“Reese is her niece, not her daughter. Taylor’s her guardian.” He hoped his cousins didn’t ask for more specific details, because they weren’t his to share.
“Irrelevant. You still brought them with you today. A wedding’s in your future, cuz. Should I congratulate you today or wait until she has the ring on her finger?” Jake asked.
“He’s ri—” Gray started but stopped, touching his forehead with two fingers and shaking his head. “Don’t know if I can say this.” He took in an exaggerated breath. “He’s….” His voice trailed off.
“Right,” Trent said, finishing the sentence for his brother. “I know. Difficult to comprehend, but Jake’s right.” He pretended to shudder.
They drove each other crazy and gave each other a hard time whenever they got the opportunity, but they also knew each other well. Jake, Gray, and Trent were right. He wouldn’t have invited Taylor along this weekend if he didn’t view their relationship much differently than any of his previous ones. And while he didn’t intend to propose next week, he could see it happening in the future.
“Hey, he’s right more than you think,” Charlie said, dividing her attention between her son and the men. She’d spent enough time around them all to comfortably participate in any of their conversations, including those that involved busting each other’s asses. “At least once every two months Jake is right about something.”
“Not possible,” Trent responded.
“I didn’t say he was right about anything important,” Charlie added, and from the tone of her voice she was really getting into the spirit of the conversation. “But usually if he says we’re out of milk or Garret needs a diaper change, he’s right.”
Curt tuned out his family and focused on Taylor. Kiera and Allison had joined her and Addie. From here she appeared at ease, listening to his cousin’s fiancée while Reese played a short distance away. An unexpected wave of tenderness washed over him at the scene on the beach. He started to walk away, his departure catching his cousins’ attention.
“The SOB has it bad,” Jake said.
“Yeah. Looks like Tasha’s only got two Sherbrooke men left to go after,” Trent said.
Curt didn’t bother to stop and rejoin the conversation. Especially a conversation involving Tasha Marshall, a woman who’d been obsessed with Jake until he got married. Since then she’d tried to catch the attention of all Curt’s male cousins, as well as him. And Trent was right. There were only two Sherbrooke men now available: Brett, Curt’s older brother, and Alec, his younger cousin. Everyone present knew Tasha didn’t have a chance with either man.
***
They finished the first phase of the sandcastle, a large square structure with four round towers at each corner and walls connecting them together. In the center stood a fifth tower, this one taller than the other four, and a seashell was perched on top of it. Together they built a fifth wall, which would connect to the second phase of the castle. Reese insisted the second part be circular so that the horses could run around and not bump into any corners, because every castle had horses in it. He was working on smoothing out the sand so they could start the walls, when his parents stepped outside.
His dad, Jonathan Sherbrooke, was a slightly younger version of his two older brothers, Warren and Mark. So much so that anyone could easily confuse Jonathan as Jake’s or Trent’s father rather than their uncle. Following in both his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, Jonathan studied business and joined the corporate world. He’d expected both his sons to follow suit. Brett, his oldest, never even tried. Curt hadn’t thought twice about traveling the Sherbrooke path; at least not until he discovered he preferred life outside a suit and tie.
Dad wasn’t happy when Curt broke the news that he’d left Nichols and the investment world behind. Business was the man’s life. They hadn’t spoken much since that unpleasant conversation. The last time they had, Dad tried to convince him he belonged in the world of high-rise office buildings and dollar signs. He hoped Dad didn’t try again today.
On the other hand, Judith Sherbrooke, his mom, understood his decision. Although she came from a family entrenched in business, and had a law degree, she’d never practiced. Her true passion was art and music. She could spend hours sketching and painting, or wandering the halls of an art museum. He’d called her before anyone else when he learned his first novel would be published. Mom had also been the first to learn of his decision to leave Nichols and devote himself to his passions.
Regardless of everything else, both his parents were an important part of his life. He knew they’d both accept his decision to be with Taylor. With the exception of his recent career change, both had always supported and accepted every decision he’d made. However, he wanted them to like her, too, because he saw Taylor and Reese as permanent parts of his life.
He paused in smoothing the area intended for phase two. “My parents are here.”
Taylor put the down the shell she held. She and Reese were using shells to make a walkway from the middle tower to an outer castle wall. “Did you tell them Reese and I would be here?” She glanced toward the house.
Curt nodded. When Mom texted him, he’d replied with a message of his own. Mom would’ve shared the information with Dad. “Of course.” He put the shovels they’d been using into a bucket. “How about a break, short stuff? We can finish this up later.”
Reese didn’t even look up from what she was working on. “Do I have to?”
All the times they’d been together, Reese had never refused one of his requests or suggestions. He wasn’t sure how to respond to her question. Thankfully Taylor stepped in, taking care of the problem for him.
“This isn’t going anywhere. Come on. Let’s go, Reese. Curt wants us to meet his parents.”
Her sigh probably reached his family members on the deck, but she stood up and brushed some sand from her knees.
