Merde, blast, bollocks, fuck.
This was not supposed to happen. She and his new life were not supposed to mix.
Teres would be apoplectic.
Or worse, would nix the deal if he found out. No matter what his daughter said.
“There’s no betrothal agreement in place,” he told her, attempting to keep his voice calm.
“But there’s an understanding, is there not?” Miss Adler asked, cocking her head.
“There is,” he admitted, his pulse beginning to tick up. “On the condition that we each find matters amenable.”
The woman’s lip twitched. “She seems already quite committed.”
“Does she?” he asked, narrowing his eyes.
“You couldn’t tell?” she asked.
“I try not to assume too much,” he told her. “Especially before agreements are executed.”
“How prudent of you,” she said, her tone sardonic.
Roger narrowed his eyes.
“You don’t approve?” he asked, now taking a step toward her.
“Of prudence? On the contrary. Regarding your remarriage, I have no opinion.” She shrugged. “As I stated before, we aren’t friends, and I’m not family,” she reminded him, and for some unknown reason, the nonchalance in the words irked his senses.
She clucked her tongue. “Speaking of which, how are your children taking the news that they’ll soon be having a new mother?”
“I haven’t told them,” he admitted after a beat.
She raised both brows. “Truly?” Her tone now was not merely incredulous but nearly reproachful.
As if what he was doing was wrong.
“I shall,” he retorted. “When it’s more definite.”
“When shall that be?” she had the nerve to ask. A lock of deep red hair fell loose from its holding, pooling around her shoulder. “At the wedding?”
“When both sides have come to terms,” he replied.
The woman should never play poker, as there was now no denying the censure on her face.
“Which shall occur shortly.” He rubbed the back of his neck.“We’re going to formally meet after you finish healing.” Not that it was any of her business. “Teres would like privacy for the event.”
“Naturally,” Miss Adler said, her tone now nearly caustic. “Children can be so unpredictable when they play together for the first time. Though given the similarities in age, they should all be able to find many commonalities.” A rather triumphant smirk settled on her pale pink lips.
Not that he was staring at them. Roger cleared his throat. “Miss Teres is—” He stopped, unable, for once, to think of a response that wouldn’t be more trouble than it was worth.
“Yes?” she challenged, cocking her head again.
“Is a wonderful woman and will make a wonderful wife and mother.” Because she would. She was exactly what he needed. The right choice.
“I’m sure,” Miss Adler said with a sniff.
Roger blinked at her for a moment as a realization flooded his senses.
