I had to tell him. “My husband…”
“Ex.”
I sipped my delicious coffee that tasted so unlike what I made at home. “Doesn’t matter. He’s dead.”
He put his cup down. “What happened?”
I took a deep breath. He wouldn’t have a clue about how I felt because he’d never been used and disregarded. “I’m confused, to be honest. Part of me is so angry that this didn’t happen years ago. And part of me is in complete shock.”
Arman reached for my hand and lowered his head. “Is there anything I can do?”
Part of why my daughter thrived in New York wasn’t the money. It was because for the first time, she had more than just me. Without even trying, Arman had been more of a father than Bob had ever been. “Just be here for us. I have to tell Aurora, but I love you, and I… I’m different now.”
“Yeah?”
I finished my coffee and put the cup in the sink. We were late to the family meeting, so I pointed to the door. “I can tell you anything, and I don’t have to worry what I look like or what people might think. I can be myself, and my daughter is going to be fine because you’re here.”
His smile brightened my mood. “I wish we had more time so I could kiss you properly,” he said.
I went to my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. Soon, we would be in our room alone. “We have the rest of our lives.”
He opened the door, and I walked out with the perfect man. I was lucky to have him.
Arman
My arms ached to hold Maddie and comfort her, but she hardly seemed affected. My brain screamed that she must be. The news about her ex had come out of left field, and based on the past few months, I knew that Maddie tried—and failed—to compartmentalize and ignore her feelings. The night before, she’d made me happy. I just wanted to do the same for her, so I decided I would wait to see how I could help.
The elevator opened, and we stepped in. As the doors closed, she said, “Now that Bob is dead, we’ll have to go to Montana to collect whatever Aurora wants.”
I placed my hand on her lower back. “We can fly in on the family jet.”
Her eyes widened. “You want to come?”
My heart beat wildly for her. I nodded. “I want to be there for you.”
She cupped my face as the doors opened on the first floor. “You already are. I think I need to go by myself, but the jet will be fast.”
I took her arm, and we headed out. “Done. If there is anything else…”
“No. I’ll settle whatever and come right back to you.”
The second we made it outside, her mother, Catherine, stepped in front of us. “Madeleine.”
She let go of me, and immediately I felt the lack. “Mom. What are you doing here?”
Her mother fixed her gray hair. “I came to find you and Aurora.”
I wasn’t sure what to do other than stand tall. Maddie’s mother had never said anything overtly rude to my face, but I had no idea what she’d said behind closed doors. Just in case, I’d send her a present for the holidays to help her warm up to me.
Maddie crossed her arms. “Why?”
Catherine lowered her head. “Because first I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and it makes me this angry person that needs religion to stay sane, and then when I’m calm, all I want to be is to be your mom and to help and be accepting. I love you and your daughter.”
Maddie’s eyes teared up, and she hugged her mom. I smiled. Forgiveness and family were beautiful.
Maddie let her go. “It took me a long time to understand your sickness didn’t have to be mine. Lately, I’ve panicked over all the wrong things, but I’m getting better. And you should know, Arman is officially my boyfriend.”
My shoulders perked. She’d claimed me as her own, though I was probably too old to be a boyfriend.
“Okay. I’m happy for you.” Catherine gave me an unblinking gaze, and her skin was ashen as she said to Maddie, “It’s just that I’ve never wanted to hurt you or for you to suffer.”
I asked, “Do you want to stay and have lunch and see Aurora?”
Maddie’s eyes flitted to me. “We’re late.”
My mother would understand. I said, “She can stay.”
Catherine backed up. “I don’t want to impose.”
Maddie reached out and took her mom’s arm. “Actually, Mom, I have to fly to Montana tomorrow. If you want to come and see my life there, you’re welcome to join me.”
Catherine gazed at me. “How long will we be?”
“We’re going and coming back the same day. He died, and I need to find a lawyer and finalize everything with a funeral home. I don’t think it will take long.”
Without thinking, I said, “I’ll have Jeff ensure that the legal work is smooth.”
“Thanks. Mention to have him check for who’s getting the life insurance. I want to prepare my daughter if it’s her.”
“On it,” I said and texted Jeff.
Her mother said, “Then I’ll go.”
We headed back into the building, but this time, we went to Maddie’s apartment. Now that she loved me, I wanted her to move in with me, but I kept my mouth shut.
She opened the door and said to her mother, “Stay in my place until we get back.”
Catherine asked, “Where are you going?”
Maddie said, “To pick up Aurora, and we have a meeting.”
Catherine glanced around, and her eyes were wide as saucers. “Okay, thank you.”
If Maddie didn’t take me to Montana, at least she would have someone with her. As we talked to Catherine, we learned that my mother had organized a vacation with a botanist to learn about gardening for Catherine and our gardener, all-expenses paid. All I knew about Catherine was that she grew flowers, so I thought the vacation would be right up her alley, but I showed the text message to Maddie first so she could make the final call about whether to extend the invitation to her mother.
Maddie nodded then walked beside me across the park, and I curved my arm around her and reached up. She laughed as I traced her armpit, and she shook her head. “Arman, you’re tickling me.”
