by Dee Lagasse
As if he was reading my mind, my dad quickly pats my leg three times, offering me a reassuring smile before putting his headphones on and leaning back into the blue neck pillow Nora bought for him. There was no doubt in my mind the Alloways would love my family, I just really need for them to love me too.
Chapter 9
Sutton
“Wanna play a game?”
The teasing tone in my sister’s voice lets me know this question isn’t a legitimate question, but a setup.
“Simone, I don’t have time for this.” I roll my eyes as she laughs and looks over at her husband, who is equally amused by my stress.
“Oh, come on, it’s really easy. It’s called, ‘Relax. Everything’s going to be okay’,” she starts. “You close your eyes, count to ten, take a deep breath and then you open your eyes to realize your boyfriend and his family are going to adore you, and the fact you got three different types of milk for them to choose for their tea. There’s no way to lose unless you don’t play.”
The unimpressed, stone face I give her in response causes her husband to burst out in a fit of laughter.
“I’m sorry, sis,” he says, trying to regain his composure. “We’ve just never seen you like this over anyone. It’s just kind of funny to see you losing your damn mind over this bloke.”
“I’m glad my stress is bloody entertaining.” I stick out my tongue and grab the freshly washed linens to put on the beds. “Now make yourselves useful and help me make up the beds.”
Assuming Bodie would stay with me at Pearce Cottage, I arranged for his family to stay in one of the guest apartments within Basingstoke Palace. I’d spent every waking second of the last few days getting it ready in anticipation of their arrival today.
This morning, I went to the supermarket and the first thing Jameson did when he got here was ask if I left anything for anyone to buy. Admittedly, I may have gone overboard, but I don’t know what they all like and I’m determined to make their visit here pleasant. Going so far as making bath baskets filled with assorted soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions for each of them.
“Of course, we’ll help,” Simone smiles, extending her arms for me to place a pile of linens in. “Just know, everything is going to be okay, Sutt Butt. They have everything they could need here, and if not, there are plenty of people around to make sure they get whatever they need. Mum’s excited too. You should see the menu for tomorrow.”
It’s not surprising that my mother’s going overboard. I had to inherit it from someone. I’m sure my father is sitting back, cool as a cucumber, laughing at her, very much like Simone is here laughing at me.
New Year’s Eve has always been my mom’s favorite holiday. It’s one of the few that we aren’t expected at church or to attend a dinner with the entire family. Growing up, it was always just the four of us. When Simone married Jameson, he and his parents started joining us too. It’s always low-key, casual dress, and an abundance of fish and chips that we all regret eating the next morning.
Instead of going home when I got back from South Africa, I immediately went to my parents’ apartment under the guise that I wanted to show my dad the pictures of the new lions at the sanctuary. Truthfully, I had every intention of asking if Bodie could join us for New Year’s Eve.
The thought of going any longer than necessary without seeing him made me feel unsettled. Not knowing when our schedules would allow us to see each other again, I spent the entire flight home dramatically crying and pouting like a child. The only time I’ve ever cried over another human being before now was at funerals.
Nonchalantly bringing it up over tea, I tried making it seem like it wasn’t that big of a deal. Casually mentioning that it would be “nice” if Bodie could join us for New Year’s Eve. My father laughed seeing right through me and my mother took the idea and ran with it.
Within two hours, she made calls to Bodie, his sister, his brother, and his dad, inviting them all to spend the holiday with us. She stressed over and over to them that it was casual.
“Nothing to fuss over,” she had said.
More specifically though, it was nothing for them to fuss over since my mother and I would fuss enough for everyone.
The doorbell chiming throughout the house causes me to freeze in panic. Simone peeks her head in the doorway, offering her hand to me.
“Come on, baby sister,” she smiles. “Let’s go meet your boyfriend’s family.”
