My phone rang, so I answered it.
“Hey, Alex,” I said as Klaus scoffed at his empty fridge and picked up takeout menus.
Good. I didn’t feel like cooking anyway.
“Can you upload more photos of you guys to Rosalie’s account? We have way too many reporters breathing down my neck here.”
“Uh, yeah. I can do that,” I said.
“I think it’s best if we start pushing her European dates back. Without Rosalie, we can’t do this. Make a statement that, for her mental health and safety, she’s going to take a little break. People will believe that. She’s been going through a lot these last few weeks.”
“I’ll post it tomorrow,” I said. “Move the dates however you need to.”
“Thanks. I’ll do that. I appreciate all you do, man. Has there been any word?”
“Nothing,” I admitted as I listened to Klaus call in some takeout from a burger joint Evan liked.
“Damnit,” Alex muttered. “What the fuck?”
“I don’t know. I miss her,” I admitted.
“Hang in there, Anson. She’s going to be OK.” His voice shook.
“I hope so,” I whispered.
“She will. She’s a strong woman. I know you guys taught her well.”
I swallowed, my throat tight.
“No weird messages or packages either?”
“Nothing. It’s just… odd.”
“It is.” Alex sighed. “We’ll talk soon, OK?”
“Yeah, man. Soon.”
We bid one another goodbye, and I hung up.
“I ordered burgers,” Klaus said.
“I heard,” I murmured, staring out at Evan as he wiped at his eyes.
“He’ll be OK. He needs time. It’s a lot to be going through right now,” Klaus said.
“It’s fucking bullshit. I’ll talk to E.”
“Perhaps, but don’t push it.”
I nodded. I wouldn’t push it unless I had to. Evan was my brother, and I loved him so fucking much. After seeing our daughter today, watching her play with Jameson, Trent’s stepson, all I wanted to do was bring Rosalie home, hold her with my guys, and love on her. Make a baby. Just be a family.
We fucking deserved that.
Evan deserved it.
If Rosalie got to come home, I’d back off and let Evan win her pregnancy. I knew how happy he’d be, and I’d give that to him.
I went back to the living room and sat next to Evan. Klaus’s phone rang, and he swore about fucking clients before leaving the room to go to his office.
