Page 63 of The Exception

Unable to resist, I closed the distance between us, brushing my lips against hers in a silent apology. If Lily was surprised by my actions, she didn’t show it. Instead, she melted into the kiss, even as brief—too brief—as it was. For the first time since we’d boarded Knox’s yacht, I felt as if I could breathe again.

When I turned my attention back to Jasper, I realized that everyone had grown quiet. They’d been too busy watching Liliana and me. They were stunned.

I should’ve been pleased that my family seemed to be buying our love story, but I couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss. The taste of sunshine and champagne on her lips, the scent of her floral perfume curling through the air, winding itself around me like a protective cocoon.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Lily. She was all I could see. All I wanted to see.

Nate cleared his throat, and she finally glanced away.

“You mentioned you were doing the long-distance thing,” Nate said. “So now that you’re married, I assume you’ll be moving to LA.” His question was directed at Lily.

“Well…” She tucked her hair behind her ear, and I decided to field this one.

“We’re actually going to be splitting our time between France and LA,” I said.

“Splitting your time?” Jasper gaped at me. “And you didn’t think to talk to us about this first?”

“Nothing will change. I will still attend all meetings. And I’ll work with Carson to shift my schedule during the times that I’m in France.”

Sloan held a hand to her stomach. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

I knew it couldn’t be motion sickness. Sloan was a keen sailor. Hell, she and Jackson had spent nearly two months exploring the Caribbean earlier this year. I often thought she was more at home on her sailboat than on land.

I frowned. Was she truly that upset?

She dashed to the nearest trash can and hurled into it. Jackson was at her side, offering her a towel and water.

“You okay?” Nate asked when she returned.

She nodded, but she was still pale.

“Should we turn back?” Knox asked. “Take you to a doctor?”

“No. No.” Sloan shook her head. “It will pass.”

“But you never get motion sickness,” I said, unwilling to let it go.

She peered up at Jackson, her face full of such love and devotion. She placed her hand on his cheek, and the way the two of them looked at each other spoke of their deep affection. They silently communicated something.

“We weren’t going to tell everyone yet since it’s still early,” Sloan said. “And not to steal the spotlight from Graham and Lily?—”

“Steal away,” I said.Please.Anything to divert everyone’s attention from Lily and me.

“It’s not motion sickness,” Sloan continued. “It’s morning sickness. I’m pregnant.”

Nate’s eyes widened, a tentative smile forming on his lips. “Really?”

Sloan nodded, biting back a smile of her own. My heart felt full to bursting. I was thrilled for her.

Jasper set down his glass and immediately gathered her into a hug. “I’m so happy for you.”

I shook Jackson’s hand, unable to keep the smile from my face. This was good news, thebestnews. “Congratulations.”

I opened my arms, and Sloan stepped into them. I gave her a long hug, beyond happy for her. “You’re going to be the best mom,” I said, quiet enough for only her to hear.

“Thank you.” Her throat was clogged with emotion, and I knew what she was thinking even if she wouldn’t say it. She wished Gran and Pops could be here to see this.

It had been years since they’d passed, but with every milestone, every marriage or birth they missed, the loss felt fresh. I knew no one lived forever, but that didn’t lessen the pain of missing them.

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