The combination of excitement and nerves creates a new knot in my stomach with every step we take toward the door. Beating us downstairs, Jameson waits expectantly in the foyer, grinning ear-to-ear when he catches the deer in headlights panic across my face as the door is opened for them.
A bright ray of light comes through the door as Bodie walks through, nodding his head politely to the butler. His eyes find me next, dropping all his things right on the floor, lifting me in the air, and planting a long slow kiss on my lips when he brings me down.
“God, I missed you,” he says against my lips.
My cheeks begin to warm, and I can feel the knots in my stomach again when I remember there’s a room full of people watching us. It doesn’t seem to matter to Bodie though. Planting another kiss on my lips, he laughs when I say his name through my teeth and slowly push him away.
Shaking my head, I can’t fight the smile as I walk over to the man that looks like an older carbon copy of Bodie. Gray hair sits where Bodie’s blonde hair is and wrinkle lines on his forehead are the only sign of aging on the man standing before me, smirking at me the very same way his son does when he’s amused.
“You must be Princess Sutton,” he says warmly, extending his hand to me.
“You must be the Mr. Patrick Cambridge,” I laugh. “And you just saw me snogging your son. I think all formalities have gone out the window. It’s just Sutton, please.”
“Well, in that case, it’s just Pat, please,” he says, taking the hand he had extended for me to take, opening both of his arms for a hug.
The tall blonde woman standing next to us joins us in laughter. “Dad, will you please stop hogging her? There’s a whole line of people here waiting to meet the woman that’s stolen Bodie’s heart.”
Half expecting Bodie to dispute the claim, I turn back to him, finding him deep in conversation with Jameson and the man I’m presuming is Oliver. There’s no mistaking the Cambridge genetics.
“I feel like I know you already.” The blonde woman starts pulling my attention back to her.
“Well, that’s because your brother never stops talking about her,” adds the shorter red-headed woman next to her.
“Nora and Helena,” I smile, putting their names to their faces. “I feel like I know both of you too.”
Feeling her presence next to me, my sister introduces herself and instantly becomes the perfect hostess, asking if everyone would like a tour of the apartment.
“You guys call this an apartment?” Bodie’s brother laughs as he walks toward me, extending his hand. “Hi. I didn’t want to bombard you as soon as we walked in and I’m sure you’ve figured it out, but I’m Oliver.”
“Sutton,” I chuckle as I hang back, letting my sister and Jameson take the reins.
As we walk through the halls, Simone gives just enough history to make the walk interesting but not boring, and Jameson follows up with the humor. Their banter has everyone laughing on the way to their bedrooms.
As my sister is talking about how our grandmother took the photographs in each of the bedrooms, I feel fingers lace through mine. Sighing contentedly, I feel a sense of calm I haven’t felt since we left Bodie at the airport after South Africa.
Simone was right. I’ll never admit that out loud, but my sister was right. Everything is going to be fine because he’s here. The people we love the most are all here for us. We can figure everything out as we go, but we’re going to get to do it together.
“So, where am I sleeping?” Bodie leans in and whispers as we make our way to the kitchen.
<
br /> “At Pearce Cottage with me,” I smile slyly. “Unless you would like for me to make arrangements for you to stay here. We can get another bed in here within the hour.”
“Um, you will do no such thing,” he smirks, stopping and pulling me close to him. Keeping his voice low, he continues, “Do you think they’re all set? I want to, um, see where you live and what your bed looks like. And how your clothes look on the floor of your bedroom.”
“Bodie Cambridge!” I gasp, playfully swatting his arm. I shake my head as he sticks out his bottom lip in a pout. “We cannot leave. Your family just got here!”
“Go.” A stern voice from behind us causes me to jump back out of Bodie’s arms.
Caught by Bodie’s father, my cheeks flush. Despite knowing we are grown adults and we aren’t doing anything wrong, I open my mouth to give him an excuse.
