Page 89 of Always Be Mine

Craig searched the room quickly before his gaze landed on Lucy, who was chatting with Krysta and Kane. The jealousy he once would have felt was gone, replaced only with love.

“So I take it you’re not mad at Dad anymore.” Chase wiggled his eyebrows and winked when he saw where Craig was looking.

“What are you talking about?”

“Hiring a nanny? It wasn’t such a bad idea after all, was it?”

Lucyhad been a great idea, but that didn’t change the fact that Craig still didn’t agree with the stipulation their father had placed on him. He scowled. “I never needed a nanny.”

“But look at all you’ve accomplished with all your extra time.”

He shook his head sharply. “None of this is happening because of Dad’s stupid will, brother.”

“Are you sure about that?” Chase raised an eyebrow. “What did your letter say?”

Craig stared at his brother. “What letter?”

“You must have gotten a letter. Didn’t Steven give you a letter? Charli and I each got one.”

He got one. Steven Larson had given him an envelope with his name written in his father’s familiar handwriting the day of Meri’s party. He’d stuffed it into his back pocket and later he’d slid it under the stack of books he meant to get around to reading, on his nightstand.

“I got one.” He shrugged. “I’m not interested in what it says. I’m only doing this for the family and for Meri’s future. That’s it.” He wouldn’t make eye contact with his brother. “I know you and Charli both felt like you learned something from Dad’s final test or whatever this is, but I don’t need to learn anything.”

“Craig, I don’t?—”

“He wanted me to hire a nanny for six months. That’s what I did. There’s exactly fourteen weeks and two days left until we can move on to whomever will be subjected to Dad’s torture next.”

“Not that you’re counting or anything.” Chase smirked. “What happens then?

“I told you.” Craig tossed the rest of the champagne back and put the glass on a nearby table. “It’s someone else’s turn.”

“And Lucy?”

Craig froze. He forced himself to exhale slowly before he turned to face his big brother. “You would have to ask Lucy. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to mingle.”

It was a bullshit, copout answer, and he hated himself for it. Lucy deserved so much better than this stupid game he had to play with her. But it was only for a bit longer. He had to keep reminding himself of that. It wouldn’t be long and then they could be together for real. He just needed to get through this for his daughter’s sake. As much as he cared about Lucy, there was no way he was going to risk Meri’s future.

Lucy took a bite of the coconut cluster she’d been served by one of Craig’s summer employees and almost moaned out loud. “This is amazing, Mya.”

The woman, who was clearly uncomfortable being the center of attention, blushed and ducked her head.

“Seriously,” Lucy said. “Your chocolates are truly the most delicious things I’ve ever put in my mouth. You are amazing.”

“Thank you.” Mya shook her head. “This has all been so?—”

“Lucy?”

She spun in the direction of the voice that had interrupted her and immediately wished she hadn’t. A very pregnant Maria, whom Lucy had completely forgotten even existed, let alone in her new hometown, stood in front of her. Her hands were on her swollen belly, a radiant smile on her face and a somewhat shocked and uncomfortable-looking husband at her side.

“Hi.” Lucy excused herself from Mya, who quickly scuttled away, no doubt to the refuge of the back room, and turned to face her ex-boyfriend and his wife for the second time. “I didn’t realize you two were still in town.”

“My blood pressure is still a little high.” Maria’s face grew serious. “So the doctor recommended we stay away from the stress of the big city as long as we can.”

If only the poor woman knew the potentially stressful situation she was currently in. Not that Lucy would ever do or say anything that would put the woman’s health, or that of her unborn baby, at risk.

“This is pretty incredible, isn’t it?” Maria gushed. “I know I probably shouldn’t be eating so much sugar, but these chocolates are so delicious I had Rossy buy a bunch to take back home with us.”

Ross lifted a carrier bag full of the purple boxes Lucy had helped tie earlier.

---