“You’re so full of shit,” Christian said, letting his hands fall from his face.
“Forgive me for making an effort to reassure my brother,” Sebastian snapped.
“Reassure me? More like lie to me.” Christian’s jaw worked. “You think you’re just like him.”
“As you have reminded me often over the years, so do you,” Sebastian said, his hands automatically fisting. “Can we ever have a civil conversation?”
“Sure we can—as soon as you’re willing to be honest.” The color had returned to his twin’s cheeks and for that, Sebastian was thankful. He hated to see Christian in pain—emotional or physical.
Sebastian flicked his hands out. “Fine.”
“Give me your word that no matter what, you’ll be completely truthful.”
Jaw flexing, Sebastian bit out, “You have my word.”
“Excellent.” Christian grinned, and then his face turned serious. “Did you really only set out to repair our relationship in order to become president again?”
“No.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Do tell.”
Sebastian exhaled. “I’ve wanted to fix things between us for years now, but my pride wouldn’t allow it. The whole improve-your-image scheme was the excuse I needed.”
“Damn your pride,” Christian said with a shake of his head. “And damn mine as well. Final question.”
“Only two?”
“Best not to overwhelm you.”
A sort of odd tension left Sebastian’s heart, replaced by the burgeoning relationship with his brother. “Go on then.”
“It’s a two-part question.” Christian flashed a smile. “The first part—do you love Daisy Barnes?”
Sebastian stared at him. Love, not loved. Or even were you in love.
“Remember: the truth will set you free,” Christian added.
“Yes, I love Daisy,” he admitted.
“Good job,” Christian said softly. “The second part—why in the hell did you send her away?”
Glancing down at his hands, Sebastian sorted through his lists of reasons why he’d sent her away from him, then, “Because I thought Francesca was right about me. I thought Daisy deserved better than some bloke who couldn’t put her before everything else in his life. Not even when it counted.”
“You listened to our egg donor?” Christian snapped, and Sebastian jerked up his head. “She’s a self-righteous witch who’s been playing the poor-pitiful-me act for years. Once a month Zoe gets a phone call from the woman and talks to her for hours, because I refuse to give Francesca the time of day. She made her decision, Sebastian.”
“She was a woman who suffered through an abusive marriage.”
“And that gives her the right to be abusive to you how?”
Sebastian shook his head, trying to make his twin understand. “It doesn’t, but she loves you, though. Maybe you should see her. She wants to have a relationship with you.”
“Whatever. She’s low on cash, since Vladimir died and left her out of his will. The duke refuses to give her any more than her weekly stipend, despite her claims that he cut her off years ago.” Christian stretched out his legs. “Besides, any relationship that comes with strings attached, isn’t the kind I’m interested in having. I’ve got all the family I need.” He tilted his head to one side and bit his lip. “Well, my family will grow a bit in about six months, but you know what I mean.”
Now wasn’t the time to tell his brother that he wouldn’t be far behind in expanding his own. Instead, Sebastian cleared his throat. “Am I a part of that family?”
“What do you think?”
“I wouldn’t have asked, you bloody git, if I knew,” Sebastian grumbled.
His brother stood, holding out his arms. “Come give us a hug.”
“I’m not the hugging type.” But he stood anyway and kind of lurched toward his brother.
“Luckily for you, I am.” Then Christian grabbed him and nearly squeezed his internal organs out of his body. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you as well,” Sebastian said softly, his voice breaking over the last word.
Christian stepped back, releasing him from his hold. “Now, about Daisy. You will be at the wedding, yes? It’s actually next weekend. Will that be a problem?”
Sebastian straightened his tie, adjusted his cuff links, and smoothed his jacket before answering. He needed every extra second he could get to compose himself, before he blurted everything to his brother. “Of course it’s not a problem. I’ve best man duties, but I’m not sure if Daisy can forgive me.”
“But you do plan on trying?”
“I thought question and answer time was over?”
“Humor me.”
“Yes, I bloody plan on trying and winning.” Sebastian flashed an easy grin, though on the inside he wasn’t quite so confident. “I’m a Romanov, for God’s sake.”
“Yeah … about that—”
“Too much?”
Christian held thumb and forefinger out, almost pressing them together. “Just a little.” He clapped Sebastian on the back. “No worries though. I shall assist you in wooing your lady back into your arms.”
Sebastian made a face. “Think I’ll pass.”
“But we’re brothers.”
“I’ve standards.”
“Suit yourself.” His twin shrugged. “See you on Thursday? You’re welcome to stay with us. Although, I think my mother-in-law is making Zoe move out until after the ceremony, for good luck or something that goes along with weddings.”
“I’ll be there.”
“Brilliant.” Christian strode to the door, calling out over his shoulder, “Cheers.”
“Hang on a minute,” Sebastian said and Christian paused. “Zoe isn’t pregnant, is she? This was some big scheme of yours to … to…” He didn’t know what exactly, but his brother was an actor—a brilliant one at that—and had gone from scared shitless to overconfident arse in a matter of minutes.
“To make things right with my brother?” Christian asked.
“Ah-ha! Wait … what?” Sebastian asked.
