Page 109 of Goal Line
Chapter Forty-Three
EVA
Wellington Manor is decked out for its annual summer soirée. Sparkling crystal and gold baubles hanging from the ceilings create a glittering aura of opulence.
“My dear,” Elise says, looking at me appreciatively as she and Frank approach us, “you look spectacular.”
“Thank you.” I glance down at the pale-yellow satin dress. The bodice is a pleated swath of fabric twisted at the center to create two cups, and a wide satin ribbon anchored in the center travels over each shoulder and secures the dress in the back. The body of the dress is pleated satin below the empire waist, which works perfectly with my belly. “This dress was a lucky find. As you can imagine, it’s a bit hard to find formal maternity wear.”
If I’d planned better, I could’ve ordered something and had it tailored, but the event kind of snuck up on us.
It’s funny to realize that when I returned home nearlytwo months ago, I thought I’d be back in Los Angeles by now. I glance at Luke, immensely grateful that I’m here with him instead.
Maybe the way we entered into this marriage wasn’t ideal, but it still feels like I’m getting everything I ever wanted—the family I always dreamed about, with the man I’ve always loved.
“It looks like it was made for you,” Frank says, beaming at us before smiling down at his wife of over forty years.
God, his parents are so freaking perfect. They so obviously love each other. And they’ve parented their boys, stepping back as their boys grew into men, and accepting the men they’ve become without trying to mold them into someone else.That’sthe kind of relationship I hope Luke and I have—with each other and with our kids—forty years from now.
And for the first time, I think I understand why his brothers are so resistant to settling down. When this is the type of love you’ve seen modeled, it must be hard to settle for anything less. Luke and I were lucky to have found our way to each other when we did, because otherwise, I could see it taking a lifetime of searching to find something like this.
Frank reaches into his pocket and hands something to Elise with his fist clasped. When it falls into her open palm, I realize it’s a small silver baby rattle.
“Is that...” Luke’s voice trails off in wonder, and his mom beams up at him before she turns her gaze to me.
“This rattle was a favorite ofallmy boys,” Elise tells me, holding it up for my inspection. The small dents are an indication that it’s been well-loved, but it’s been cleaned up so it sparkles like new.
“I’m passing it on to you, for your baby, with the hope that you’ll keep the tradition going through this next generation of Hartmann babies.”
Tears spring up suddenly, briefly clouding my vision. But I spent too long getting ready tonight to ruin my makeup, so I take a deep breath and gently wipe at my lower eyelids before stepping forward, taking the rattle from my mother-in-law and wrapping her in a hug.
“Thank you,” I whisper as I cling to her.
“You are very welcome, dear,” she says. “We’re so excited to watch the Hartmann clan grow. It’s been way too long since we’ve had a baby in this family. And the fact that it’syougiving us this gift with Luke . . . it’s just too perfect. We’re so happy you’reofficiallya part of our family now.”
Luke clears his throat, and without even looking at him, I know he’s feeling emotional as he watches this exchange. My big, hulking, hockey-playing husband has the softest heart of anyone I know. He hides it well behind the flirtation and the feigned indifference, but I love that he showsmehow he feels. He’s going to be the best dad.
The Hartmanns are called away by other guests, but Tucker ambles up to us with his normal charming swagger. Of all Luke’s brothers, I like Tucker the best—but maybe it’s only because I know him better than Preston and Tristan.
Luke excuses himself to grab me some food from a table covered with an elaborate display of appetizers. Once he’s gone, Tucker says, “He’s stupidly obsessed with you. You know that, right?”
I nod and can’t contain my smile. “It’s mutual.”
“Good. Please don’t ever hurt him, Eva. I don’t think he could take losing you. He’s too soft to survive that.”
I tilt my head to the side and look up at him. “Why would you think I’d hurt him?”
“I don’t think you would on purpose. But sometimes, things happen. And Luke’s been in love with you his whole life.”
His statement steals my breath away. Not because Luke hasn’t admitted as much, but because I didn’t know he’d said anything to his brothers. “He told you that?”
“Didn’t need to. It was obvious. You’re his weakness, Eva. You always have been. And if you take advantage of that?—”
“He’s my weakness too, Tucker,” I say, reaching out to pat his arm in what I hope is a reassuring gesture. Rather than being offended at what sounds a lot like an accusation, I’m thankful that Luke’s brother is looking out for him. “And he always has been.”
“Good.” He nods as the single, crisp word hangs between us.
I’m tempted to ask what happened tohim.Did that failed engagement break him, the same way he’s worried I could break Luke? But Luke’s brothers are so damn private. I don’t think Luke even knows the whole story—or if he does, he hasn’t told me . . . which I find unlikely.
