Page 140 of The Exception

“Graham and I are here for you,” Jasper said. “Just tell us what you need. Whatever you need. Do you need to take a hiatus? Work fewer hours? What would help you most?”

“I don’t want to take a hiatus, but I want to work from home several days a week and try to take more breaks during the day.”

“That sounds like a good plan,” Jasper said. “Maybe hire a personal chef or some more help around the house.”

She nodded. “I’ve been interviewing some candidates from the Hartwell Agency.”

“Good,” I said, feeling hopeful.

“And Jackson’s been encouraging me to trust our employees.”

“We have great staff and teams in place, and I don’t think any of us have been fully utilizing their talents,” Jasper said.

Sloan nodded. “Halle is a great asset, and I can definitely lean on her. And you’re right, Graham. I need to learn to delegate more.”

“Exactly,” I said. “You don’t have to do it all. Traveling back and forth to the château showed me that. Honestly, in some ways, it’s helped me achieve a better work-life balance.”

“I’m sure wanting to spend time with your wife helps,” Jasper said.

“It does. So, what’s going on with you, Sloan? Because I know you love spending time with Jackson.”

She toyed with the edge of the blanket. “I do love spending time with Jackson. But I think I’ve been so focused on everything I have to accomplish before the baby comes that the due date has come to feel like a ticking time bomb.”

“What do you mean by that?” Jasper asked. “What do you think is adding to that time pressure?”

“I guess I just don’t know what to expect once the baby comes. And I feel this compulsion to finish as much as I can before then.”

“Life won’t stop just because you have a baby,” I said. “It’ll change, yes. But you’ll still be you. And the company will still be here.”

She nodded, and it felt like we were all learning a lesson in trusting our teams more. In taking time away from the company to pursue our passions or spend time with the people we loved.

“What about the board?” Sloan asked. “What if we can’t get the majority of the shares? What if they decline our relocation requests? Not to mention that this battle is hurting the company.”

“Actually, I have an idea,” I said, glancing from Sloan to Jasper. “And I think it will solve everything. But I’m going to need your help.”

Jasper laid his hand over mine. It was something we’d always done as kids. Something we hadn’t done in years. I smiled at the memory of the three of us, hands stacked one on top of the other, swearing our allegiance as the Three Musketeers.

It had always been us against the world. We’d always counted on one another. And while life had changed and the company—and our family—had grown, I knew I could always count on my siblings. I was done trying to control everything. If we were going to succeed, we needed to do this together.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE

My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen, silently willing Graham to send me an update. He and Jasper had gone back to visit with Sloan a while ago, and I hoped everything was okay. Jackson’s words had been reassuring, but I knew Graham was scared for her and the baby.

Jo: You okay?

In all the craziness, I couldn’t believe I’d forgotten to update Jo. And what about my family?

Me: They’re going to keep Graham’s sister overnight, but it sounds like she’ll be okay.

Jo: Oh my goodness. I’m sorry, Lil. Can I do anything?

Me: No, but thanks. Sorry I ditched you to deal with Luc and les Journee du patrimonie.

Jo: Family comes first. We’ve got everything under control here.

I was about to slide my phone back into my purse when another text message arrived.

Mom: I hope you don’t plan to ignore your family the rest of our visit.

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