“It’s fine, Sutton. Really. We’re all kind of tired anyway. Simone just showed me the kitchen, it’s safe to say you made sure we have everything we could possibly need,” he starts before chuckling. “And then some. We’ll see you both tomorrow and not a moment sooner.”
“Yes sir,” Bodie nods, offering me his arm. “Come on, baby. Show me the way home.”
Home.
The fact that I love how that rolled off his tongue so easily scares me a little. Granted, we’ve probably talked more in the last two months than couples do in entire years. Being in a long-distance relationship meant putting in more work. It meant late night phone calls, scheduling times to see each other and talk, but not minding having to put in the effort because you know the other person is worth it.
If I wasn’t sure of how I felt about Bodie before going to South Africa, there was no questioning it by the time we came back. I had been worried that being on the phone would have been easier, that I would get sick of him by the time the week was over, but the more time I spent with him, the more I knew I wanted more.
Stopping in the foyer for Bodie’s carry-on bag, we both pause giving each other a confused look at the same time when it’s nowhere to be found. Just as I’m about to find someone to ask where it went, a warm familiar tone from behind us stops us in our tracks.
“Mr. Cambridge’s bag has been brought to Pearce Cottage, ma’am.”
“Luke, my man!” Bodie beams as he greets the man standing behind us.
“It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Cambridge.” His tone is genuine, but the formality of the situation causes Bodie to raise his eyebrows.
“You may have public protocol for this one,” Bodie chuckles, looking over at me. “But, not me. I’m just an American guy here visiting my girlfriend and her family.”
“Well in that case,” Luke laughs, his posture loosening and his voice changing to a less rigid tone. “How are ya, mate?”
The two of them heartily shake hands in a way that reminds me of the one they shared on the plane to South Africa the very first time they met. Watching the two of them embrace each other like old friends makes my heart so happy. He may technically be employed by my family, but Luke is so much more than that to me. He’s one of my closest friends. Working side-by-side almost every single day for the last eight years, it would be near impossible to not have a solid foundation of love and respect for each other.
In every way, Luke is the big brother I never had. He always has my best interests at heart, and I would trust him with my life.
“Will you be there tomorrow night?” Bodie questions Luke as he walks out the front door.
“No, New Year’s Eve has always been a family only night,” he smiles. “I’m actually just here to make sure everyone is settled and then I’m off duty until Wednesday morning.”
“He’s going on a date with Clementine tomorrow,” I add, smiling when Luke’s eyes grow wide.
“What?!” Bodie’s shocked exclamation goes ignored temporarily when I see Luke’s panic-stricken face turn a pale shade of white that I’d never seen on him before.
“So, she talked to you?” Luke asks, looking down at the ground below us nervously.
“Yes. Though I wish you had,” I start, turning to him. “You deserve happiness, Luke. You both do. I know it’s too early to say where it will lead, but if I’ve learned anything in the last couple of months, it’s that you need to follow your heart. If your heart keeps telling you to try something with Clementine, then that’s what you need to do.”
Despite our professional closeness, Luke has never come to me to talk about his personal life. I have always been the one to ask about his family and when his fiancée left him five years ago when he wouldn’t quit his job, I told him to go. I told him that I would give him whatever recommendation he needed if he had to leave, but he didn’t. He stayed. He chose to keep his commitment to me and to the crown, and I have never forgotten that.
“You are one of a kind, Sutton,” he smiles. “Thank you.”
“Hey, if you have time off before I go,” Bodie pipes in from beside me. “We should grab a beer.”
They both look over at me earnestly, like children asking their parents for permission to do something they’re not normally allowed to do. I know the look well. Simone and I gave it to my dad more times than I can count growing up.
“I’ll make sure he has the time,” I laugh, rolling my eyes.
Exchanging one more handshake, Luke nods and we split off in two different directions. Luke toward his own apartment a few feet down and us down the path that would lead us to Pearce Cottage.
“Luke lives here in Basingstoke, right?” Bodie asks as we walk down the old cobblestone path that has been a part of the estate longer than I’ve been alive.