I stopped and smiled. “I liked when you said I was your boyfriend.”
“We are exclusive.”
We were more than that. I needed to ask her to be mine forever. “I’m in for whatever you can handle.”
She reached around and took my hand in hers. “Just love me. It’s enough for anything.”
I walked with her, and as we neared my mother’s door, I said, “Let’s get Aurora.”
The butler let us in, and my mother called out from the dining room, “Arman, you’re late.”
We headed in, and I saw most of my brothers sitting there quietly. Cyrus and Elon were center stage. No one said a word.
I held my head high. “Maddie had an issue.”
Aurora came out, holding a tea carafe. She placed it on the table. “What issue, Mom?”
Maddie left my side and walked to the galley kitchen and took her daughter’s hand. I followed but then stood outside the archway between rooms.
Maddie’s voice was clear to everyone. “Your father died.”
My mother’s hand went to her heart.
Aurora asked, “How?” and walked back into sight.
Maddie followed. “He was in an accident with a deer.”
Aurora spun around, and Maddie hugged her.
Roxanne clasped her hands. “Whatever you and Maddie need, we’ll help.”
I would get the story later on what had happened with Cyrus and Elon. I said, “I promised her the jet already.”
Aurora straightened and tensed. “I don’t want to go to Montana, Mom. I never want to go there.”
Maddie took a step forward. “Okay. You can stay here with Arman…”
“And me.” Roxanne hugged her.
Maddie said, “Thanks. It’s just for the day. I’ll leave tomorrow morning and be back before dinner.”
I squeezed her palm and realized t
hat no matter what happened, as long as we talked everything through, love was enough.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Maddie
The night before, we’d “slept” in my apartment. I’d tossed and turned and hadn’t found much comfort. I wanted to ask Arman if he wanted to move in together permanently. His penthouse had a bedroom he never used, which would be perfect for Aurora. We would get to live as a family. And I would get to be with the man I loved.
Arman dropped Aurora off at his mother’s, brought us breakfast, and we drove in the limo to the airport. We hadn’t said much of anything, and I hoped he knew that the only reason for the change was my mother, who would head back to the beach once the trip was complete.
I kissed him goodbye and walked onto the plane with my mom. It was metal, an ordinary cylinder shape, but inside, the cream walls, cushioned sofa, bar area, and desk chairs that spun around were the opposite of the stationary, uncomfortable seats I’d sat in when I moved to Montana.
I refused to dwell on my thoughts, so I poured us orange juice and coffees. Then I handed them to her as she slid into a dining area. “Mom, thanks for coming today.”
She held onto the table dear life. “I’ve never been on a private jet.”
I took the seat opposite her. “Me either. It’s our first time together.”
She uncurled her hands. “Do you love… Arman?”
The pilot started the engine. I stared at her and didn’t blink. “Yes, very much.”
We took our drinks and went to sit in the leather chairs that had seat belts. I put my coffee on the tray beside me and buckled, and my mother did the same thing. Then I sipped my coffee.
My mother said, “You’re throwing all of Jesus’s teachings out the window.”
I choked on my drink. Years before, my father had used this line on me. I lowered my arm, though it didn’t shake, and met her blue eyes. “No. I’m not. I’ve been going to a meditation group. We’re all different faiths in there, but we all want the world to be better for our children, to be good people, and to let our hearts guide us. Religion doesn’t define the heart of a man or a woman.”
“Working with plants keeps me centered.” She pressed her lips together as we flew through the sky.
I finished my coffee. Eighteen-year-old me had cared about what she thought, but I’d been on my own or protecting my daughter for years now. And being with Arman taught me I’d be okay expressing myself.
She broke the silence. “Plants grow better with kindness, which isn’t something I ever surrounded you with.”
“I’m happy now.” My heart stirred. I undid my seat belt. “Mom, I wish you would see how happy Arman makes me and Aurora.”
I stood and went to the galley and found an apple. I grabbed one as my mother said behind me, “I’ll try.” I showed her the apple, and she nodded, so I handed it to her and then grabbed another for me.
We returned to our seats and ate in silence. Soon, we’d be back in Montana. The drive back to New York had taken days, and I’d been afraid of filling my tank, as we were two females traveling alone. Now, I was in the lap of luxury and comfort.
My mother carried our stuff to the sink. I helped her clean up, though we didn’t need to wash anything. As we finished, she said, “Can I ask a different question?”
I waved for us to sit as the pilot signaled that we needed to be sitting down with seat belts buckled. We buckled in, and I said, “Sure. What?”
She sat back and closed her eyes. “Why did you name your daughter after a cartoon princess?”
A laugh escaped me. This might be the first time in years I’d laughed near my mom—if it had ever happened. As we descended, I said, “I didn’t. She’s named after the dawn. It’s the moment when light breaks through darkness. It’s the prettiest sight to see during the day and has always whispered to me that if light can pierce dark like that, then no matter what’s going on with me, it’s all going to be okay.”
Neither of us said a word while we were landing, but once the tires slowed down, my mother said, “I didn’t teach you that.”
