Picking up his landline, he dialed Josh’s number.
“Josh Ryan,” he answered. His voice carried a thick Irish lilt.
“It cracks me up how professional you sound answering your phone. If only people knew that you like whipping a sub’s ass until it’s red.”
“Hey pot, kettle calling. Best not to cast stones, cousin,” Josh admonished him.
“I see you received my email.”
“Aye. What the bloody hell? Are you out of your bleeding mind? Have you talked to your brother about this?”
And this was why the fewer people in the family who knew about his relationship and the agreement between him and Freya, the better. He didn’t need nor want them censoring his choices. “I’m marrying Freya whether or not you approve. It would be better if you did, but I don’t care what you think because I’m doing it. Furthermore, if you won’t draw up the contract, I’ll find another attorney who will. Because this wedding is taking place this week with or without your blessing. Since I’m paying you and already sent you the fee, you’re under strict attorney-client privilege to keep a lid on this deal. That lid extends to the entire family.”
“Fucker. I don’t enjoy being put in this position.”
“Well then, you should have found a different line of work. You don’t have to agree with my choices, Josh, but I ask that you respect them.”
“Shite. I just hope like hell you know what you’re doing.” Josh sighed.
So did he. “I do. If you can have the contract drawn up by tomorrow, we can stop by at, say, four and get it all signed.”
“I’m charging you a rush fee for this, you bloody wanker.”
“Love you too, dude.” Jasper chuckled. “Send me the bill for the rush fee. Also, about those passports.”
“Those will take longer. Get me all her and her daughter’s pertinent information. When you’re here tomorrow, I’ll get their pictures taken for their passports. We’ll want to wait until we have the marriage license this week as well to send into the passport office with their applications. But I’ll work to expedite the process as quick as possible.”
“Okay. Whatever we need to do to figure that out. I’d like to take them to Scotland at the first opportunity.”
“Noted. I still think you’re a dumbass who will live to regret this.”
“That’s your opinion. And I can’t wait to be the one laughing my fucking ass off when it’s your turn.”
“Now, why do you feel the need to curse me like that? Because I’m having too much fun with all these American women. They hear my Irish accent and drop their panties. Variety is the spice of life, and I have no intention of settling down soon.”
“I hadn’t either, and look where we’re at. I’ve got another call I need to take.”
“Email me her and her daughter’s information. I need socials to get the paperwork started. I’m assuming you want to use your home address for the passports.”
“Yes, that would be best.” Because there was no way they could use the Village Motel.
“All right. Talk later.” Josh hung up.
Jasper spent the next few hours working remotely. Most of his stuff was handled by the people he’d put in charge, but he still enjoyed being hands-on. With his wealth, he didn’t have to work if he didn’t want to. But he preferred being useful. It was why he worked with his cousin Dean as a brewmaster, making some of the best whiskey on the planet. But that was more of a hobby for him than an actual job. It was something he enjoyed doing.
He would have to check on a batch he brewed that was near the time to blend it with the additional notes he planned to add before letting it sit in an oak barrel for the next five years. But he would cross that bridge when it was time. As it was, he had his future bride to contend with.
When his stomach started rumbling, he checked the time and realized morning had flown by with the tasks on his agenda. He decided to scrounge up some lunch.
He walked in on a homey scene. Freya sat with Maddie at the kitchen table eating lunch. Maddie glanced at him as he entered, held out a small triangle of grilled cheese, and said, “Cheese.”
“I see that little lassie.” He approached. “I love grilled cheese too. You’re a lucky little lassie to have a mum that will make you such a fine lunch.”
Maddie grabbed one of the other triangles on her plate and held it out to him. He crouched on the balls of his feet, feeling Freya’s eyes on their interaction. “Is that for me, lassie?”
Maddie giggled, her face beaming, “Uh, huh.”
Unable to resist the darling girl’s antics, he took an exaggerated bite and sent her into fits of laughter. “Mmm, that’s good. Maybe I should have some more.” He wriggled his brows.
Peals of laughter erupted, and she squealed. “No.” She pulled her piece away.
“I can make you a grilled cheese if you’d like. They’re one of Maddie’s favorites that she’s not had in a while.”
Because she hadn’t been able to afford something as simple as bread and cheese for her kid. Jasper couldn’t put his finger on why they touched him. Or why he wanted to ensure Maddie had all the grilled cheeses her heart wanted, just that he did.
He glanced at Freya finally and wanted to rub his chest. She did something to him. It was more than the kinetic energy that was always present when she was near. It was more than the fact that he wanted to seduce her. Because he had every intention of doing so. It might make the next year a hellscape if things went south between them. But he would not pretend like he didn’t want her. And if they had to pretend they were in love, what better way than to have a passionate affair with his new bride?
“You don’t have to do that, although I appreciate the offer. I was going to heat some of the barbecue.”
“About that. I’ve got some chicken defrosting for dinner tonight. But if you don’t want chicken—”
“I’ll stop you right there. If you’re cooking, you decide what to make.”
“Do you have any food allergies or foods you don’t like?”
“I’m not a big fan of bananas. No allergies to speak of. And you can make whatever you would like.”
“All right.” She flushed under his stare. Jasper wondered, and not for the first time, what she would look like with pleasure riding her gorgeous form.
“Did you eat?” Because he didn’t like how skinny she was, not that there was anything wrong with it. But she could stand to put on a few pounds.
She laughed. “Shows what you know about life with a toddler. I figure I’ll eat when she goes down for a nap soon.”
“No nap.” Maddie exclaimed and took a bite of her grilled cheese.
He tweaked her nose as he rose. “Naps are great, little lassie. We’re all going to take one. And then when you get up, I’ve got a surprise for you. Do you like presents?”
“Yes.” Maddie nodded, grinning as she ate.
“Well, good, because I’ve got a bunch of those coming for you, but you have to take a nap for your mum to get them. Can you do that for me?”
“Yep. Up.” She lifted her arms, reaching for him.