“Do you think you ever could have loved me?” she asks.
I lift her chin and look into her sad eyes. “I do love you,” I tell her truthfully.
“I know you do, but you have never been in love with me. Have you, August?”
I pause, not sure what to say to that.
“I get it. You had Rylee first. She is your great love. But I just thought, with time, it might have changed to me.” A tear leaves her eye, and she wipes it off before it can fall. “I’m not sure if it’s wise I stay here.” Mary steps back, putting some distance between us.
“Don’t. Oliver is comfortable here. Stay.”
Her head starts shaking. “See, you can’t even deny it. Right then would have been your opportunity to deny it, August.” She turns, walking back inside the house, leaving me standing there wondering what I could have done differently.
Chapter 20
Rylee
I always try to stay away from my parents’ parties because they are a bore. Quite literally. But I promised I would go to one, and Mother has requested this one be the one I attend. My dress is a blush pink that fits perfectly over my body and drapes all the way down until the back touches the floor. It’s loose over my breasts but tight at my waist. My hair is up with loose braids, and my makeup is flawless, thanks to Shandy, who is a six with the brushes.
“So pretty.” Winter comes in and gently runs her hands over my dress.
I smile down at her. “No, you are. Look at your Elsa dress. You’re a true ice princess.” She twirls in her blue dress as the doorbell rings. “You excited to spend some time with August again?” I ask. She only nods as I reach for her hand and walk to the door. When I open it, August’s eyes flick to mine, then to what I am wearing.
“You look breath-taking.” His voice doesn’t waver, and his eyes are heated.
“See, Mommy. You’re pretty.”
“But you are our princess, right?” I lean down and kiss her cheek, careful not to smudge my nude lipstick. “Isn’t she a princess, August?” I ask him, standing again.
“She sure is.”
“Will she be at yours tonight … or?”
“Yeah, if that’s okay. I can always get a hotel if you aren’t—”
“It’s fine. I don’t know Jacinta well, but she isn’t bad.” I add, “I hope,” more in a whisper but I know August hears.
“She isn’t,” he confirms. The glint of his wedding ring makes my eyes fall to it again before I quickly glance away.
Winter reaches for August and pulls on his shirt for her to be picked up.
“Oh, sorry.” August turns with Winter in his arms as Holden walks up behind him.
Holden nods to him, offers him a smile until his eyes catch on me, then he steps past and reaches for me, his hand coming to my hip and pulling me to him before his lips touch my cheek. “Beautiful.”
“See, Mom, so pretty.” I nod to Winter and look past Holden to August, who is staring daggers at Holden.
“Hi, you must be the new nanny?” Holden offers his hand, but August looks at it with disgust and doesn’t take it.
August’s eyes lift and flick to me. “I’ll be going now.” He turns and walks off with Winter.
“I’ll be back. I have to give Winter her bag,” I tell Holden.
He nods and walks to the table and takes a seat, pulling out his phone. I run out the door to catch them. August already has her in the car. He goes to open his door but stops when he sees me.
“Her bag,” I tell August, handing it to him.
“That’s your man?” he asks.
I wrap my arms around my middle. “We’re seeing each other,” I tell him. That’s as much as I say because that’s all there is right now.
“He’s a lawyer. I bet that made your parents real happy.”
“They don’t know. Well, not until tonight anyway.”
His brows go up in surprise. “You plan to introduce him tonight?” he asks. I nod. “Well, that’s a big step.” He looks down to Winter. “I have to go.”
“Thanks again, August. And sorry about him saying you were a nanny. I haven’t told Holden yet who you are.”
“But you plan to, right?”
“Tonight.” I say the word, but I’m not sure I believe it.
“Goodnight, rich girl.” He smirks as he gets in the car, and butterflies take flight in my stomach at those two little words.
I watch as they drive away, and when I turn around, Holden is already waiting out the front for me.
“Noah called. He’s already there wondering where we are.” He reaches for me and pulls me in and kisses the side of my neck. “We could always stay and keep them guessing.”
“No, it’s okay. I promised I would be there. Are you good to go?” I ask, pulling back. “I just need to grab my purse.” I run inside and grab it. Holden is already in his car waiting when I return.