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I pluck a glass of champagne from a passing server’s tray, taking a healthy sip. “He was staring at your tits.”
She glances down at herself, tugging on the front of her dress to try and cover them. “I should’ve worn something else.”
“No. You look stunning.” I rest my hand at the small of her back, leading her toward some coworkers who are currently clustered together. “I’m the jealous fuck who doesn’t want anyone looking at you so that’s on me.”
Her smile is giant as I introduce her to my employees—most of them I consider my friends. They’re all friendly and not a one of them stare at my wife’s chest so they all passed the test.
Lucky fuckers.
It goes on like this for hours. Lots of smiling and introductions and plenty of hand shaking. We eat some food—a few appetizers that make me hungry for something more substantial. We speak to my mother, who watches Charlotte with an extra sharp gleam in her eye.
“You two seem well,” she says to me at one point, while I’m shoving a stuffed mushroom into my mouth. “Your wife is glowing with vitality.”
I almost choke on my food, grimacing as I force it down before I drink from my champagne glass. “She’s looking extra beautiful tonight,” I rasp in agreement.
Her shrewd gaze meets mine. “She’s not drinking.”
My mother is too smart for her own damn good. “She’s not twenty-one yet.”
“That hasn’t stopped her before.” She studies me for a moment, not saying a word and out of habit, I start to squirm. “There’s something you’re not telling me.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I say, keeping my expression neutral.
The silence between us grows and I almost want Charlotte to come save me, but she’s too busy talking to my sisters. Besides, Mom would turn her appraising gaze on my wife and get our little secret out of her. I can’t risk it.
“I’ll wait for the announcement at Christmas,” Mother finally declares, leaning in to brush a quick kiss to my cheek. “Congratulations, darling.”
I watch her walk away, exhaling loudly before I take yet another big swig of my champagne.
Probably should slow down, but fuck it. Haven’t gotten this drunk in a while and we’re at a private party. I won’t get shit-faced, but I can let loose. Have a little fun.
“So is it true?”
I turn to find Ash standing in front of me, wearing a sleek black dress with her hair up. She has completely transformed into the perfect, elegant Constantine wife, and it’s a good look for her.
“Is what true?”
“That you’re going to be a daddy.” Her eyes fill with a devilish sparkle and I almost choke on my champagne.
“Shh.” I glance around the room, but no one is paying any attention to us. “Who told you that?”
“I told Winston that at Thanksgiving, and I know he mentioned it to you. Has it been confirmed yet?” She lifts a delicate brow, waiting for my answer.
What is with these Constantine women? They know everything.
It’s fucking scary.
“Yeah. Okay. It’s true. But we haven’t told anyone yet, so keep it quiet.” I point at her. “You can’t even tell Winston.”
Ash’s mouth pops open. “What? I tell him everything.”
“Not this. You’re keeping it a secret. Until Christmas. Then we’ll make our reveal.” Before she can protest, I take off, moving through the crowd, stopping to chat with various people I know, which is a lot. Winston will be making a speech soon, and I’ll have to go up there with him, along with our mother.
This is the first time I’ll have to make a speech as well and I’m a little nervous. Should probably lay off the champagne now. I discard the half full glass on a table and catch Winston’s eye, who waves me over.
“Speech is happening in ten minutes,” he tells me once I’m standing next to him. “Are you ready?”
I salute him, something I haven’t done in a while, and blame it on the alcohol. “Yes, sir.”
