Page 106 of Enchanted Ventures

“And please don’t believe everything you read. They make up whatever they want. They manipulate photos catering to whatever dialogue they please. Remember what’s real. What we feel for each other is real.”

Jade said the same thing to me. They’re both scaring me a bit, but maybe it won’t be as bad as they seem to think.

I can see he needs comfort. I kiss him just as Nico gets into the car and he smiles.

We drive through the gate of the airport and can barely make it through the sea of reporters. This is nuts.

We finally make it out to the highway. I try to give him a reassuring smile. “That wasn’t so bad.”

We sit in silence through the ride home as he nervously strokes my hand. When we pull up to the house, the front gate is swarmed with photographers.

I never really understood the need for his gate and security before, but I guess I do now. We slowly drive through the gate. When it closes behind us, he breathes a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, he has a long, winding, tree-lined driveway,so the reporters at the front gate can’t see the house. I’m now guessing that was likely by design.

As soon as we pull up, the front door opens and Andie comes flying out. Beckett opens the car door. Andie practically dives in and tackles him. She buries her head in his chest. “I missed you, Daddy.”

He laughs as he kisses her head. “I missed you too, baby. That’s the longest we’ve ever been apart.”

She nods her head into his chest. That hadn’t occurred to me.

Glinda walks out and smiles at the interaction. Beckett manages to stand and get out of the car with Andie still attached to him. She doesn’t seem to want to let go.

Glinda hugs me. “Are you okay? Damn paparazzi.”

I hug her back. “I’m fine. This nonsense will blow over in a day or two.”

She rubs my back. “I hope you’re right.”

We go inside and give Andie and Glinda all their presents. Andie’s clear favorite was a painting I made for her of the spot in Capri that Beckett told me is her favorite. She immediately asks to hang it in her room, which is now covered in paintings, both hers and mine. I love it so much.

When we’re finished, I stand. “I’m going to head home.”

Beckett looks at Glinda and then at me. “I’d like for you to stay here tonight until we figure out your security.”

“I told you; I don’t want security.”

“I understand, but I need you to be safe.”

“I have dinner plans with Jade and Collin.”

“Invite them here.”

Andie jumps up and down. “Yes, I want to meet Jade. Please, Amanda. Tell them to come here. What’s her favorite food?”

“Rocky Road ice cream.”

She thinks for a moment. “I don’t think we have any. We’ll order some.”

“Sweetie, thank you, but I’m going to meet them for dinner.”

Glinda takes my hand. “Amanda, I understand this is all new for you. Trust me when I tell you Beckett only has your best interests at heart. Let him come up with a plan. One night. Andie and I are dying to meet Jade and Collin anyway.” She squeezes my hand. “Please. Consider staying. For us.”

Shit. I can’t say no to her. “Okay, I’ll tell them to come here.”

BECKETT

Amanda is upstairs showering before Jade and Collin arrive. Mom sits with me. “She doesn’t understand what’s about to happen.”

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