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“This girl wasn’t the one that was coming out of your apartment,” Livia said.
Mulberry turned her body to his, hiding her face.
“Surprise! Gwen, I’m sorry my sister wasn’t informed of my dating status.”
Colette glared at him. “What do you mean?”
Mulberry put her hand on Nick’s arm. “I know, and I’m sorry, I wasn’t comfortable having our relationship out. Nick went along for me.”
He wanted to wrap his arms around her and resisted, but damn she couldn’t have said anything more perfect.
“Well, I guess Nick always has to do things his way, eh?” Henri said.
“I’m sorry, Gwen,” Colette said.
Gwen shrugged. “It’s okay. You guys look super cute.”
Mulberry blushed. “Thanks.”
“See you later, Colette.”
“Wait! Before you go, let me give you a swag bag,” Collette widened her eyes at Nick as she left.
His mother stared at Mulberry as if trying to place her.
“Maman, Dad, this is Mulberry Stevens. Mulberry, these are my parents, Henri and Livia Laurent.”
“Hi,” Mulberry said.
His father’s eyebrows rose to his bushy white hairline, and his mother cleared her throat.
“So I have a date for tomorrow’s gala. No need to worry.”
“I see that,” his mother said.
“Okay, Gwen is happy with a swag back,” Colette said, coming into the room. She walked over to Mulberry and pulled her in for a hug.
“Sorry about that. I was led to believe my brother didn’t do commitments.”
“Colette!” Nick growled.
“No, it’s okay, Nick. We wanted to keep it quiet. It’s our fault,” Mulberry smiled at his family. “We just recently decided to commit, right bear-bear?”
Bear-bear? Suddenly Nick couldn’t stop coughing.
“Goodness, this is exciting.” His mother said.
“Okay, we have work to do, Nick, when you’re done coughing,” Henri raised an eyebrow as if he expected him to stop on command.
“That’s okay. I’ll look after Mulberry with Maman,” Colette slung an arm around Mulberry. Mulberry smiled at him and followed his sister to the buffet table.
“Here,” Henri passed him a bottle of water.
Nick gulped down a few mouthfuls. “Thanks. Sorry to spring it on you.”
“At least you told us, I guess. Okay, now look at this intro for opening remarks” Henri held up his tablet and pressed play.
Nick glanced across the room, seeing Mulberry laugh with his mother and sister, too damn comfortable together for his liking.
