by Sarina Wilde
“Why are you showing me a picture of your wife and kids?” Chas asked.
Mike’s mouth quirked. “I don’t broadcast my private life for all and sundry either. So understand what we’re discussing is between you and me.”
“All right.” Chas felt a premonition of what might be to come.
“Susan’s not my legal spouse. Her husband, Eric, is the one taking the picture.”
“But…I’ve met your kids.”
“You’ve met our kids…Susan’s, Eric’s and mine. We’re a threesome. Susan and Eric are legally married. We did that for the sake of the children we share.”
Chas leaned back, staring at the photo he still held in his hands. The kids had a mixture of blond and brown hair. Neither Susan nor Mike were blond. “Which ones…”
“They’re ours. We’ve never made a distinction. The kids know that. They call both Eric and me Dad. Our legal affairs are arranged to recognize them in that way too.”
“How long…”
“We moved in together in college. Back then it was Susan and Eric, and Susan and me. It took us a while to get to the point where it was the three of us. So, when I say I’m here to help you, I have my reasons. I know what it’s like to love a man.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I’ll ask you again. Is there a woman you’re involved with?”
Chas sucked in a deep breath. “Yes. We both are. Her name’s Greer. She, ah hell, this may only make things worse, she started as our housekeeper and nanny, but Liam and I both have fallen in love with her. She’s the piece that completes our relationship.” Chas dug inside the pocket of his scrubs and pulled out the jewelry box he’d picked up from Liam’s safe deposit box during what little free time he’d found before his meeting. “We’re…we’re asking her to marry us.”
Brandt’s eyes twinkled. “Nervous? That’s great, Chas. Who’s actually going to be the legal spouse?”
“Liam. There are issues with his child custody, and we feel like he stands a better chance of becoming the main custodial parent if he’s the one who’s married. I don’t have any family, don’t own any property.”
“So you’re basically in the same situation I was at the point we decided to marry.”
Chas handed the picture back to him. “You’ve got a great-looking family. You have a picture of Eric?”
Brandt smiled. “Yeah.” He pulled out his wallet and extracted a picture of a smiling blond giant, seated in the stern of a fishing boat. “He’s one of the most laid-back guys I’ve ever met, and a perfect foil for Susan and me. He balances us. We balance him.”
Chas nodded. “I know what you mean. That’s the way Liam and Greer are for me. They’re supportive when I need it, and I can be there when they need help. You know, Greer had a panic attack the first night she came to interview.”
Brandt frowned as he tucked the picture back in his wallet. “What did you say Greer’s last name is?”
“I didn’t. It’s Davidson.”
Mike Brandt laughed. “Holy shit. I don’t know why I didn’t make that connection. Greer’s such an unusual name. Susan is one of her mother’s oldest friends. We were all undergrads together. They still keep in touch.”
Chas expelled a breath and ran his hands over his hair, not surprised to find them shaking just a bit. This had been one hell of a day. “Is that good news, or bad?”
“Definitely good. Her mother won’t have a problem with your relationship. I don’t know her father realizes, but being married to Greer’s mom all this time, chances are good he’s as broad-minded as she is.”
“Thank God.”
“Go home, Chas. You and Liam woo your girl, and be sure to let me know tomorrow if congratulations are in order.”
“Thanks, I will.”
* * * * *
Greer looked from her mother’s understanding expression to her father’s thoughtful one. “I’m not just the housekeeper.” She shifted. “Or Wyatt’s nanny.”
Her father leaned forward, eyes narrowing. “Was this a condition of employment?”
“Oh no, Daddy! It was nothing like that. The job was all above board, with no implication whatsoever there were any expectations of a relationship… It just happened. And it feels right. I wish I could tell you I have the standard relationship, but…I can’t. Liam and Chas are both equal parts of what we have.”
Her father pushed back his chair, excused himself and stepped out onto the screened porch. When Greer started to go after him, her mother stopped her.
