He grins. It’s the cunning one I’ve learned to be wary of because Beck. “Beloved, you well know I relish the nectar of your body and live only to worship daily at the temple of your sweet wet—”
“Not. In. Public.”
Henry frowns. “Huh?”
“Nothing. Go back to staring at your phone.”
Ethan just blinks at us before turning away. His blank face is full in force. It’s an Elliot thing along with the rigid chin. Guess it’s that kind of night. But he’s here with us and that’s all that matters.
“What are you two on about?” asks Emma, slathering my/her bread roll with butter. Yum.
Matías straightens himself. “She’s here.”
I haven’t seen Catherine since the day of the event. When she visited our home to lay down the law according to her and diminish me with insults to the best of her abilities. Once Henry, Ethan, and Emma made it clear that they wouldn’t support any attempt by her to kick Beck off the board for insubordination, she backed away from the idea fast. Things between her and Beck have been mostly cordial from what I’m told. Guess at heart she doesn’t want to lose her grandson even if she doesn’t approve of his life choices. Which is the way it should be.
She wears a green silk suit the color of money and is dripping diamonds. Every inch the dowager queen of Elliot Corp. And sure enough, people bow and stoop, hoping for the blessing of a moment of her precious time. So maybe I’m still a bit bitter about the whole thing and her in general. Who could blame me?
When she reaches our table with Winston accompanying her, clearing the way, she stops cold at the sight. All of us, gathered together, facing her as a united front. Like a family, if you will. Her eyes dart about, taking in every face. Oh, the expression of outrage when her gaze settles on me.
Beck stands and pulls out a chair for her at the table. “Grandmother.”
“I explicitly asked to be seated elsewhere.”
Emma cocks her head. “We explicitly overrode you.”
“We even all arrived early to ensure there’d be no shenanigans,” says Beck.
“This ends now.” Ethan gets to his feet. “Alice and Beck are announcing their engagement later. She is and will be a part of our family and you will accept it.”
Catherine’s nostrils flare in outrage, but she says nothing.
“Mrs. Elliot, would you like me to—”
“Fuck off, Winnie,” drawls Beck. “You’re not a part of this.”
Whoa. The majordomo’s face blanches in outrage.
I take a sip of my drink. “Sit down, Catherine. We’re putting all of this unpleasantness behind us.”
Her eyes widen at my impertinence or whatever.
“Sit, Grandma,” says Emma in a softer voice. “This is your family, whether you like it or not. I’m about to add a third generation to it and I won’t tolerate this infighting and other assorted assholish behavior.”
Rachel sighs. “Language, honey.”
But it’s Henry who has the last word. “You’re either with us or against us, Grandma. Which’ll it be?”
This is it, the moment of truth. Once again, her gaze skitters around the group, searching for some sign of support. But no go. She is, without a doubt, the one on the outside looking in right now. I almost feel sorry for her. Despite all of the bullshit, she must love her grandchildren. Her way of expressing that love is the thing that sucks.
Will she take the olive branch or not?
People at neighboring tables are watching with interest. There’s going to be some gossip going around tonight for sure. But then, there always is. A rich dynasty like the Elliots are always a topic of interest. Such is life.
Catherine’s chin goes up, her gaze icy cool as she moves toward the chair. “Of course I’m delighted to sit with my family.”
There’s almost an audible sigh of relief. An unwinding or easing of tension from everyone at the table. The vibe is definitely one of oh thank fuck. In-house fighting doesn’t help anyone.
Winston pours Catherine a glass of champagne. “Engaged.”
It’s not a question so much as a statement. Beck retakes his chair, holding my hand once more. And the look he gives me, the love in his eyes…he still makes me giddy. I think he always will. “That’s right. Alice finally accepted yesterday. We couldn’t be happier.”
Catherine just sniffs.
“It’s a beautiful ring,” says Rachel.
I smile. “Yes, it is.”
“Makes me second most eligible bachelor in Denver.” Henry’s tongue plays behind his cheek. No one’s heard from Giada lately. Lord knows what she’s up to. But Henry knows he’s loved and wanted by all of us. That’s what matters. The boys only got back from their snowboarding trip a few days ago and a great time was apparently had by all.
“Don’t let it go to your head.” Ethan sips a whiskey. “I’m still number one.”
A grunt from Henry. “Looks like the love bug is going around Ethan. Be careful it doesn’t bite you on the ass.”
Catherine scowls. “Language, Henry.”
“Not going to happen,” says Ethan, voice deep and sure. “Emma’s supplying an heir and Beck and Alice will keep society busy with wedding plans. I’m off the hook for now.”
“We’ll see.” Beck gives his brother his most irritating grin before kissing my hand again. “All good, beloved?”
“I’m just fine, thank you.”
Catherine turns away with a sour expression. So she’s still neither looking at me nor talking to me. But never mind. So long as she plays nice. I didn’t imagine she’d welcome me with arms open after everything. However, Beck and I are happy and the family is no longer an active war zone.
“Actually, I’m better than fine,” I correct, leaning in closer to my fiancé. “I’m so happy.”
“‘We are all fools in love.’” Then he gives me the smile that is ever only for me. My favorite smile of them all.
“I’m not a fool. In fact, I think I’m quite smart to have caught you.”
He raises a brow. “And here I always thought I caught you.”
“We caught each other.” I grin, leaning in for a kiss. And he gives it to me, regardless of where we are or who is watching. Nothing matters beyond the press of his lips against mine. How neither of us closes our eyes until the last moment. The way his hand strays to the back of my neck. As public displays of affection go, it’s a good one. Sometimes love can suck. We both know this. Life together won’t be without its bumps. We’re going to be attending couples therapy and working on things for a long time to come. Building up that trust and maintaining it. Working on our communication skills and spending quality time together. But tonight, our love is perfection.
“Whatever you say, almost-wife.”
PURCHASE KYLIE SCOTT ’S OTHER BOOKS
Lies
Repeat
It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time
Trust
THE DIVE BAR SERIES
Dirty
Twist
Chaser
THE STAGE DIVE SERIES