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“I know what you’re saying. She was the one who supposedly lost her head for saying that, right? But the thing is, it wasn’t her fault. I saw the movie with Kirsten Dunst. She was sent as a child to marry the dauphin of France, and she grew up surrounded by extravagance. But she would only ever be able to see things through her own eyes, wouldn’t she?”
“True, but don’t we owe it to ourselves to try to see past our boundaries?”
“Of course. Which is why your parents took you to work in shelters when you were young. And why you still give to charity. But you can never shed your own experiences completely, can you? I was thinking about this when you and Kip were telling me about your travels across Europe. It’s like the Pulp song,Common People. You said that you had to fly economy and stay in hostels, but you still wouldn’t have had the same experience as someone who truly couldn’t afford anything more than that, because if you’d gotten stuck, you’d just have called your parents, wouldn’t you, and they’d have wired you some money to help you out?”
He studies his hands. “Yeah.”
“I’m not blaming you, Saxon. I’m saying it’s beyond your control to fully understand, and there’s nothing wrong with that. You were born into money and love, and I would never, ever say that’s a bad thing. Of course you didn’t understand what I’d gone through, how could you? Your parents are incredible human beings full of love and affection. You’d never believe someone like Greta could exist and do the things she’s done to me.”
He looks at me then, his lips curving up in one corner in a rueful smile. “That’s very astute.”
“You mean I’m beginning to talk like you?” I smile. “I hope our boys are exactly like you, Saxon. With all your faults, such as they are, and all your marvelous strengths.”
I can only imagine how Greta felt when he turned up on her doorstep, looking like he does, with Titus, who’s six-three and also gorgeous and wealthy. They’d have had trouble believing that we are going to get married. I bet they called me all manner of rude names. No wonder he’s angry. His eyes are blazing the way they did that night in my apartment, when he was livid with himself for not telling me how he felt earlier. He’s furious on my behalf.
Oh, I’m so in love with this guy.
I sniff and snuffle, and don’t object when he pulls me into his arms again.
“If nothing else, I’d like you to have your father’s inheritance,” he says, kissing me. “But I’ll do whatever you want. And you don’t have to decide now.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“All right. And if you—” He stops as his phone buzzes in his top pocket. He takes it out. “Shit, it’s Mack. It must be about Elizabeth.” He answers the call. “Hey, Mack! You’re on speakerphone—Catie’s here.”
“Hey, guys,” Mack says. “I just heard from Huxley and thought you’d like to know: Elizabeth has given birth to a healthy baby boy.”
“Oh, that’s fantastic news.” Saxon grins, and I beam, thrilled.
“How is she?” I ask.
“I’ve just been with her and the baby. Sidnie’s with them now. Elizabeth looked well and she said everything went according to plan. Huxley said she was a diamond and didn’t curse him once.”
“How is he?” Saxon asks.
“Somewhat smug. Proud of himself for not fainting.”
We both laugh.
“Give him our congratulations when you see him,” Saxon says.
“You’re not going to the hospital?” Mack asks.
“They’ll be inundated with people today. I thought we might call in and see them on the way back next week when things have quietened down a bit.”
“Yeah, that makes sense. You off today, then?”
“Yep, soon as we’re ready. Does the baby have a name yet?”
“Sure does. Edward—and they’re going to call him Teddy.”
“Aw,” I say, “I love it.”
“Teddy boy,” Saxon comments, and chuckles.
“I told him that means the kid’s going to be listening to Bill Haley and the Comets when he grows up.” Mack laughs. “All right, I’ve got a few people to call for him. You two have a great time!”
“Will do, thanks for calling, Mack.” Saxon ends the call.
