If this is her being hormonal over pregnancy, it isn’t too terrible. I’ve had worse with not-pregnant women unable to go along even after telling me I could make the decision.
Grace grabs some kind of club sandwich with bacon. She declines chips and gets the largest-sized iced tea. I order a roast beef with extra horseradish. Chips and Coke, of course. She doesn’t say anything except “Thank you” when I pay for the lunch. Either she’s peeved about something I did, or her emotions are all over the place because of the pregnancy. At least she’s able to eat normally, unlike Lucie. Sebastian was going crazy until they discovered she can stomach key lime pie.
And the baby in Grace’s womb is behaving and not giving her issues—another blessing. Although I haven’t received the paternity test results yet, I have a gut feeling that the child is mine. And my instincts are rarely off—at least when my mind isn’t clouded with rage and a sense of betrayal.
We take a small table, and Grace unwraps her food. “Have you seen the themes for the wedding?” she says finally, then bites into her sandwich.
I nod. Madison showed me some ideas she worked on. As expected, she did an excellent job, even though I scoffed that “Saving Grace” would be more suitable than “Here comes the bride.”
“And you’re okay with the final choice?” Grace’s carefully smooth tone can’t hide the razors underneath.
“I’m okay with whatever.” Is she upset because she didn’t have any direct input from the start? I thought she would appreciate the help, since she can’t count on Karie.
Perhaps I should clarify some things about the ceremony.“I’m not going to spend any more time and energy on this than I have to. It’s your wedding.”There.That should improve her disposition. All women dream of weddings, make plans for them and obsess over the details. I take several big gulps of Coke to wash down the sandwich, and wait for her to smile gladly.
Grace’s expression turns stony.
Of course. I should add one more thing.“You can continue to use Madison. She’s efficient and knows what will please me if you want my input but don’t want to bother me.”
“You don’t want to be involved?” Her voice is slightly shaky.
What’s that about? My sisters-in-law didn’t really care that much about my brothers’ input, did they? I can’t remember, since I only showed up for the ceremonies. Then an idea finally hits me. “Did Karie call you and refuse to pay for the wedding?” I snort. That entire family is so predictable and pathetic. “Don’t worry. I’m paying, and you’ll get a proper wedding, just the kind you’ve been dreaming of.”
Instead of smiling with delight, Grace gives me a strange look. “How about the baby?”
“What about it?”What’s with the abrupt change in topic?She could’ve at least said thank you. I generally don’t care if people give me credit or not, but I want her to smile at me and call me awesome. My stomach twists sharply. What the hell?I’m acting like a teenager in throes of his first love. Ugh, no.More dignity, less ridiculousness,I lecture myself, and keep my expression unreadable.
“It’s your responsibility, too.”
“I know. I’ll provide everything the baby needs. You don’t have to worry about that.” I reiterate my commitment, but I’m sure I’ve already made it clear I won’t shirk my duties on that front.
She continues to stare at me like she can’t process this. What did I say that was so weird?
I add, “I’ll be in London for three weeks. It’s unavoidable.” I’ve been putting this trip off for a while, and now I have to go or else. The timing isn’t ideal, but I’ve made arrangements for Grace. “You’ll get security to ensure that there won’t be a repeat of the Nelson incident.”
Instead of being touched, she looks vaguely annoyed. “You mean somebody to spy on me and report my every move?”
“Of course not. It’s for your own safety.”
“No, thank you.”
I ignore her intransigence. “This is non-negotiable. But don’t worry, they’ll be unobtrusive.”
“Sure, like a chastity belt,” she mutters.
“What?” My irritation mounts over her refusal to accept my considerate gesture at face value.
“Nothing. But when you’re back in town, I don’t want them anymore.”
Calm down. She’s pregnant and hormonal. “Fine.”
She expels a breath. “Is that all?”
“Madison’s coming with me. So there may be some delay due to the time difference, but she can still coordinate with you.”
Something volatile and dangerous crosses Grace’s face. “Are you sleeping with her?” The question is like a crack of a gunshot.Shocking and enraging.What the hell kind of gears turn in her little head?
Her questioning my honor is infuriating. I haven’t been able to quit thinking about her, and felt like an asshole for getting an erection last night, lying next to her, given her physical and emotional state. The need didn’t go away in the morning, and I’ve been trying to be a gentleman, only to be accused of betraying her?
