Chapter 17 Breaking News
Breaking News
Ingrid
“It’s going to be madness. I’ll warn you.”
My oldest sister, Alexandra never trusted that I was more than a child. So, she had to rub this in, too.
“Alex, I remember your wedding—and Astrid’s well enough to know how mad it will be.”
My second oldest sister, Astrid, appeared on deck with a baby as I spoke.
Bella was a precious, fat toddler born to my sister and her husband, Parker AKA the Duke of Westnedge.
I adored Bella endlessly—just like her parents.
I had a lot more uninterrupted time with my niece than my sisters had because I trained in the UK near where Astrid and Parker lived.
Bella reached for me immediately. Astrid foisted her upon me, knowing I’d not mind.
“Mama is exhausted,” Astrid collapsed into the lounger on Alexandra’s other side. “And grateful for a break.”
“Where is Parker?” Alexandra asked.
“He’s napping. He was up with her all night. I would love it if it weren’t so bright at night. Her sleep has been so shit all summer.”
“You could ask me to take a shift,” I offered, trying to keep Bella from climbing into my top.
“Between the marathon lovemaking sessions what are you up to? How in the hell do you not get sore?” Astrid asked.
I blushed. “Look, we’re finally back together.”
Keir was in Cyprus for a month before he returned and came to Germany.
He’d been in and out in the last months of his official RAF duties.
The time was bittersweet. I missed him like mad but looked forward to having him home permanently.
I was satisfied so long as he was mostly home and not in a combat zone—much as that compromise killed him.
“You two are terrible together—horrid. But I am happy for you,” Alexandra said.
“You and Rick are equally disturbing, thanks,” Astrid said. “But go on.”
The baby head-butted me. “Rid-Rid.”
My nieces and nephew all called me that. I loved it.
“Ouais, ma cherie?”
She pouted. “Food?”
“I’ll go,” Astrid groaned.
“No. Let me remedy it,” I did not get up.
I texted for reinforcements. The beautiful weather aboard the Norwegian Royal Yacht today was too good to waste below deck.
Me
Can you bring snacks for the baby?
Keir
Your legs are broken?
Me
I’m sore from you twisting me like a pretzel, mon cher.
Keir
I don’t believe you, but sure.
I smiled, satisfied. “Uncle Keir is bringing you some food.”
“He waits on you hand and foot,” Astrid giggled. “Only you. He’d have told Betty to fuck off.”
“People said he’d never settle down,” Alex said. “But it only took the right woman, and he did it. See, men can be reformed with some work.”
Keir soon appeared with a plate of snack food.
Isabella delighted in her assortment of culinary delights.
Astrid said nothing but secretly wished there was less “junk” on the plate.
She was nearly obsessed with the baby being a “wide” eater and not “picky” like Alexandra’s children.
After four babies and countless attempts to banish picky eating, Alexandra knew better but I sensed she held her tongue knowing the comments weren’t helpful for a first-time mother.
“Thank you, baby,” I said.
Keir kissed me. “Anytime.”
He tussled Isabella’s golden curls adoringly, sending my ovaries into overdrive.
“The news broke,” Keir said. “Prepare yourself for when we arrive in Ellos.”
I pulled a face. “Well, here we go.”