“Give him some thinking space. You’ve thrown a curve at him. I know he’s always dreamed of walking you down the aisle. We thought that would be with Markus, but the accident ended that.”
“Mommy,” Greer began, reverting to her childhood nickname. “Can I tell you something?”
“You can tell me anything, Greer. You know that.”
“I had doubts even before the accident that Markus and I would be able to make things work. We were too alike. I think it had simply become comfortable. Since Liam and Chas have entered my life, I’ve realized I would never have been happy with Markus, not for keeps.”
“Do these two men make you happy?”
“Oh yes. They…they cherish me. That’s such an old-fashioned word, but it fits. I feel loved when I’m with them, scars and all.”
“Your scars are not who you are.”
Greer smiled. “That’s what I’ve been told, by both of them. Oh Mom, Chas is helping me to get past the panic. Liam is teaching me sculpture. I’m working at my art again, using my talent in a new direction. They make me a better person.”
Her mother leaned over and hugged her. “Go talk to your dad while I make coffee. Take him for a walk. Tell him what you’ve told me. When it comes right down to it, Greer, all he really wants is for you to be happy.”
She found him standing out in his garden. While her mother dabbled in a lot of crafts, her father was the gardener, and not just vegetables. Sure, they’d had a great vegetable garden growing up, but it was flowers—roses—that were his real passion. That’s where he was now, standing amidst the fragrant bushes, gently stroking his fingers over a bloom.
He looked up at her approach. “You know, I’ve been fascinated by flowers since I was just a kid. Not a good thing when you live in a working-class neighborhood in one of the poorer sections of town. I got called pussy and pansy a lot.” He stopped and grinned. “Left a lot of bloody noses back there too—most of them belonging to people I pounded. Having a unique interest or perspective on life can open you up for a lot of ridicule…a lot of abuse. My own dad was one of the people who thought I was a pansy. He died before I got into law school, before I met your mother, before we had you.”
Greer tucked her arm through his. “You’re wonderful with flowers and gardening, Daddy. I’m glad you never let anyone dissuade you.”
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a small, sharp knife and cut a rose. As he examined it, held so gently between his fingers, he said, “You remind me of this flower. I look at you and you seem so delicate that the slightest wind or blow could tear you apart. I worried about you growing up. I worried about your relationship with Markus, though I never said anything to your mother about that. I should have.
“I ached for you after the accident, but, you know, that’s when I finally realized you were more than just the beautiful blossom. You also had thorns. They came out in the grit and determination you showed while you were in the hospital, in the way you fought through the panic attacks and tried to rebuild a life for yourself.”
He handed her the bloom, using his thumb to wipe away the tear that had escaped her lower lashes to hover just below.
“You’re making another choice that will test your abilities to adapt and weather criticism. All I need to know is if this is what you really want, because you see, I now know that like the rose you hold, you can weather a lot more than I think. You’re tough Greer. And I want you to know, I love you no matter what choices you make.”
“Oh, Daddy.”
“If you love both these men, then I’ll learn to deal with that. I only ask one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“I want them back over here for dinner, and I want my free shot at them.”
Greer laughed. “I think we can arrange that.”
By the time she headed home, Greer was smiling. On the passenger seat next to her, was a small bouquet of roses her father had cut from his garden, but by far the most precious bloom was the pink one with just a hint of an orange blush to it, the first one he’d given her.
Chas’ car was around back, next to Liam’s pickup truck. She pulled in, curious at the lack of lights in the house. They were probably in Chas’ office and she couldn’t see that window from this side of the house. After picking up her flowers, she went to the back door and entered the kitchen. Under the light over the stove was a note.
Come upstairs. L.
Greer put the flowers in a vase and set them in the middle of the table, then grabbed two of the blossoms to give to Liam and Chas before dashing up the steps. When she reached the top, just a faint glow shone from the master bedroom. Curious now as to what they might be up to, she padded softly forward. Only light from several candles scattered atop the furniture brightened the darkness. Their warm glow fell on the table near the loveseat where a bottle of champagne rested in a bucket of ice with three flutes standing nearby. Nestled on the tray with the flutes was a small box.
