Dylan knew he’d made the right choice now by taking his own vehicle.
“No sweetheart. I said we, that meant all of us,” Charles said softly.
Gareth walked around the table and took the seat near him. In a low voice, he said, “I’m riding back with you.”
Dylan didn’t respond. The last thing he wanted was for Rosslyn to overhear them. Charles held the chair for her as she wiggled her way into the seat.
Picking up the menu, she said, “I wonder if there is anything on the menu that would help me go into labor.”
“If there is, you should order it to go,” Seth laughed. Rosslyn shot him a look and he said, “Just saying, you’re not next door to your hospital.”
Rosslyn nodded. “I’m sorry guys. My due date was last week, and I guess I’m a bit…testy right now.”
No one said a word. Whatever they said, wouldn’t have been right anyway. Thankfully the owner arrived at their table.
“Well look at you Rosslyn. You’re just glowing,” Maria said.
Rosslyn smiled and said, “Oh mama, I don’t feel glowy. I feel like a whale.”
“Of course you do. We all do when it’s that time. Ok. Stand up and let me take a look at you.” Charles helped his wife back up to her feet and Rosslyn stood there. Maria put her hands on Rosslyn’s stomach and said, “Eat hardy tonight Rosslyn, because you’re having this baby tomorrow.”
Rosslyn beamed with joy and placed her hands on her stomach too. “Really? Tomorrow? Are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure,” Maria boasted. Charles helped Rosslyn back onto her chair. “You boys better not have plans tomorrow, because you’re about to become an uncle.”
Dylan looked at his brothers and they all sat tight-lipped. None of them were about to question it, not even Charles.
Rosslyn said, “Then I better have the lasagna, the pasta and meatballs, the cheesecake, and maybe the—”
“Easy sweetheart,” Charles said.
“You think that’s too much?” Rosslyn asked.
“No. Just want you to save room for ice cream on the way home,” Charles added.
Rosslyn leaned over and kissed Charles. “I love the way you think.”
Although Dylan enjoyed seeing his brother happy, this wasn’t how he wanted to spend his night. “When you guys are finished, do you think you can clue us in on why you called this meeting?”
Charles reached over and placed his hand over Rosslyn’s. “Since it looks like we’re having a baby tomorrow, then I’m glad we’re meeting tonight. I decided to take a few weeks off to be home with Rosslyn after the baby is born.”
You could’ve heard a pin drop. Charles had been focused on the company for as long as Dylan could recall. Charles was changing, and Dylan had to admit, he was a bit concerned. “Who’s taking over while you’re away?” It was a valid question, and as far as Dylan thought, it was something they should’ve discussed a long time ago.
“Mom and Dad are coming up to New York for a few months. Mom can’t wait to be a grandmother, like you guys haven’t figured that out already.”
“They are coming here?” Dylan looked to Gareth, knowing that was going to make their plan a bit more difficult. He’d been hoping to get Dad alone and ask questions. “And Dad is doing what exactly?”
Charles replied, “He’s bored and wanted to dabble a bit in the business. It’s not long term, just something to do while he’s here.”
Seth laughed. “And letting him hold on to the reigns of Lawson Steel was the best thing you could come up with?”
Gareth added, “I have to agree with Seth. We’re taking the company in a different direction. He didn’t like our ideas a few years ago, what makes you think he’ll be agreeable now?”
“I don’t,” Charles said flatly. “That’s why I need you five to make sure he doesn’t fuck it up while I’m gone.”
“Charles, that baby,” Rosslyn warned with her hand on her stomach.
Oh, this is going to be fun.If Charles had to watch what he said before the baby was born, Dylan could only imagine what it was going to be like after.