Page 73 of The Mister I Married

“This is such a lovely surprise,” she said a few moments later as the foursome moved into the rose salon and sat down. “How are you both? How is Artemis?”

Griff’s chuckle was full of affection. “Artemis is as mischievous as ever and growing like a weed.”

“She is also the most spoiled creature in all of England,” Olivia said in a hushed voice intended to be heard by all.

“Excluding you, of course, my darling wife,” Griff teased, drawing a faint blush to Olivia’s cheeks that made Emmy smile.

She was still growing accustomed to the idea of her dearest friend being married to her brother, but they were in love, and she’d never seen them happier, so how could she not be happy for them?

“I miss Artemis,” Emmy said, turning to Alex beside her on the sofa. “Artemis is Griffin’s cat, the adorable little mongrel I mentioned to you earlier.”

He smiled. “I figured as much. I hope to meet her someday.”

“Well,” she said, lacing her fingers in her lap. “Shall I ring for refreshments? I’m certain you two would appreciate a bit of sustenance after the journey here.”

She looked at Olivia then Griffin, hardly able to believe they were here, in her new home, sitting across from her and her new husband. It was nothing short of surreal.

“I would really like to freshen up first if I may,” Olivia said. “Will you show me the way, Emmy?”

The gleam in Olivia’s blue eyes hinted at an ulterior motive: She wished to talk sans husbands.

“Of course,” Emmy said, rising to her feet, and after assuring the men they would return shortly, she and Olivia quit the room.

“I do hope our unexpected arrival has not inconvenienced you,” Olivia said, looping her arm through Emmy’s as they traversed the corridor. “I wanted to make at least one more trip to London before…” She trailed off mysteriously, which instantly piqued Emmy’s interest for Olivia was not a mysterious person.

“Before what?” she prompted, arching her brows.

Olivia’s free hand settled on her belly and a little smile curved her lips. “Before I am confined to my bed.”

Emmy halted at the foot of the stairs, her eyes widening. “You mean…”

She nodded, her eyes sparkling with joy. “I am going to have a baby.”

“Oh, Livvy, that’s wonderful,” Emmy exclaimed, giving her a quick hug. “I am so happy for you.”

“I’m happy for me, too.” Olivia grinned. “And Griffin is so excited to be a father. It’s very sweet.”

Her eyes took on a dreamy quality, and Emmy huffed out a laugh, saying, “Well, I can’t wait to meet my first niece or nephew. Does my mother know?”

“Oh, yes. She is quite happy.”

Emmy laughed. “Surely that is an understatement.”

Being a grandmother was the ultimate dream for Lady Lavinia Keswick. If she hadn’t already bought up every available baby item in London, Emmy would be very surprised, indeed.

“Now, enough about me,” Olivia said as they resumed their trek up the stairs. “How are you? Are you happy here?” She blew out a sigh. “I do wish I had been there for the wedding.”

“So do I,” Emmy said sincerely, patting her hand. “But, yes, I am happy here. I had not intended to marry yet, but I like it more than I’d expected to.”

“I’m glad. I was a bit worried over what I would find when we arrived, but while we were waiting, I spotted you and your husband out the window, walking together and holding hands, and all my fears were allayed.” Olivia paused outside Emmy’s bedchamber door, a sly smile curving her lips. “You looked very much like a couple in love.”

Emmy’s stomach dipped, and she hid her discomfort with a roll of her eyes. “Don’t be silly.”

“I know what I saw, Em.”

“You saw what you wanted to see. This was not a love match, as you well know.”

Olivia tipped her head to one side, her mouth going mulish. “Perhaps it did not start out that way, but now—”