Page 81 of Tangled Trust

"Porky pies?" Carter says this and raises an eyebrow.

"It’s cockney slang. Porkie pies…telling lies."

Carter laughs while I threaten to strangle Aunt Sue.

23

CARTER

Ella’s aunt is a scream. I love the way she says exactly what’s on her mind. I’ve always preferred people like that. I have no patience for small talk and ass-kissing. If you want to say something, then you should have the freedom and the balls to do so at will, no matter your audience.

It’s one of those qualities I encounter rarely in my world. I suppose when one is wealthy, others tend to kowtow. Not Sue; God bless her. I was given the third degree on what I was planning on doing about the pregnancy and also asked how I really felt about Ella.

Sue explained to me that she’d promised her sister that she’d take excellent care of Ella and that she had no intention of dropping the ball—no offense intended, she assured me.

I’ve been thinking about it seriously since she asked me that question. What are my plans with Ella? She and I have known each other for a relatively short amount of time, it’s true, but Ella and I are somehow connected, and it’s not just because of the pregnancy. It’s hard to explain it to others, hell, even I don’t fully understand it, but I can see myself being with her for the rest of my life.

I’ve always thought that after the disappointment with Amanda, I would be afraid to commit again. But I honestly don’t feel that way with Ella. She’s warm, sincere, bright, fun, and loving in every way, especially toward Jagger, and every time I look at her, I’m bewitched anew by her beauty.

I think it’s time I made a decision about us. I’m going to ask Ella Jones to marry me. I don’t want our child to feel like I don’t love his or her mother enough to make a commitment. And that’s what marriage is about. Commitment. Sure, one can argue that it’s only a piece of paper, but it means something to those who matter.

I’ll call my jeweler and ask him to prepare a selection of engagement rings for my perusal. The ring must reflect Ella’s personality, and I have a specific idea in mind. I can afford to buy her a rock, but Ella isn’t that kind of woman. Plus, she has such slender hands that it makes no sense to present her with a knuckle duster that weighs a ton. I’ll make sure it’s a brilliant cut, obviously, but not flashy ‘keeping up with the Joneses nonsense.

I call Sophie to ask for her input.

"This is such wonderful news, little brother."

"Thanks, Sophie. I was thinking of asking her this weekend."

"I’d love to meet her before you do that."

"Why don’t you fly in tonight and meet her? Can you make it at such short notice?"

"Of course. This is important. I’d love that."

"Great. I’ll send the jet to pick you up."

After our conversation, I call my pilot to arrange the pick-up.

* * *

I’m at the airport to meet my sister when she lands.

"Hey, Carter," Sophie says and hugs me.

"Hi, Sis. Thanks for coming. You’re looking well. How’s the rest of the gang?"

"The kids are away at camp for a week, so your timing is excellent. I’ve been knocking about the old place without a clue what to do with myself. It’s crazy how involved you become with your children’s schedules."

"I know. I don’t know how you do it all."

"One learns to manage. The old multitasking gene kicks in."

"You’re a lot like Mom in that regard."

"Yup, I learned from the best. Speaking of mothers, how’s Amanda taking the news about the pregnancy? I imagine she’s not too thrilled?"

"She was like a mad woman when she found out, but she’s since cooled down just a bit."

---