Page 45 of It Happened In Paris

I pictured her quiet, unassuming husband sitting beside her with his nose in the Financial Times without a care as to what we were on about.

“I’m literally sitting here appreciating the view out our veranda at the Hamptons, letting the waves crashing on the shore soothe me into a false sense of calm. Oh, excuse me for a moment. The maid just brought me a fresh martini and I think I need to guzzle it to get through the rest of this conversation.”

I slapped a hand to my forehead at her dramatics. Rex practically died, trying to catch his breath from whatever humor he saw in this situation. At least one of us found it funny.

“I’m back. Now, let’s start over shall we? So… Hello, Richard, what’s new with you?”

“Uh, well, it’s an interesting story, Mother. You see, it turns out that I met Vivian seven years ago in Paris. We, uh, had a lovely night together that resulted in her pregnancy. And I just found out her daughter is mine. A paternity test proves it.”

“Mm-hmm. Vivian who, darling? Do I know her family?”

I stuttered. “Miriam… Vivian from Cupcake Cottage. You remember her? With a daughter? Cousin to Chelsea?” I spelled it out for her.

“The cake lady?” She asked, sounding horrified.

“Vivian. And her daughter’s name—ourdaughter’s name—is Paris, and she’s precious, beautiful, smart. And Vivian is very special to me, too. I’d like you to meet them. I mean, I know you met them during the wedding planning for Rex’s wedding, but things are different now.”

I paused waiting to gauge her reaction, but all I heard was a sniffle and the sound of tissue rubbing against the phone.

“Yes. You’re a grandmother. And she’s six and already has the Buchanan penchant for adventure and exploring the world. You’ll love her…” I hesitated. “And if you don’t, well, it doesn’t matter. Because I love her and she’s mine, and I’m going to spoil her for the rest of my life, and hopefully her mother, too, with or without you.”

“Obviously I’m shocked, but I’m also happy for you. I really am.” She cried. “Oh my goodness, did you hear that, Mr. Astor? We have our first grandchild. And it’s a girl! Oh, I cannot wait to take her to high tea at the Plaza. Treat her to a spa day with my other friends and their granddaughters. How soon can I meet the little one?”

I could tell Miriam was getting into it now, but… “Here’s the thing. She’s sick and needs a kidney transplant.”

Mother gasped, and I proceeded to fill in certain details from the week, leaving her sobbing by the end.

“Oh, darling, I hope you’re doing everything you can for her? Sparing no expense?”

“Of course I am. And I’m donating my kidney to her. The surgery is set for two days from now.”

“What? We’ll be in Albany tonight. Pack your bags Mr. Astor.” She quickly hung up.

Subdued now, Rex sauntered over and clapped me on the back. “That went better than I expected. Are you okay?”

“I will be. I just need Paris to survive this, and I hope her body won’t reject my kidney.”

“You’re my hero, man. I know everything will turn out fine. And by the way, you’re the one I should be jealous of. The first Buchanan grandchild for Miriam is quite an honor. Of course, I figure that let’s Chelsea and me off the hook for pressure from her to have a child. Judging by Paris’ cuteness factor, I’d say we have at least two years until Miriam pressures us again. High-five for more honeymooning for me!” He held up his hand with a cocky grin.

“Asshole.” I brought him in for a quick hug instead. “Thanks for being here for me.”

“Always, brother. Let’s head back to the hospital.”

I breathed deeper, releasing the worry over Miriam, and Paris accepting me as her father. Now the countdown to the operation started, and I still had a couple more things to work out with Vivian.

18

MIMI IN THE HOUSE

VIVIAN

I pacedthe hospital room while we waited for Richard’s mother to arrive. “Should I be nervous about this meeting today?”

“Relax. You met Miriam while working on Rex’s wedding. You know how she is.” Richard sat calmly in a chair, unfazed by this.

“That was different—I provided a service. I only got the wedding cake contract because I’m family, and Chelsea insisted on it.”

“I’m sure Miriam enjoyed your cake. I can still hear her telling her friends, ‘The cake is moist,’” he mimicked her tone, then rolled his eyes and added, “Listen, don’t worry about Miriam. You don’t have to pass her approval in order to be in my life. Youarein my life, and Paris. There’s no way I’ll let either of you go. Besides, all of this is worrying over nothing because Miriam will adore you two. And she’s going to spoil Paris like crazy.”

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