Page 10 of Changing Rules

“Bella said your sister hired an interior designer.”

I clench my jaw. I’m still mad at myself for allowing Audrey to trick me. Bella didn’t want anything big for her birthday, just dinner and a movie. And we did all that…the next day. By the time I got home—after the meeting lasted well over an hour andafter my sister insisted I take her home—Bella was barely able to keep her eyes open.

I carried her to bed and set the brochure for the vacation I booked us on the nightstand.

The worst part? I failed her for nothing. The meeting was pointless.

“Yeah…did Bella tell you she was upset with me?” I lick my lips, forcing myself to look Ben in the eye.

I know she was; the look on her face was louder than words.

I was an asshole.

He blinks at me. “Why would she be upset with you?”

“It was her birthday, and we had plans for dinner, but I went to that stupid meeting with Audrey.” The words rush out, one on top of the other. “I figured she said something to you about it.”

“Do you know your girlfriend at all? She’d never say anything bad about you. Ever.” Ben takes a deep breath. “She said the two of you spent the morning together, and that she spent the afternoon with Meg. It’s all good.”

“Then what?”

“I was kinda surprised Audrey didn’t ask Bella to help her design the nursery. Surely she’s seen how incredible your bathroom turned out.”

“Honestly, I’m glad Audrey didn’t ask her. My sister is difficult to work with, trust me.” Though it did cross my mind. It’s Audrey’s choice, of course, but she could’ve at least talked to Bella about it.

Ben shrugs. “Okay. Sorry for asking; it’s not my?—”

“Guys, what are you doing?” Bella comes to the foyer and stops short, her gaze darting between Ben and me.

“Hey.” He wraps an arm around her shoulder and kisses her cheek. “Happy birthday. Again.”

As she takes the bouquet, her face lights up. “Thank you so much.” Then her expression quickly drops into one of concern. “Where’s Aunt Millie? Tom?”

“They’re on their way. Don’t worry,” Ben says. “Do you need help with anything?”

Her eyes land on me. “Could you help Xander? We’re eating outside, so the table out there needs to be set.”

“Lead the way, Walker,” Ben orders, wiggling his eyebrows at me.

I shake my head and walk toward the kitchen with him in tow.

After dinner,we sit in the backyard and chat amiably, drinks in hand. The day has been perfect. The atmosphere is pleasant, the conversation flowing. Milo quietly sleeps beside Bella’s chair.

With an arm draped over the back of Bella’s chair, my fingers drawing designs on her skin, I take in each person around the table. It feels good to see how happy they all make my girl.

Tom takes a sip of whiskey and squints at Ben. “Did you talk to Bella about her future?”

Her face falls, and her body stiffens. “What about my future? Did you find someone to replace me?”

“Of course not.” Ben shoots an angry glare in his fiancé’s direction.

My throat pricks with needles when I take a sip of my whiskey. The alcohol swirls around with the uneasiness in my gut.

“Then what?” Brows pinched, Bella looks from Ben to Tom and back.

“When we were in New York the other day, we visited a place that made me think of you,” Ben says slowly. “Have you ever heard of the New York School of Interior and Landscape Design?”

“I think so,” she hedges. “What about it?”

---