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“Hmm,” I grunt distractedly, barely hearing her words.
She’s not pregnant. That must be why Stella hasn’t called all week. She must have taken the test. I should be relieved she’s not pregnant. Instead, I’m irritated she didn’t call to give me an update on the test, instead of leaving me to wonder.
And what about her need for money? She could at least have called to ask for her ring.
Or maybe she is pregnant and doesn’t want me to know.
Or she doesn’t want to be pregnant.
Oh shit. I break out in a cold sweat, trying to wrack my brain if we ever discussed dealing with accidental pregnancies.
Okay, this is getting bizarre. Suddenly annoyed at myself for letting the woman twist me into knots, I snap myself out of out of it and turn away from the window I’ve been staring into. I put my arm around Vanessa’s waist and say, “I’m ready when you are, ‘Nessa.”
I lead Vanessa into my library where the minister is waiting for us. He stands as soon as we pile in.
“Is everyone here?” He asks, looking from Vanessa to me.
“Yes” I reply.
Xavier comes to me and gives me a friendly pat on my back. “You’ll be fine, brother.”
“Piss off,” I snap.
Vanessa looks between us, shaking her head. “Good to know I’ve got more of these loving sparring sessions to look forward to for the next six months.”
“Actually, no, ‘Nessa, you’ll have him all to yourself.” Xavier is positively beaming. No doubt he feels like a genius, having accomplished in a single stroke, a way to get my paws off Stella and also get rid of Vanessa.
“What do you mean I’ll have Ryan all to myself?”
“Well, you’re moving to Seattle,” Xavier explains. “Oh wait, he didn’t tell you? Typical man.”
Vanessa whirls toward me. “Ryan!”
“Asshole,” I mutter.
“Exactly that was such a dickish move. Why wouldn’t you mention that?”
The minister discreetly clears his throat.
It was in the contract if you’d bothered to read it. In a soothing tone, I say instead, “We can negotiate how many days a week you’d be willing to stay. Let’s talk about it later.”
She relents, but her mouth is still tight with irritation.
“Okay, if everyone’s ready,” the minister begins, “we shall start by—”
Three firm raps on the door interrupt us, and my heart lurches.
“Mr. Fairchild,” Mabel, my housekeeper’s calm voice floats through the heavy door. “I’m sorry to interrupt.”
Mabel isn’t only a trusted staff; she’s become more of a friend. She used to be part of the Seattle house staff, but when I moved to New York, she asked to join my household staff. Mabel knows I’m getting married today and would never dream of interrupting unless she had to.
I leave Vanessa’s side, and in the next few seconds, I’m throwing open the door.
Beside Mabel’s wiry frame is none other than Stella.
The feeling is indescribable. Bubbling softly behind my sternum and threatening to pull my mouth into a goofy smile. I resist it.
“Mr. Fairchild, I’m afraid she—” I hold a hand up, not wanting to hear anything Stella might have said to get past Mabel’s incredible bouncing power.