His brother rolled his eyes. “She is pregnant, and I did need someone to talk to. Who better than my big brother? See you next Thursday.” With that, Christian opened the door and strolled out, leaving Sebastian standing there, staring after him.
He stared at the door, long after it closed. This was it, his opportunity to make everything right with all the people he loved.
His phone buzzed. A text from Liam.
Mark your calendar full for next week. We’ve meetings lasting into the weekend with Chen Software. Seal this deal and you’re in.
This account was even bigger than the last. Bowing out of negotiations, even for family, would be looked upon unfavorably. Romanov Industries needed him to get this account.
There were no guarantees that his new relationship with his brother would last. Hell, by next week, they could be at each other’s throats and ready for blood.
As for Daisy, that was an even longer shot at success. He’d hurt her—really, really hurt her—with his thoughtful lies. With the manufactured webpage he’d built. With the bit about Kate. With everything.
Every night he made himself relive their last conversation and the shattered look on her face. How it was drawn tight with pain. Her full lips trembling when he’d rejected everything she had to offer, including their child, by firmly placing himself in the absentee father role.
He wanted to be more than that. He wanted everything life had to offer him. And his everything in life was Daisy and their unborn baby.
Rubbing the back of his neck, he briefly closed his eyes. He’d be lucky if she even looked his way at the wedding, much less spoke to him. Yet another relationship with no guarantees.
But if he closed the deal with Chen, then he was guaranteed to get his old position back. His old life back, his old everything back.
Where’s your sense of adventure
? He heard Daisy whisper in his mind.
His phone buzzed again. Another text from Liam, confirming dates and times. Sebastian’s thumbs hovered over the keyboard for a heartbeat, and then he texted him back.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“You’ve outdone yourself, Daisy,” her aunt Leah exclaimed, floating by her with a dreamy smile. “I swear, sugar, your momma would be so proud.”
Daisy smiled and thanked her, heading to the kitchen with an empty tray. She knew Leah wasn’t expecting a response, not really. She was too caught up in the wedding, but who could blame her? The ceremony had been something out of a fairy tale.
The reception had been a huge success. She’d given out more business cards in the past hour than she had in all the years she’d been doing business. A quick glance at her email on her phone confirmed that at least a dozen guests had already contacted her about their events.
Business-wise, she couldn’t ask for more.
Personal life-wise, she was an emotional wreck. All she had done for the past month was cry and watch stupid movies about people who fell in love.
She’d had doctor appointments, lawyer appointments, more doctor appointments … she’d been probed, had blood drawn, been weighed, and measured. Yesterday she’d heard the heartbeat of the baby, seen it wiggle and move on the screen. All she could think about was that Sebastian should have been there to share the moment with her, and not Haven, who’d let her cry for hours on her shoulder after the appointment.
All she could think about was she was as alone now as she ever was, but in about six months, she’d be very busy and very not alone. In another week, she’d be three months pregnant. In another three weeks, she’d be able to find out if she were having a little boy or girl.
The only thing that had gotten her through it all had been the support of Isabella and Haven, and the sudden rush of having to come up with Zoe and Christian’s menu—two months ahead of schedule.
At least Zoe and Christian had decided to hold the wedding at their house, in their beautiful backyard. A genius move if anyone asked her. They could totally control almost everything, including who was allowed inside the festivities.
“Must be nice,” Daisy muttered.
If she had had her way, there would be one guest who wouldn’t be eating her food. Oh no. And he certainly wouldn’t have been allowed to stand beside his brother, looking like a fairy tale prince come to life in his tux. Right down to the sun shining on his golden hair and the boutonniere pinned to his jacket that was the exact shade of his eyes. She’d been able to steal a few minutes to watch the ceremony, but he hadn’t even noticed her. Not that she would know what to do if he had.
Most likely she would have done something dumb, like run up to him and kiss him, then punch him in the gut for being Earl of Asshatland.
“You doing okay?” Isabella asked, intercepting her at the back door to the house. “Not overdoing yourself? Are you drinking enough water?” She looked stunning, wearing a blue and orange chevron printed dress with orange heels. Vacationing in the islands had been good for her, though Daisy knew her best friend wasn’t over what her ex had done to her. Not by a long shot.
“I’m fine. Thanks for checking on me.”
Tawny eyes narrowed, and she handed Daisy a glass of water, crossing her arms and tapping her foot until Daisy had no choice but to drink it.
“There. Anything else, Dr. Edwards?”
“For you to sit down for more than five minutes.”
“I’m pregnant, not dying.”
“Just wait until the morning sickness starts.”
It already had. “Because you’ve experienced it how many times?”
Isabella rolled her eyes and then smiled. “Fine. I’ll stop being so pushy, but are you sure you’re okay—emotionally, I mean?”
“Not really, but what can I do about pregnancy hormones?” Daisy asked with a little wink. She gave her friend a quick hug. “Go on and have fun. The band’s really good—some guy named Jaxon Hunter is the lead singer.”
“Mm-hmm. I will, but if you need me for back up…” Isabella words trailed away as Sebastian’s best friend walked by. Liam looked back, his dark gaze raking over Isabella before heading to the dance floor.
“Who is that?”
