If he hesitated another second, there was a chance I’d have to lie my way through this again. I didn’t want either of my bodyguards with me tonight.
“Can I get the car ready for you?” he offered.
I smiled. “Yes, that would be great.”
I thanked Joseph when he wheeled up to the front of the house with the car.
“Call if you need anything,” he added, shutting the door behind me.
“I will. I won’t be gone long.” I put the car in drive and edge my way out of the driveway, making the turn more cautiously than usual.
There was still no response from Knight, but I had to believe he read my text, and he would meet me.
Chapter15
Knight
The last suitcase was in the back of the stretch car. My mother and Seraphina had pleaded one time too many for me to take extra clothes or snacks for the flight. I gave them each a hug and shook my father’s hand. We had a formal goodbye family dinner at my parents’ house.
“Call when you get to Paris,” he instructed.
“I will.”
Seraphina wrapped her arms around my waist and squeezed hard. I peeled her tiny body away. “I’ll be here for the wedding.” I kissed her on top of the head.
“You promise?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it. Not even for all the business deals in Paris.” I saw my father’s head nod to confirm I was allowed to come back. “It’s the party of the century.” She was scared. There wasn’t anything to do now. Her future was with Brandon. She had to start to rely on him. She could have a partnership with him if she would only try. I wasn’t going to be much help an ocean away from the family.
“We should get going, sir,” the driver called across the car.
“But it’s late,” Seraphina argued. “Daddy, he could go in the morning.” Her head whipped around to beg our father to change his mind. “Why take such a late flight?”
“No. The flight is booked. No changes.” My father was immovable. He had been since he lost the Vieux Carre this morning.
I ducked into the back of the car. The cool leather was a relief. I stared straight ahead. I couldn’t watch Seraphina cry. I didn’t want to remember the agony on my mother’s usually perfect face. I was surprised it was strained. Had she and my father fought?
“We’ll be there in thirty minutes,” Anthony announced.
“Fine.” I looked down when my phone buzzed.
It was a text from Kennedy. I read it quickly.
“Anthony, I need you to stop on the way to the airport,” I announced. The blood pounded between my ears.
“We’re running tight on time.”
I balled my fists in my lap. “I don’t care. We’re going to make a stop. I’ll send the address to the car’s GPS right now.”
“Okay, sir. Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.”
I linked the address to the car, and I saw it pop up on his screen. I reached into my carry-on. I had made one stop between the bank and my father’s office this morning. The jeweler had called and said my order was ready for pickup. I tucked the velvet box in my pocket.
I didn’t know what Kennedy had to say to me, but it better be worth missing the flight to Paris.
* * *