“What about me?” she asks, distracted as the beauty of the ocean below continues to steal her attention.
“Any serious relationships?”
She laughs humorlessly while shaking her head. “Not really. Between school, work, and Angel, there hasn’t been much time for dating. Not that I’m complaining. There are some serious creeps out there.”
I’m torn between feeling guilty and laughing, especially when she winks at me. But we’re suddenly pulling into the long driveway, and Allie’s jaw drops, saving me from having to choose a reaction.
“This is a house?” she asks, easing up in her seat as she tries to take it all in. “Are you sure it’s not a hotel?”
The massive mansion stretches wide and tall. Mom loves this home, even though it’s way too big for her. She always loved the property and having something for “her future grandchildren” to come enjoy.
I’m not sure how many damn grandchildren she expects to have. I’m sure as hell not filling up all those rooms. At the rate Tag is going, he might help out, though. And to Mom, Tag’s kids are definitely her grandchildren.
“I suddenly feel so small,” Allie says, still in awe, and I can’t help but laugh. She leans back and adds, “I bet Angel really does feel like a princess right now. There are even towers!”
She smiles over at me just as I pull up to the front, allowing the valet to take my keys as I get out. A second valet is opening the door for Allie as I walk around, and I take her hand in mine, guiding her in.
We bypass the line of guests who are showing their invitations at the door. I can’t remember the last time I had to show proof of an invite.
Allie’s grip on my hand tightens when we make it inside, and she stumbles to a stop, looking around, wide-eyed and fascinated. I glance up at the massive chandeliers and down at the marble that lines the floors, while she just stares in awe.
“It’s beautiful,” she says softly.
I grin while tugging her closer, wrapping my arm down and around her back until I’m holding her against me and helping her the rest of the way in.
“We’re barely in the foyer,” I whisper, trying so damn hard not to laugh and embarrass her.
“The foyer is bigger than my last three apartments.”
That’s sobering, and I can’t help but frown while she looks around and marvels at all the sights I’ve taken for granted my entire life. I spot Tag, which is fortunately a distraction, and I guide us toward him.
But Mom intercepts us first, smiling like she just can’t stop. “Angel is planning on making her grand entrance soon—if I can get her and Carrie downstairs.”
“Carrie?” Allie asks, clearly a little uneasy.
“Yes. She’s the same age as Allie. Didn’t I mention her? She’s Rain’s daughter. Rain brought her over earlier to play with her cousin.”
Allie relaxes immediately, and then a wide smile breaks across her face.
“I imagine Angel will be hard to get down here if she’s found a friend.”
Mom laughs and nods. “You’re so right. I’ve tried numerous times, but they both keep pushing me back out. I’m about to go back up there again. I have Greta with them right now—my housekeeper. She’s been in the family for years, and helped raise both my boys.”
Mom gets called to by a few other guests, and she sighs while hugging Allie one quick time and rushing around to play hostess.
“Should we go up and check on her?” I ask.
“And get yelled at for interrupting? No thank you. I’ll peek in on her in about thirty minutes or so.”
That has me laughing again as I move her toward Tag and Ash once more.
Allie smiles at Ash, but she’s fidgeting nervously as though she would like to climb back into a shell. For some reason, I actually don’t mind being here tonight. Usually I hate this damn party no matter where it’s held.
“Need a drink?” Tag asks, motioning toward the server before I even answer. Ash sighs heavily, looking longingly at the almost-empty champagne flute in Tag’s hand.
“Mad because you can’t drink?” I ask, but only to annoy her.
When she turns her scowl on me, I bite back another laugh. Then Ash’s look softens, and her eyes widen as she rakes her gaze over the beauty at my side. Oh, right. She hasn’t officially met Allie.
“You’re Angel’s mom?” Ash asks, smiling big.
Ah, hell. I should have introduced her to everyone.
“Yes,” Allie says, smiling softly. “You must be Ash.”
They start speaking, talking about the ins and outs of motherhood—no drinking while pregnant being one of them. And Tag smirks over at me as the champagne finally reaches us.
I grab a glass for myself and Allie, but she shakes her head in refusal.
“Angel. We’re driving back.”
“I can get us a driver. Mom has them on staff for these events.”