“Can the kittens come down for breakfast?”
“I think they will be fine. Let me get dressed and I’ll see what there is to make.”
“George will already be preparing something.”
“Oh.” I bite my bottom lip. Why does that bother me?
Roman stares at me for a long moment. “Did you want to cook breakfast?” he asks.
“I would like to do some of the meals,” I admit. “I love to cook, and that kitchen is a dream.”
“The kitchen and meals are yours, Fawn. You are the lady of the house. Just let George know what you want, and he’ll get it taken care of.”
“Thank you.” He gives me a nod before going into the bathroom. “I’ll meet you in your room?”
“Yep.” Ace jumps off the bed, darting out of the room. I get Ace dressed and everyone downstairs for breakfast. Roman slips off to work, and Ace and I spend the day together. He’s such a sweet boy. My heart aches for him having lost both of his parents. I lost my mom, and I still carry the sorrow with me. I think I lost my father that day too. After her death he was never the same. Everything changed.
After I finally get Ace and the kittens down for a nap, I head back to my bedroom and begin unpacking my things. I don’t want to continue living out of a bag. I should probably go down to the kitchen and look through things to see what I might need in order to plan some meals out. But instead, I find myself wanting to check in on Roman to see what he’s up to. I haven’t seen him since this morning. I thought maybe he would come and check on us at some point, but he didn’t. I have a feeling he’s one of those men who is devoted to work above all else. It might be the reason he didn’t go out and find himself a real wife. He probably couldn’t find the time to do the whole dating thing.
I suppose I could bake some cookies. Then I’d have a reason to pop into his office. I debated making him lunch today but decided against it. I’m supposed to hate this man. He’s ruined my life by forcing me into marriage.
My phone vibrates on the table. I answer it quickly when I see it’s the nursing home calling.
“Grams?”
“No, Mrs. King. It’s Shelly. One of your grandmother's nurses.” Wait. How the hell did she know I was Mrs. King? Doesn't matter right now.
“Has something happened?” My heart starts to race.
“She was complaining about chest pain, so we took her to the ER.”
“Regency?” I confirm as I slip my shoes on and find my purse.
“Yes.”
“I’m on my way.” I drop my phone in my bag, fishing out my keys before I rush downstairs. I pull the front door open, and an alarm starts to sound.
“Shit.” Roman comes strolling out of his office. He taps his phone screen, and the alarm goes off.
“Going somewhere?” His face is hard as he glares at me.
“Yes. I need to leave.” He closes his eyes as if he’s trying to remain calm. It hits me then that he thinks I’m trying to escape. “They are taking my grams to the hospital. I have to go.” I look out the front door to where I’d parked my car but it’s not there. “Where is my car?”
“Have Jones pull the car around. We’re leaving. Keep an eye on Ace. He has another riding lesson this afternoon,” Roman says into the phone. “Let’s go.”
“Wait. You’re coming with me?”
He ushers me out the front door. “Of course. I’m your husband.”
I roll my eyes. I swear that’s all he keeps saying. “But my grandma doesn't know about this.” I motion between the two of us as a black Range Rover pulls up. Roman opens the door for me.
“Do you want to stand here and argue or get to the hospital?”
“Right.” I climb in, clenching my purse. I suck in a breath when Roman leans over me to click my seatbelt into place. “Thanks.” I’m so flustered I forgot.
“It’s my job to take care of you.”
“Let me guess. Because I’m your wife.”
“Now you’re getting it.” He smirks before he shuts the door.
Maybe I am. But I’m nowhere near ready to admit that to him.
7
ROMAN
Fawn wrings her hands together in her lap. I can feel the tension and anxiety roll off her. I wish there was something I could do. I’m not used to feeling helpless. At least not since I was a young boy.
I click off my seatbelt, sliding over to the middle. I put my arm around her. She actually leans into me, seeking comfort. Her grandmother means a lot to her. With a father like hers, this is likely the only real family she has.