Page 66 of The Himbo and the Lord

“Well, I didn’t until tonight, but what about it?” His voice has a hard edge to it that feels like a challenge. My heart gives a little leap. I don’t know Chase well but it certainly feels like my father is outnumbered.

“I’ve trained Rupert to take over from me, both the company and the family. No one will take him seriously if he’s, you know . . . a fairy.” Nathaniel takes a step forward but Chase puts an arm out and he stops. My father continues. “How can he command respect?—”

“Do you respect me?” Chase asks with a voice so calm I know he must be holding himself back.

“Of course I do, you know that. I’ve known you for over twenty years.”

“Well I’m bi, Chester. It’s not a secret, and neither does it matter. Or it certainly hasn’t for the last two decades. Do I need to find somewhere else to handle my investments?”

I watch my father swallow, trying to digest this information.

“No, there’s no need for that, Chase.”

I hate that it’s the financial threat that has my father’s attention, but he only thinks in money. Chase isn’t done yet, though, and he knows how to play the game.

“We’ll see. I’ll expect to see your diversity and equality policy statement as soon as possible. I assume you have one, it is law after all.”

“Yes of course I do,” my father replies, but Chase frowns at his dismissive tone that suggests he doesn’t bother himself with those tasks.

“I want to know that it extends toallemployees.” Chase looks at me as he makes his point clear.

My father nods and Chase relaxes slightly. I can feel Nate bubbling beside me. He’s been surprisingly quiet so far.

He steps forward and addresses my father. “I don’t care what you think ofme, but Ru is a good person, and he deserves your respect. I’m pretty good with finances too, and I’m going to take good care of your son.”

He flashes me a smile at the last sentence, and I grin back at him. My father just blinks at him, but he doesn’t immediately dismiss him, which I consider actual progress.

Chase speaks again. “I called Doctor Brotherton to look at you. He’s an old friend of mine and the best cardiologist in the country.”

“Yes, and if you could all leave so I can examine the patient that would be helpful. I was just about to tuck into a delicious dinner my husband cooked for me when Chase called. I’d like to get back to it at some point this evening.”

Chase’s smirk is priceless as my father looks at him for a long second. He gives a little shake of his head and huffs a wry laugh before settling back on his pillows.

It might not seem like much, but I know my father. I’ve spent years watching for every tell, every muscle twitch. He knows when he’s been beaten. He might not like it but he’ll accept it, which is significant.

We all file out and walk to the small waiting room where we find Petra and my mother.

I introduce Nate to my sister who takes to him immediately as I knew she would. She hugs us both.

“So you’re the guy my brother’s been pining over for months,” she says brightly. Nate preens a little while I roll my eyes at her.

“You met the old man and survived, then?” she asks.

“I’m not sure about that. He didn’t actually say anything to me.”

“Oh, then he definitely likes you,” Petra laughs. “He doesn’t waste time telling those he doesn’t.”

I leave Nate and my sister talking and walk over to my mother who’s smiling at something Nathaniel is telling her. He has the same easy charm as his son so it doesn’t surprise me. She’s still wearing that smile as she turns to me.

“Mother, I’d like to introduce you to my boyfriend,” I say and lead her back to Nate.

“It’s nice to meet you, ma’am,” he says. I see her hesitate and take a breath before answering. It’s been a long and shocking day for her, and she’s got a lot to get used to, so I forgive her this reaction, just this one time. But then she surprises me.

“Welcome to the family. I gather you’re the one responsible for my son’s happiness. I want to thank you.”

I share a look with Petra and I’m not sure which of our jaws drop the furthest. My mother looks at me. “Can’t a mother wish for her son to be happy?”

I’m interrupted from wondering who swapped my usually cold mother for one that looks like she might actually care by Doctor Brotherton entering the room. He comes straight over to my mother.

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