Page 79 of The Heiress Bride
“Hmm. Right.” There’s an undercurrent in her tone that I don’t recognize.
Lifting the brim of my hat, I roll my head along the lounger and glance at her. Now that I think about it, she hasn’t been her normal, light-hearted self this weekend. She’s smiling and laughing in all the right moments, but something has dimmed her sparkle, and I don’t like that. I don’t know anyone as kind or considerate as my cousin, so I’m hoping it’s just a headache that has her down.
Nevertheless, I ask the question. “Something on your mind?”
No sooner do the words leave my lips than the back door slams open, shattering the peaceful afternoon.My brother bursts from the shadows, races across the terrace, and shouts as he launches feet first into the pool. Fully. Clothed.
“Yeah!”
The splash rains down on us, and of course, we scream while trying to ward off the shower. Our hands do little to protect us from the droplets.
“What the hell, dude?” King barks as soon as Ford surfaces.
Ford shakes his head, his golden hair slinging water droplets in every direction. “Dad’s finally buying a hockey team!”
The delight on his face makes me grin. It’s about time. Ford’s been bugging Dad about that forever. The fact that our father and uncle co-own a professional football team?Meh. Who cares?
When it comes to games on grass, polo is Ford’s sports ball game of choice.
But I’m pretty sure hockey is his first love.
“Really?” King asks, hurling the ball at Alex so he can wade toward my brother. They practically drown each other in their glee.
Gabe joins the mix because, of course, he does. He and King bonded over the game. Alex could take it or leave it. A super fan he is not. Ball forgotten, he makes his way over to the sun shelf. How is it possible that he’s even more handsome these days?
Hands bracing on the edge of the ledge, his muscles bulge and glisten beneath the sunlight. My brain short-circuits at the sight of those broad shoulders as he pushes out of the pool, looking like a photoshoot come to life. He settles, half turned my way, near my feet.
King and Gabe chat excitedly with Ford about the timeline of the purchase and, of course, which box they’re going to buy so they never miss a goal. They’re so cute when they’re excited like this. The worldly veneer falls away, and they’re just two guys.
Even though the four of us have been happily nesting, I wouldn’t call the last year easy. Or uneventful. My mother’s trial has kept my family in the spotlight, and despite being legally wed, gaining my inheritance wasn’t exactly smooth.
Gabe and I have sorted out our working relationship, but not everyone is on board with our merger. Ninety percent of our ideas are met with tremendous pushback from the Chanler & Cort board. Shocker.
King’s making a name for himself with environmentally friendly redesigns, both on land and on yachts. Unfortunately, that takes him away from us a fair amount. In fact, our travel schedule has its own color-coded calendar, thanks to Alex. But all the hardships are worth it when we find ourselves together at theend of a long day.
“I see a lot of hockey games in my future,” I muse. Then to Emma, “Guess we’ll have to go sweater shopping.”
She gives the most ladylike snort she can muster. “They’re going to be in matching sweaters.”
“Yeah. It’ll be dorky but adorable.” I can’t wait. I can’t wait for all the amazing things life has in store for us.
Ford snags the ball, passing it smoothly to King as he narrates in his best commentator voice.
“He shoots,” King shouts, sweeping the ball across the water as if it’s a puck and his hand is the stick.
Gabe is stationed in front of us, hands out, ready to play goalie, but he misses. The ball careens our way, and Alex spikes it back at them. It sails beneath King’s arm with centimeters to spare.
“He scores!” Ford announces.
“So much for our quiet afternoon,” I say. The melee isn’t going to die down any time soon, knowing my little brother.
Emma stands. “That’s okay. I’m going to take a nap. This headache hasn’t let up.”
“Aww, I’m sorry.”
She’s suffered from migraines for years. I’m sure the bright light and noise aren’t helping.
She stands and glances at the guys. “I’m glad someone’s happy.”