The message he’d sent Mom merely said he was bringing his new girlfriend and her niece. He hadn’t included how they’d met, or how long they’d been together. All he’d shared was their names. Always one to show affection no matter the company, Mom immediately embraced him and kissed his cheek. A little more reserved, Dad didn’t like public displays of affection no matter if it was just family around them or not. Instead, he gave Curt a thump on the back and a “Good to see you again.”
“I’m glad I get a chance to meet you today. Let’s sit and chat. I want to make sure my son’s been behaving himself and treating you properly,” his mom said once he finished making introductions.
“Curt’s teaching me to play lacrosse,” Reese said. “And I’m giving him soccer lessons. And tomorrow he’s taking Auntie Taylor and me to Pirate’s Cove. I can’t wait to play mini golf. I’ve never played. He says I’ll like it.”
Mom looked at him, one perfectly curved eyebrow raised, as Reese continued to talk her ear off. He interpreted the look easily. She knew how serious his relationship was and wanted to know why she and Dad were only now meeting Taylor. He shrugged. What else could he do? It was either that, or admit to her he’d tried to keep his identity a secret. Unlike his cousins, Mom would never understand his actions.
“That sounds like so much fun. I wish I could go. I’ve never played mini golf either,” Mom said, leading Reese and Taylor toward three patio chairs, leaving him alone with his dad.
Mom played golf regularly, but he couldn’t picture her anywhere near a mini golf course.
“How long are you staying in Newport?” Dad asked.
He stopped trying to picture Mom hitting an orange golf ball into a windmill and headed for some empty chairs. “We’ll head back tomorrow night. Reese is still in school and Taylor has work.”
“Speaking of work. I saw Jim Burke at the club recently. He wanted to know what it would take to get you to come back. You’ve had a nice break. Maybe you should reconsider and give him a call.”
Up until this moment, the day had been so relaxing. “Not interested, Dad.”
“Really?” He sounded baffled by the prospect of anyone turning down the life Jim Burke represented. “You’re satisfied living in New Hampshire, writing books, and working on an old house?” He shook his head. “It’s great to have hobbies or things to do outside the office, but is that how you want to spend the next twenty or thirty years? Wouldn’t you be happier living in Boston again? Meeting me and Mark or Harrison at the club for a round of golf?”
Dad didn’t sound upset, merely confused. A definite step up from their last conversation. “No.”
Dad rubbed his chin. Curt guessed his father worked at digesting the response he’d given. “When do you think you’ll finish the renovations and move back to Boston?”
Never. “I see no reason to move back.” He looked toward Taylor and his mom, chatting away like two old friends. Between them, Reese sat enjoying a slice of watermelon. “Everything I want is in Pelham.”
Chapter Fifteen
Taylor checked her cell phone again. No text messages or missed calls. Good. She forced herself to slip the device back into her purse before she called home a second time. She’d called this morning not long after sitting down at her desk. Mom had assured her everything was fine at home. Everything was okay at work. Curt sat next to her, so he was fine, too. None of that mattered, because her gut told her something different. She couldn’t explain it or shake the unease that had been bouncing around inside her since she got out of bed this morning.
“Are you still with me?” Curt asked.
They hadn’t planned on meeting for lunch today. Or, at least she hadn’t planned on seeing him for lunch. He arrived at her office building at noon, a picnic lunch in hand. Now, they sat on the same park bench they’d used back in April.
She pinched his arm. “If you felt that, I’m still here.”
“Could’ve fooled me. You haven’t said a thing since we sat down, and I just asked you a question. Is something wrong?”
I hope not. “I don’t think so. But all day I’ve had this feeling like something is wrong or going to be wrong. Ever get that?”
“Once in a while, but it passes.”
He put his arm over her shoulders. Usually the gesture made her feel loved and cared for. Today, unease overpowered any other emotions.
“Did you call home?” He’d come to know her so well since moving in next door.
“This morning. I talked to Mom before she left for the library. And I haven’t gotten any calls from her or anyone else.”
Curt gently squeezed her upper arm. “Then I’m sure everything is okay. Priscilla would call if it wasn’t.”
He’s right. Mom called even if she had to pick Reese up from school because she was sick. If Mom couldn’t get through, she always left a message letting her know. “You’re right. Sorry. What did you ask me?”
“I need to get a birthday present for Reese. Do you have any suggestions?”
“Not really. She wants to take guitar lessons, so Mom bought her a child-sized guitar. And she wants a scooter, so I got that. Maybe ask her. I’m sure she’ll think of something, even if it’s just another stuffed animal. Peanut can’t have enough friends, you know.”
“I really doubt Peanut needs more friends. I’ve seen his entourage.”
“Try telling her that.”
“I did have one idea. How about tickets to see the New England Revolution play?” Curt asked, referring to the professional soccer team. “I checked the website before I left, and the next home game we could make is in July.”
His suggestion required no consideration. “She’d love that. Her soccer team went last year, but she missed it. Strep throat. To say she was disappointed would be an understatement.”
“I’ll order tickets tonight. Maybe I’ll get Peanut a friend, too, so she has a present to unwrap next week. What do you think about a zebra? I haven’t seen her with one of those.”