The flowers fell to the floor. Chas caught them before they hit. Greer wasn’t sure where he’d come from. She saw Liam standing in the doorway to the bathroom. Both men were in suits and ties, smelling of expensive cologne.
“Have a seat, Greer,” Chas pointed to the love seat.
She swallowed around the lump in her throat.
“What’s all this?” She sat, nervously smoothing the short skirt of the sundress she’d donned before going to her parents’ house.
Liam sat next to her with Chas perched on the arm next to him. They seemed a bit nervous, something out of character for them, but Greer was nervous right now too. She glanced at the box on the table. She didn’t want to speculate. Deep down, she was afraid to hope.
In desperation, she whispered, “Please say what you have to say. You’re making me nervous.”
Liam picked up the box. “This belonged to my grandmother. Chas collected it from my safe deposit box this morning.”
“Open it, Liam.” Chas bumped his shoulder. “You’re making me nervous too.”
He held the box between the tips of his fingers and used his other hand to flick the lid back. Inside the satin-lined box nestled a golden band with an exquisite pear-shaped diamond surrounded by smaller stones, forming a delicate starburst. It twinkled in the candlelight.
“I know you haven’t been here long, but you know how we feel about you.” Liam cleared his throat and looked at the ring.
“You already know we want you to stay,” Chas picked up. “We’d like to make that official. We’re in love with you, Greer. We want to marry you.”
Tears welled and spilled. Greer could almost touch the panic from both men. She held up her hands, not surprised to find them shaking. When she’d told her parents about her relationship, she’d expected to hear some remonstrances. Instead, they’d supported her. Now the two men she’d already admitted she cared about were proposing.
“Greer?” Liam ventured.
“If it upsets you, we can leave things as they are,” Chas tacked on.
“No. I mean, yes. I mean, yes, I’ll marry you. One of you.” She laughed nervously. “Who am I marrying?”
They looked at each other before Liam spoke. “We thought me, you know, since we live here, and then there’s Wyatt. It just seemed to make more sense. Chas doesn’t have any family. If you’d rather it was him, that’s okay.”
Greer leaned forward to touch her lips to Liam’s cheek. When she felt Chas cup her face, she turned to kiss his palm. “It’s both of you. I know legally it can be only one. If you think it should be Liam, that’s fine. Chas can be the best man and with both of you standing there, it will be like saying my vows to both of you.”
Liam slipped the ring on her finger. “It’s a little big. I’ll have it sized tomorrow.”
She looked at the two of them. “I love you.”
Liam smiled and snatched up the champagne bottle. “Let’s drink to that idea then we want to take you out dancing. You know, kind of like a date. We haven’t done that.”
Chas stepped into the bedroom where Greer kept her clothing for a minute, reappearing with a dress bag in hand and a pair of strappy, high-heeled sandals hanging from his fingers. Greer could only stare. It was like stepping into a fairy tale beyond imagination. Two gorgeous guys who were falling all over themselves for her.
“Am I awake?”
Liam laughed. “Yes. I hope you don’t mind. While you were out, we went shopping for you. We weren’t sure you had any party girl dresses, and I want you to come to the unveiling at the Museum this weekend. That’s originally what we went to find—a dress for that.”
Chas interrupted. “But we decided we wanted to celebrate our engagement.”
“Wasn’t that just a little cocky?”
“We’re more than happy to supply cocky, but we’d really like to take you out. You have no idea what saying yes means to us.”
She thought she just might. She felt like Cinderella as they helped her change. The dress hugged her body, and normally would have made her cringe with its spaghetti straps. But they’d even considered that, finding a sequined bolero jacket she could wear over the top of it. She twirled in front of them, got a pat on the butt, a deep kiss from both, then they took her out on the town. If she was Cinderella, she really hoped it would never strike midnight.