I stood. Outside was the town car. I waited for the staff to open it. “No one did. It’s just one of those things I picked up, and I want my daughter to always have the power to see both sides and choose for herself.”
“You’re a good mom.” She flinched.
I whispered, “You were the only one I had who cared about me.”
The cold air whipped us in the face, and silence fell as we raced to the black town car. My mother smiled at me as we rode to the attorney’s office first so I could sign everything. All was set, and we were done fast. Apparently, Bob had never changed his paperwork, and I was the beneficiary, not Aurora. I signed and forwarded all further paperwork to my address and to Jeff. When I went home, I would have him set up the money in a trust for my daughter.
Once we were finished, we hurried to the funeral home. Aurora had been firm about not wanting Bob’s ashes, but cremation was the most efficient solution. I would leave him in the grounds of his church forever and be done.
However, as I rushed into the funeral home to pay, the short blond woman who had once made me flinch stepped in front of me. The hypocrite had had no qualms about taking my life, but I needed to thank her. She’d sat in the front row of church and pretended to be pious even though she’d been sleeping with my husband.
She lifted her chin as if she ruled the world. “How dare you show your face here.”
Silence gripped my throat. I couldn’t speak for a second.
My mother edged forward. “Who are you?”
“I’m Evelyn.” She pressed her hand to her heart.
I refused to let her or anyone stop my words or prevent my happiness. I said, “Bob’s girlfriend.”
She let out a huff. “Fiancée. And you shouldn’t be here.”
My mother made a tsk sound she’d perfected during years of service for the church. “I heard about you from Reverend Jerry, young lady. Now I know what the adulteress who lied about my daughter’s goodness looks like.”
Evelyn’s eyes turned red. “Excuse me?”
The last person who needed to fight my battles was my mom, but her standing up for me felt nice. I gripped her arm. “Mom, stay out of this.”
She patted my hand. “You handle your business, honey. I’ll ensure that the trash stays out of your way.”
Wow. I hadn’t been “honey” since I was ten.
I turned to face the last reminder of my past. I opened my lips to tell her to leave, but then I stopped. She’d cared about Bob, and I… I didn’t care. This was my last day in this town.
I let out a sigh. “Evelyn, do you want his ashes?”
Her eyes widened. “Seriously?”
I nodded. She could have all the memories of Bob. “My daughter doesn’t want me to bring him home, and you said you loved him. I was going to drop his ashes around the church, but you can have him if you want.”
Her mouth widened as if I’d said something shocking. “Doesn’t want? What kind of daughter did you raise?”
Once upon a time, her words would have stung, but I was done being judged. I didn’t care what she thought, and I would never see her again. “You don’t even have children, and if you ever do, then you’ll learn how to parent. You can pick up the ashes when you’re ready. I’m on my way back to New York.”
And Arman. I wanted to say his name. Though he wasn’t there, I could feel him in my heart.
I met with the funeral home, paid the bill, and signed the agreement. The process took five minutes.
Then I was free. I stepped out into the frigid air that had soaked into my bones for years and headed to the car with my mom. All my life, I’d never thought freedom was possible. Now, I had a town car, Arman, Aurora, and my mom.
We slipped in, and our driver took off. As the funeral home became a distant visual behind us, I said, “You were great with Evelyn.”
She shook her head. “I wish I’d said something like th
at to your father when he wanted to marry you off.”
I guess we all have regrets. I refused to let the past decide my future, though. “I wish you could see how wonderful a good guy in your life can be. Arman doesn’t try to control me at all. He only tries to help.”
“I’m happy for you. I want you to have everything you ever want.” She settled into her seat.
Now that I had my life on track and everything that happened was my choice, life was better. And Arman made me happy just thinking about him. Nothing stood in our way now.
Maddie
Evening was descending on New York when we arrived. My mom had decided to join Roxanne and take the vacation. Apparently, Fred—the gardener—and my mom were both eager to learn from the botanist and looking forward to the two-week course. This meant I headed home to Arman and Aurora by myself.
Traffic was slow, but finally, I stepped out of the car and ran into the building. Aurora and Arman were upstairs in his penthouse, so I took the elevator there.
Aurora answered the door, but she immediately mumbled something and rushed off.
I headed into the kitchen, and Arman’s warm, inviting brown eyes captured my attention. I hugged him. “Thank you for today with my mom.”
Then he kissed me, and I forgot the world. I was with the one man I loved. When the kiss ended, he showed me that dinner was set for us. “I hope your mom enjoys riding back in the helicopter with my mom.”
While I hadn’t eaten much that day, I wasn’t hungry. I cupped his face. “Her being here gave me closure, but being with you makes everything better.”
His muscles tensed as I let him go. “I don’t want to go another night without you at my side.”
Perfect. We were on the same page. It was time I spoke up.
I took a deep breath. “Me too, Arman. It’s why I’m hoping we can move in together.”
He flinched as if I’d slapped him. My heart pounded. I would never push him.
He took my hand in his. “I’m hoping for something else.”
I’d gone too far. I rocked on my heels and then decided that whatever he said, my answer would be yes. “Oh well. That’s okay. What is it?”
Honey Bun: Virgin Cove Trillionaire Single Brothers Page 17
