Page 27 of The CEO

“What are you thinking?”

She turned her gaze up to his. “I was thinking about Lilly.” Bree couldn’t help but smile. “She makes me so happy and not just because she’s a good baby. Even though she’s teething, she’s not overly cranky which is a feat I’m not used to seeing. My brothers especially were horrible when they were going through it. Every one of them cried and carried on like they were dying.”

Adam chuckled. “Maybe they were just big wusses…like they are now.”

Bree laughed. “I think I’m supposed to be insulted, except I agree. I think they’re growing up though. Even Mother says so.”

“How is your mother? We haven’t talked about her very much since we got married.”

She noticed the other dancers for the first time and realized she’d thought she and Adam were alone in the room. In her cocoon, she saw and heard only him. “Living the dream. Seriously, Mom’s doing great and seems happy. Dad is, too. They’ve become better friends since he retired, which surprises me. Did you know that she and Janie Chandler’s mother are friends?”

“I did not.”

She leaned back and looked Adam in the eyes. He held her close, his arms around her waist. “Do you think Janie will ever divorce Simon? I don’t think he’s a very smart man other than he married Janie.”

Adam chortled. “Janie always was a smart woman. I never understood her marrying Simon, but knowing her, she had a good reason. Whatever it was she needed from him she got and now she’s done with him. She leaves him to his dalliances and keeps control of the business.”

“My guess is she wanted children, at least one of each and that is exactly what she got. Once she had her children she was done with him. She might divorce him, but I think that’s unlikely. She’s comfortable and sees no reason to change.”

“So, you think she only married him to get her children?”

“I do. I don’t think Janie actually likes him at all. Keeping Simon is insurance that no one bothers her, and she can live her life as she wants. She has her own money, makes her own decisions and doesn’t have to share, or ask permission or answer to anyone.”

Adam swayed to the music. “It’s not unlike us. You married me so you could have a child.”

She stiffened her back before she realized what she was doing and relaxed again. “And you married me to have a wife and mother to Lilly.”

“Do you regret marrying me?”

“No,” said Bree, not missing a beat. “As far as I’m concerned, it was the best thing I have ever done. I wouldn’t give up Lilly for anything.” She lowered her gaze and rested her head against his chest again.

He was a good head taller than she was, so she fit perfectly under his chin.

“Do you regret marrying me?” Bree didn’t look up, but kept her head on his chest.

“I don’t.”

She pulled back and stared into his eyes. “I’m glad.”

He pulled her tight against his body. “Good.”

They danced for a while longer, then Adam pulled back and took her by the hand. “Let’s go home. We’ve made nice for long enough. We’ll say our goodbyes to Wade and Stacy and then leave.”

“Sounds good.” She didn’t pull her hand out of his, but walked by his side over to the Danvers.

“We need to be going.” Adam extended a hand to Wade. “This has been a nice evening. Thank you for inviting us.”

Wade took Adam’s hand and shook it, then looked around at the crowd. “It has been a good get-together. I’ll have my assistant get in touch with you so we can talk business.”

“Yes, sir, I’d like that.”

Bree went to Stacy and held out a hand. “Thank you for everything. I’ve not enjoyed myself this much in a long time.”

Stacy took her hand lightly and squeezed it. “I enjoyed talking to you, my dear. I hope we can do it again soon.”

“I hope so, too. I’d love to have you meet my daughter, Lilly. She would absolutely adore you.”

“That would be lovely.” Stacy’s mouth turned down.