“I don’t think she has one of those.” Considering all the stuffed animals in Reese’s bedroom, it was difficult to know for sure. “But don’t quote me on it.”
A cell phone beeped, letting its owner know they had a message, and Taylor pulled out her phone. “Not me.”
Curt took his phone out. “It’s Peter, my realtor.” He typed back a short message and set the cell aside.
He said he had no intentions of selling the house. Is he looking for another project? His current one isn’t even close to being halfway done. Has he decided to give up on it and move on? “Plan on buying something else?”
“No. Selling.” He picked up the phone again when it beeped. After reading the message, he put it back down.
“The house too much for you?” She’d suspected the place needed more work than one person could handle alone.
“Nope… selling my condo here in the city. I see no reason to keep it.”
She’d never seen his condo in Boston, but he’d mentioned he kept it even after moving in next door. “Guess that means we’re stuck with you next door, huh?”
“Get used to it. I’m not going anywhere.”
Taylor leaned in and kissed him. “I’ll find some way of dealing with you over there.”
Another beep disturbed the quiet around them. Curt peeked at his cell phone on the bench. “It’s not mine this time.”
The sick feeling in her stomach grew as she pulled out her phone. The message wasn’t from Mom, but her coworker Mary. “Sorry. I hate to cut lunch short, but I need to get back to the office. And depending on how this problem goes, it might be a long day.”
***
The new development in a case kept her mind busy and pushed everything else into the background, at least until she left the city and started home. Unfortunately, no distractions kept her occupied during her commute. Not even any traffic required her attention as she made the routine trip back. Most nights she considered having the road mostly to herself a perk of working late. Tonight she could’ve used the distraction her fellow drivers provided.
Mom’s home, and Reese is in bed sleeping. She pulled onto her street. If they were anywhere else, Mom would’ve called. When she walked in the door, Mom would probably be watching television or reading a book. Reese would be tucked in upstairs, Stripes mixed in with the various stuffed animals cluttering her bed.
Taylor passed Curt’s house. No lights showed, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t working. His office was located at the back of the house. Before leaving her after lunch, he mentioned writing tonight. With two more chapters to finish before he started his revisions, he hoped to get them in before his cousin’s wedding this weekend.
Light spilled out of all the windows downstairs, indicating Mom was up and about. And like whenever Taylor worked late, Mom had left the light at the front door on.
The scent of peanut butter and chocolate welcomed her inside. Judging by the aroma, Mom and Reese had spent some time baking after school. Whatever they’d made was probably for tomorrow’s end of school year party.
End of the school year already. Taylor shook her head in denial. How could Reese already be done with the first grade? Wasn’t it just the other day she’d been changing her diapers and helping her learn to walk? Now, she could ride a bike and read bedtime stories to herself. Before Taylor realized it, Reese would be asking to borrow the car for a date.
“Really late tonight.” Mom walked into the hall. She’d changed for bed, but the reading glasses perched on her nose said she hadn’t been asleep.
Taylor pulled out her hair elastic and undid the tight braid. “Tell me about it. We got some new leads at lunch, and they took longer than I hoped to look into.” Around three she’d sent Mom a text, letting her know she’d be on the later side tonight. She hadn’t thought she would be this late.
“We saved some dinner for you.”
“Any chance you saved whatever smells so good, too?” She found the idea of something sweet much more appealing.
“Reese put aside a few cookies. The rest are for tomorrow’s party at school.”
&nb
sp; “Great. Are you heading up to bed?” She started down toward the kitchen, her nose following the scent of chocolate.
“Not just yet. I’ll sit with you while you eat.”
The hair on the back of her neck lifted. Occasionally, when she got home after Reese went to bed they’d sit and chat while she ate, but not usually this late.
“Is there something we need to talk about?”
Mom removed her glasses and left them on the table before putting a covered plate into the microwave.
“Mom?” She was keeping something from her.
Still silent, she brought over two glasses of iced tea. “Eliza came over today.”
Anger and annoyance joined the apprehension churning inside her. “When? Was Reese home?”
“This afternoon. Right before Reese got off the bus.” Mom sat down and fingered her eyeglasses.
“Why didn’t you call me?”
“Your message said you were working on something important and would be late. I didn’t want to bother you.”
Even if Mom had called, there wouldn’t have been anything she could do. Without a time machine, she couldn’t do a damn thing about it now either. “What did she want this time? Money?” After all this time, none of them needed her back in their lives… especially Reese.
“No. At least, she never asked me for any. She didn’t say a whole lot to me except she wants to get to know Reese.”
Mental red flags sprang up. Hell no. Not happening in this lifetime.
“Most of the visit she spent with Reese. They played a board game. Don’t worry, I stayed in the room with them. She helped us make the cookies for the school party. She left before dinner.”
After more than six years, Eliza wanted to get involved in Reese’s life? Taylor wasn’t buying it. Her sister had another reason for coming around again today.
The Billionaire Next Door (The Sherbrookes of Newport Book 10) Page 16
