Page 123 of First Bride to Fall
Their dad brought a hand to his heart. “You can’t be serious.”
Their mom gasped. “This is about that marriage of convenience and the merger?”
Lucas dragged a hand down his face and stared up at the ceiling.
Nell nodded, and her mom’s lips trembled.
“Oh honey, no. Please. I’ve thought and thought about that, and it’s not worth it. Not for any of you girls. It was unconscionable of me to bring it up.”
Their dad took their mom’s hand. “I’ve forgiven your mom and Jane for their cockamamie idea, just like I’m willing to forgive all of you for that wager.” He viewed his daughters sternly. “Now, let’s set this aside.”
“I’m afraid that I can’t.” Nell reached into her purse and placed her boarding pass on the table.
“That says London.” Their mom blanched. “I won’t let you go.”
“I’m thirty years old, Mom.” She and Aidan had worked out the details by text last night. They would have a civil service wedding and sign the merger documents, then he would help Nell find a place in London. Afterward, she would fly back to Majestic to collect her things. It wouldn’t be so bad, and he’d seemed nice enough in a British-sounding way.
“Well, I should have some say in this, too,” her dad said. “I’m your father.”
“I know you are, and I love you.” Nell swallowed hard. “I love you both, and my sisters.” She glanced at Lucas. “You, too, Lucas. But not like, you know.”
“Yeah, yeah.” He held up one hand.
“It’s not only you that I love,” Nell continued, “but this place, this café: Bearberry Brews. It’s as much a home to all of us as the house on Mulberry Lane.” She firmly set her jaw. “I’m not about to let us lose it. Not when I can stop that from happening by creating a much better financial future for everyone.”
“But what about Grant?” Her dad took her hand. “You’ve loved him forever.”
Hot tears sprang to her eyes. “You knew that?”
“Sweetheart.” He squeezed her hand. “We’veallknown that. It’s been no secret around here.”
Nell’s mouth went sandpaper dry, and she licked her lips. “I’m afraid that Grant’s out of the picture. He wants nothing to do with me anymore.”
Her dad frowned. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry, too.” Her mom scowled. “His loss.”
“Thanks.” Nell dabbed her eyes and sniffed, glad to have her family in her corner. They always had her back, which was why she needed to stand up for all of them now.
Her mom rubbed her arm. “This thing with Aidan, Nell. You don’t need to do it. Your father’s right. We Delaneys will find our way.”
Nell shook her head. “It’s already too late.”
Her dad picked up the ticket. His brow furrowed. “This boarding pass says it’s for tomorrow.”
“Yeah.” Her voice trembled. “I’m going to miss you guys.” She broke down, and her mom hugged her. Her dad stood and did the same. Next, her sisters joined in, and Lucas awkwardly patted her shoulder.
“We’ll FaceTime every day,” Misty told her.
Charlotte nodded. “And text a ton.”
“Your mom and I will come and visit,” her dad said, and Nell sobbed harder, because that was as good as him giving her his blessing.
“If you don’t like it, though,” her mom said, “we’ll want you on the next plane.”
“Yeah,” Lucas said. “Or we’ll come and get you.”
Nell drew in a deep breath, pulling herself together. It was good to know she had an escape hatch in case being paired up with Aidan became unbearable.