Chapter Thirteen
The club was hopping. Several people greeted Liam by name, but he was well-known enough that was to be expected. Greer saw the glances directed toward her, Chas and then to the ring on her finger. The curiosity was rampant, people obviously wondering exactly whose ring it was she wore. Both men were attentive, keeping her firmly in between them as the music throbbed around them.
Liam ordered another bottle of champagne. They toasted their engagement. Prying eyes be damned, she accepted kisses from both men.
“Dance with me,” Chas said in her ear as the beat slowed enough they could dance in each other’s arms. Greer nodded. Under the table, Chas reached across to stroke Liam’s thigh, their gazes connecting for an instant. “If it speeds up, join us on the next number.”
Liam smiled, his dark eyes gleaming as they skated over both of them.
Greer hadn’t been dancing since her accident. Markus hadn’t really liked dancing, but she had usually dragged him onto a dance floor to shuffle around for a slow dance or two. Chas was a far cry from that, guiding her skillfully around the crowded space. As the number ended, someone spoke at her side.
“Greer?” She turned to find herself facing Markus’ older brother and his wife. For just a second, her breathing accelerated, but she felt Chas’ hand slowly rub her back, reminding her to relax and control her breathing so she didn’t panic.
“How are you, Steven? Trish?” Greer congratulated herself on how normal her voice sounded. When Trish’s eyes went to the ring on the hand she had resting on Chas’ arm, she started to panic again. Chas pulled her into his side and stuck his hand out.
“Hi, I’m Chas Lynch, a friend of Greer’s.”
“Steven Spencer. This is my wife, Trish.” Steven glanced between the two of them. “It’s been too long, Greer. We’ve missed you.”
She wasn’t certain how to respond. Liam saved her from having to.
“Greer, darling.” He took her hand in his and Chas stepped back just a bit. She wanted them both with her, but knew that wasn’t going to work. This was how they would be, how their public perception would move forward. She glanced at Chas, wondering if he felt shut out, but w
hen their gazes connected, she saw encouragement and understanding there.
“Liam, this is Markus’ older brother, Steven and his wife Trish.”
Liam stuck out his hand. Trish’s eyes widened. “You’re Lee Carle.”
He smiled. “I’m Greer’s fiancée. In fact, we’re celebrating our engagement tonight. Dr. Lynch, our friend, was kind enough to accompany us. We were just toasting that. Will you join us?”
Greer felt trepidation. After all, this was Markus’ brother. He smiled at her, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I’m happy for you, Greer. Markus would be too.”
“Thank you, Steven.”
“We’d be happy to toast your engagement.”
In other circumstances, Greer knew she would be on the verge of panicking. She had avoided people she’d known before the accident out of a need to forget and build a new life, but she was beginning to realize being with Chas and Liam would make that impossible. Both men were prominent in their fields, and like Liam, she had grown up in the area. She had tried to prune her ties, even pull up her roots without actually leaving, but in the end, she was too deeply entwined with the place she called home.
“You okay?” Chas whispered in her ear as he helped her slide into the booth.
Greer smiled at him. “I am, Chas. I really am.”
They got two more flutes and poured more champagne for everyone. Steven was the one to lift his glass to her. “To your every happiness, Greer. Like I said, we’ve missed you, and I know I speak for Markus when I wish you and Liam the very best.”
“Did you meet through your art?” Trish asked. “Does this mean you’re working at your painting again?”
“I…” Liam squeezed her hand softly.
“Greer is working with me in my studio. She’s very talented.”
Steven glanced at Chas. “Did I hear Lee say Dr. Lynch? You wouldn’t be at St. Mark’s would you?”
“I am. I have to say you look familiar.”
Steven grinned. “It’s Dr. Spencer. I’m with the East End Women’s Clinic.”
They talked a while longer, Greer beginning to feel more relaxed about being out and seeing people from her past. When Steven and Trish finally excused themselves, she was able to give them both a hug and a kiss with genuine feeling behind it.