Page 212 of Champagne Nights

“You did?”

“Yes. She told me the two of you got into an argument the other day, and she hasn’t heard from you since. Care to explain what’s going on?” Her brow arched.

“I’m sure she already explained everything to you.”

“All she said was that you put others before her, and you’ve been very distant lately.”

“Why? Because my friends asked me to go to a goddamn game with them?” I raised my voice.

“Don’t raise your voice, Henry. She’s just concerned about what’s going on with you. And frankly, so am I.”

“Nothing is going on with me. I have no idea where this is coming from, and I certainly don’t need her running to my mother to air our dirty laundry.”

“Calm down. There’s nothing to get worked up about. I told her it was probably the stress of the wedding on both of you. I know planning a wedding is stressful and can take a toll on a couple. Darling, we love Kirsten, and she’s going to be your wife in a matter of a few months. I know you’re busy here at work, but you must also take care of your fiancée. Your father never let work get in the way of our relationship.”

I wanted to tell her that was a lie because I knew damn well he was barely home after Abigail died. He practically lived at the office.

“Just make things right and get your relationship back on track. I’ll see you tomorrow. Unless you’d like to come over to the house for dinner tonight since Kirsten isn’t around.”

“I have plans.”

“With whom?”

Seriously? I was thirty years old, and she was still asking me who I was going out with.

“I’m meeting up with Ben, and we’re going to Frankie’s art gallery.”

“That’s nice, darling. Have fun and tell the boys I said hi. But first things first. Call your fiancée and apologize to her.”

I rolled my eyes the moment the door shut. I had nothing to apologize for, and I wasn’t doing it just for the sake of it. I was in a good mood because I was seeing Ellie tonight, and I wasn’t going to let anyone ruin it.

Chapter Eight

Ellie

I’d just finished putting some curls in my hair when my phone lit up with a text message from Henry.

“Hi. I’m here.”

My belly started to flutter, and my heart started to pick up in beats. I shouldn’t have been so nervous, but I was. Both nervous and excited. I unlocked the door and when I opened it, I saw Henry standing there holding a bouquet of white lilies.

“For you.” He smiled as he held them out to me.

“Thank you,” I signed. “They’re beautiful.”

I took the flowers and grabbed a large vase from the cabinet.

“You look absolutely beautiful,” he signed.

I could feel the heat rise in my cheeks as my heart beat out of my chest.

“Thank you,” I signed as I bashfully grinned.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my door open, and my mom walked in. Somehow, I knew she’d come up. I never should have told her what time Henry was picking me up.

“You must be Henry? I’m Dani Scott, Ellie’s mother,” she spoke and signed to him.

“Hello, Mrs. Scott. It’s nice to meet you.” He smiled as he extended his hand to her.

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