Chapter 14 Just a Thought
JUST A THOUGHT
RHODES
Maybe broaching the idea of a fake pregnancy after four drinks wasn’t the best idea I ever had. Rory looked as if she might pass out.
“I just meant that it would be a plausible explanation for us rushing down the aisle,” I explained. “Otherwise, it looks like we’re just doing it for my inheritance.”
“I g-get that,” she stammered. “But we’re not pregnant. Sooner or later, everyone would know. There’s sort of a timeline.”
“I’m aware.” Again, maybe this wasn’t my most brilliant plan.
I let my mind wander for a moment, hoping for some sort of insight.
Instead, my thoughts circled the girl. I was grateful for my sunglasses—I could study her without detection.
She was flushed and visibly rattled by my proposal.
Her hair was up in a messy ponytail, and she wore a T-shirt that had what looked like the dirt imprint of a tiny sneaker on it.
She’d been out at the playground with Luke for hours.
She seemed more in her element dressed like a sporty preschool teacher than she did in the designer silk dress she’d worn earlier.
When she’d arrived from the playground, she seemed more relaxed and happier than at any other moment since she’d been at Barrington Manor. She appeared to genuinely enjoy spending time with Luke. There had to be a way to use this to my advantage.
“What about this?” I sat forward. “What if we say that we’re eager to be married so that we can start a family—and give Luke cousins to grow up with?”
Rory immediately perked up. “That sounds perfect!”
Then she bit her lower lip. “But… What about poor Luke? If he hears that, he’s going to get his hopes up. I know he’s little, but I don’t like lying to kids. He’s been through enough. I don’t think that’s fair.”
I regarded her. For someone so young, with what I imagined might be a less-than-ideal background, she had real compassion. “I agree.”
“So, what do we do?” she asked.
“We can say it to the board, and to Miranda, and leave Luke out of it.”
She nodded. “But what if he hears someone talking about us? I really don’t want to put him through anything else. He’s already heartbroken.”
“I agree—he needs to be our priority. But since that’s true, we need to do our best to retain custody of him.
If Miranda got him, that would be a disaster.
We can’t let that happen.” I shook my head.
“In order to do what’s best for Luke, we need to present our situation in a way that feels real and makes sense. ”
“I understand that. I only met Miranda once so far, and even I can tell that she’s not guardian material.” Rory shivered.
“Exactly.” Again, my gaze trailed over the girl. Her bright eyes, smooth skin, and most surprisingly of all, her integrity—were almost shockingly attractive to me.
But maybe that was just the bourbon talking.
“And if we decide, somewhere down the road, that we do want to give Luke a cousin, we can certainly negotiate that. I could make it worth your while.” Is that my dick talking?
Her mouth gaped open, and I stood. “I have a meeting. I will see you at dinner. Please wear something appropriate.”
Before the bourbon could keep talking, I strode off.