“Mm,” I roll over lazily and stretch my legs out. “That was such a nice afternoon nap. I feel really refreshed,” I mutter.
“Good, I’m glad you are feeling better.”
I climb out of bed in a sleepy, happy daze, still thinking about what happened today. I have so many things I want to ask him, so many things I want to know about how he feels about having a baby. But I think I’ll wait until we're at dinner. And also, I want to talk to him about getting me my own phone. I want to call Kayla.
“Go shower, get dressed, and come downstairs when you’re ready,” he says, slapping me playfully on the butt.
It doesn’t take me long to get ready.
I chose a black velvet dress with long sleeves and a tight-fitting cut. I do soft makeup and pin my hair up in a high bunon top of my head with loose strands floating down to frame my face. I chose flat black boots to wear under the long dress, because there is no way I feel like tackling the cold outside tonight with high heels on.
I grab my long, thick gray and white checkered tweed coat to slip on when I get too cold.
I feel quite pretty when I check myself in the mirror before heading downstairs to meet Anton.
And when I walk down the last section of steps and see the way he’s looking up at me, my heart somersaults with happiness.
“You look exquisite, Pixie. I’ll be the envy of every man there tonight,” he muses, holding out his hand to take mine as I get closer to him.
He pulls me into his arms and kisses my lips softly.
“I have to tell you something before we leave, though. I didn’t want to tell you earlier because I thought you wouldn’t be able to rest if I did. And you really needed that sleep,” he says tightly.
“Oh, what is it?” I ask, picking up on the edge in his voice.
“Tonight’s dinner isn’t just for us. Kayla and I made an arrangement. We will be having dinner with her and her husband.”
My mouth drops open in shock. “Josiah!” I blurt out as panic shoots through me. “He will kill you on the spot,” I stammer.
“No, Kayla has arranged for a truce tonight so that we can talk face to face. She cares deeply about you, Izabel. I trust that she will make this happen,” he says calmly.
“So, you’re just going to walk into the dinner-thing andhopethat she managed to calm him down?” I huff in disbelief.
“Yes, that was my plan. Do you think your friend can get Josiah to agree to this?” he asks.
I tilt my head to the side, considering his question. This is Kayla. She’s pretty damn fierce, and when it comes to Anton, she pretty much always gets what she wants.
I sigh, reluctantly accepting that she can. “Yes, if anyone can do it, it’s her.”
“Then, shall we?” he asks, stepping back and offering me his hand again.
***
My stomach is still doing flip-flops when we walk into the restaurant.
I can see Josiah and Kayla sitting next to the window. Kayla waves, a relaxed smile on her face. Josiah looks grumpy.
As we get closer, Josiah stands. I move away from Anton to hug Josiah. “Are you okay?” he whispers in my ear tensely.
“I am, I’m better than okay,” I smile.
He releases me and turns to Anton. Kayla and I wait, watching and holding our breath. The men don’t shake hands, but they also don’t start shooting at each other right away, so that’s a good sign as far as I’m concerned.
It’s horribly awkward as we sit at the table. I sit next to Kayla with Anton on the other side of me. Josiah is seated between Kayla and Anton.
The waiter comes to take our drinks order, and no one speaks.
To my relief, Kayla takes over and orders two bottles of wine for the table and a bottle of sparkling water for me. The men glare at each other in silence until the waiter leaves to fetch the wine.
