Cathy. They were both smiling at me.
“What?”
“You’re in trouble, brother.” Alex smacked my shoulder before climbing into the car.
“You guys are really obnoxious, you know that?” I glared at my sister.
“Only because you know we’re right.” She laughed as she slid in the car.
Shaking my head, I climbed in after her and took the last seat available. The car ride was a jumble of talking, laughter, and good-natured ribbing. It was like we’d all decided to cut loose after a very intense morning.
Marty was draped over his seat so that his feet were in the air and his head hanging down by his mother’s feet. He popped a grape in his mouth and Meredith rolled her eyes.
“Sit up before you choke.”
“I was being a bat. Do you have any bats?” He looked at Alex.
“No bats.” Alex laughed. “We have horses though.”
“Oh cool!”
“When are you going to tell us if the baby is a boy or a girl?” Cathy was looking at Sam with an intense expression.
“What does it matter?” Alex asked. “You’ll be an aunt either way.”
“I want to know if I should buy pink stuff or blue stuff.”
“Oh God. Do not swamp us with pink stuff. I hate pink.” Sam shook her head.
Alex turned to look at her and smiled. “Purple wouldn’t be so bad.”
“Yes!” Cathy sat forward. “It is a girl! I knew it.”
“I didn’t say that.” Sam frowned. “I just said I didn’t want lots of pink stuff . . . if it is a girl.”
“Come on.” Cathy laughed. “It’s a girl!”
Sam looked at Alex and he shrugged.
“Don’t tell anyone else.” Sam looked around the interior of the limo. “Yes, it’s a girl.”
“Ahh!” Cathy jumped across the cab and hugged Sam.
“Don’t squish me!” Sam fended off my sister with a laugh.
“Names?” I leaned forward and looked at my brother.
“Not yet.” He shook his head. “We’re not going to decide for certain until we have the baby.”
“I didn’t pick Marty’s name until after I had him,” Meredith offered.
“Really?” Cathy asked. “I think I wouldn’t be able to help myself from picking.”
“I couldn’t decide.” Meredith shrugged. “Then when I saw him, the name Marty popped into my head and nothing else seemed to fit.”
“Is it a family name?” I watched her face.
“No.” She smiled. “I have no idea where it came from.”
“It fits him.” Alex nodded his head. “That’s what we’re hoping for.”
“I would have thought you’d go with a family name.” I looked at my brother. Knowing that Sam h
ad lost her mother a few years before she lost her stepfather, I thought it would be a natural choice.
“We’ve talked about it, but we want it to be the baby’s name. If it doesn’t fit, then it doesn’t fit.” He shrugged.
“Cathy, I bet you twenty that they can’t agree on a name in the first three days.” I looked at my sister.
“Pfft. I’ll see your twenty.” Cathy narrowed her eyes and looked at Sam and then Alex. “I say five days.”
“I want in.” Meredith sat forward. “Two days tops. And I’ll raise the bet to fifty.”
“Accepted.” I narrowed my eyes.
“You guys are going down.” She lifted one eyebrow and smirked at me.
“Are you guys so sure that we’re going to argue over our baby’s name?” Alex looked around the car. “We have talked about it, you know.”
“After I squeeze a watermelon out of my hoo-ha, I have final say on the baby name.” Samantha sat back in her seat. “His Royal Stubbornness can suck it if he doesn’t like what I pick.”
“That’s not fair.” Alex frowned and looked at his wife. “I helped make the baby too.”
“You got the fun part.” Sam huffed. “I get the final say.”
“You two are so going to lose.” Cathy cackled.
Meredith sat back in her seat and smiled. Either she had a great poker face—which I already suspected—or she knew something we didn’t. Either way, I enjoyed watching her interact with my family.
By the time we’d gotten back to the house, Marty had fallen asleep on his mother’s lap and Samantha was leaning against Alex. I waited outside of the car and when Meredith slid to the door I reached in and took Marty out of her arms, letting his head rest on my shoulder.
With my free hand I reached to Meredith to help her out of the car. Her face filled with an expression that I didn’t completely understand. Her fingers wrapped around mine, and when she was standing next to me she stood on her tiptoes and kissed me softly.
The feel of her lips on mine sent a chorus of emotions rustling through my body. It wasn’t excitement, but akin to satisfaction. She kept her fingers in mine as we walked back to the house while Marty snored softly on my shoulder. One of the butlers opened the door for us, and I walked straight to the room Marty was using.
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