“Liam Stewart, best friend of my baby’s daddy.”
Disappointment shone in Isabella’s eyes before she frowned. “Oh, never mind, then.”
Daisy grinned, the first one that had felt real all day. “It wouldn’t be disloyal of you to dance with the man, if you want. I heard from Zoe that his fiancée left him for another man. So … you two have a lot in common.”
“Doubtful,” Isabella replied, but Daisy noticed her gaze didn’t stray from Liam’s retreating form.
Sebastian looked their way and caught her gaze. The air electrified. Daisy’s hand automatically went to her stomach and he frowned, then began to stride in her direction.
Oh God, not now. “I need to go inside, to take a little break, okay?” Daisy whispered and Isabella nodded.
“Make it a long break.”
Only pride and everyone watching kept Daisy’s steps measured. Once inside the house, she placed the tray on the island in the middle of the kitchen and bent over it, head falling in her hands. There were no noises beyond the sound of the band outside.
He hadn’t followed her. Disappointment rose, sharp and painful as it tried to hollow her out. “I don’t care,” she whispered.
For the rest of the afternoon, she kept her heart strong and tears at bay. She laughed, smiled, and urged the wedding guests to eat their fill. When it was over, she joined everyone else as they threw rose petals and blew bubbles at the couple.
Unable to stop herself, she searched the crowd for him. Maybe … there were no maybes, no wishful thinking that somehow they’d work it out.
Sebastian had made his choice, and it hadn’t included her. Despite wanting to check on him, on his new life, she had forbidden herself to look at Internet sites that featured stories about him. It was for the best, really, because there was no way she could handle seeing him with Kate.
“He’s not here, baby girl,” Haven said, giving her a hug. “Your earl left about forty-five minutes ago.”
Her stomach dropped. So much for wishful thinking she’d told herself not to think about. “He’s not my anything, and I’m not looking for—”
Haven’s silver eyes narrowed, effectively cutting Daisy off. “You are, and you know what—that’s okay with me.”
Daisy chewed on the inside of her cheek as they walked to the back of the house. She directed the clean-up crew while Haven shot murderous glares at Heath. He merely smiled and toasted them, then made a face at the couple—Isabella and Liam—still on the dance floor.
“Over her my tail,” Haven muttered.
“Sebastian doesn’t want me, just like Glen,” Daisy finally said.
Haven turned her attention to Daisy. “I think you’re wrong.”
A soft snort escaped her. “You got that right: I’m wrong for both of them.”
Pushing her pink bangs out of her eyes, Haven pursed her lips. “You’re exactly what you are, and it’s exactly the friend I’ve always needed.”
Warmth spread through her heart and tears gathered. Though she and Haven hadn’t always been the closest of friends, like Daisy was with Isabella, she valued and loved her to pieces. “Thank you.”
“Why don’t you go home? I’ll take care of everything else for you.”
Normally, Daisy would have declined the offer. But normally, Daisy wasn’t emotionally and physically drained. “I think I will. There’s a hot bubble bath calling my name.”
“But not too hot,” Haven warned.
Daisy shot her a look. “Not you, too.” But she didn’t mean it. She was grateful for her friends. “See you later.”
* * *
It took less than twenty minutes to drive back to her apartment, another two to trudge across the parking lot and
up the stairs. She unlocked her door and went inside, only to smell food.
Brow creasing, she sniffed. It smelled like roast beef and carrots and potatoes, but she hadn’t cooked roast. And she sure as heck didn’t remember leaving the lights on. Maybe she had pregnancy nose and memory.
Her stomach rumbled as she walked farther inside and then froze, her jaw dropping to the floor.
The table in the corner was set for two, with her china and food she knew she hadn’t cooked. In the center of the table sat a very familiar pot of African Violets.
“Hullo, Daisy,” a deep, sexy voice she recognized said, and she spun around, only to find her earl standing there.
“Why are you here?”
He shrugged and rubbed the back of his neck. His shirtsleeves were rolled up and his tie was half-undone. “Thought I’d make you dinner.”
Oh my mercy. “I’m not hungry.” Her stomach rumbled again.
Sebastian gave her midsection a pointed look. “You didn’t eat at the reception.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I watched you the entire time.”
“Because you care so much, right?” She swept past him, ready to leave the apartment and go to Haven’s.
He caught her by the elbow, his grip gentle but firm. “I do care. You look exhausted.”
“All day morning sickness tends to make me less than pretty,” she snapped.
“All day.” Concern lit his blue eyes. “Have you spoken to a physician about this?”
She couldn’t decide whether to be mad at him or cave and weep in his arms. “Look, we have nothing to say to each other, and I’m taking care of myself.”
“Perhaps you need someone to take care of you,” he said, pulling her toward the table and gesturing at the food. “Weren’t you the one to say ‘grumpy equals hungry’?”
Her lips twitched despite her best effort. “Yes.” He pulled out her chair and she sat down, then he began to serve her. Everything looked cooked to perfection. The beef medium, the carrots just this side of squishy and the potatoes soft enough to be pierced by a fork.
Ravenous, she took a bite before he sat down across from her and almost moaned her appreciation. It tasted perfect.
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