“He does,” I nod. “It’s just a small one bedroom, but I had it written into both his and Clementine’s contracts that while they were under my employment, they were to be given apartments here. The cost of their living is figured into my yearly estate budget. Which means, I just get fewer dresses a year, but it’s worth it. Clem’s apartment is right next to Luke’s.”
“Luke is right,” Bodie says as we walk up the steps leading to the Cottage. “You are one of a kind, Sutton Evangeline Alloway-Dimarco.”
Walking into the front door, I know we’re about to be greeted by someone who will be all over Bodie the moment she sees him. As we step into the doorway, I give him a heads up and sure enough, as soon as I finish my sentence, all forty-five pounds of my beautiful golden retriever puppy come barreling toward us at a full run.
Dropping his bag just like he had when he first saw me, Bodie gets right down on her level, smiling and offering his hand for her to smell.
“Roxy!” he exclaims, seemingly just as excited to see her as she is to see us.
Without hesitation, Roxy nudges him playfully, causing him to lose his balance and fall onto the wooden floor below.
It’s not too often she sees someone out of the normal people that come in and out of the house frequently, so I watch her closely as she carefully inspects Bodie curiously. She’s not cautious like she normally is when someone she doesn’t recognize comes in for the first time, but she’s still trying to figure out if she knows him or not.
“I think she knows the sound of your voice,” I note, looking down at them. “It’s almost like she recognizes you, but she can’t figure out from where.”
During every single one of Bodie and my nightly video calls, Roxy has been either in the bed or, at the very least, in the room with me. On more than one occasion, I’ve picked her up to the phone to say hi and reversed the camera during the call to show Bodie the newest tricks we learned in training any given day.
“Hey girl,” he coos as she sniffs him extensively. “You know, you’re even cuter in person.”
With that, Roxy licks his face and unlike most of the people I’ve had here, he doesn’t tell her to stop.
“Aw. I get kisses?” he asks, looking up at me earnestly as my puppy snuggles into him. “I think she likes me, babe.”
Oh, bloody hell. My ovaries were not prepared f
or this moment. Before I do something crazy like suddenly profess my love for him, I need to get Bodie up off that damn floor.
Chapter 10
Bodie
“Can I help with anything?”
After meeting Roxy, Sutton gave me very strict instructions to go take a hot shower and relax while she made us dinner.
Normally, Sutton’s house has a few people coming in and out throughout the day. I’ve “met” both her chef and housekeeper during video calls, but there isn’t a trace of any other human in this house. When I asked her about meeting them officially, she shrugged it off, telling me she gave everyone who worked in the house a paid vacation so that we would have the house to ourselves my entire visit.
Teasing her, I ask who will be cooking our meals and cleaning up after us, knowing damn well that princess title and a house full of employees or not, Sutton Alloway-Dimarco is one of the most capable women I’ve ever known.
“Um, me?” she says, furrowing her brow in irritation. “I can function without someone holding my hand, Bodie.”
Laughing at her response only makes her more annoyed. Knowing that she has worked so hard to strip the princess persona and establish a name for herself based on her own merit and hard work, I understand why she would take my teasing seriously.
“God, I love you.”
When I realize the words that just left my mouth, I start to come up with a cover-up plan, but the truth is, I do love her.
Holy shit. I love her.
I’m a lot of things, but a liar, I am not. I don’t have it in me to make up some bullshit excuse to cover up my feelings. It’s okay if she doesn’t love me in return. I don’t need that from her, but I can’t lie to her. I won’t lie to her by covering it and pretending it’s not true.
Frozen, she watches me, waiting for me to laugh it off and explain myself and when I don’t, she holds the wooden spoon she’s been stirring the pasta with in place.
“I’m no culinary expert, but I don’t think that’s how you stir pasta, babe,” I say, nodding to the pan behind her.
