Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Don’t be mad
“Iunderstand, darling. The cupcake made your phlegm disappear.” Imogene hugged her purple polka dotted sweater closer to her chest as we waited for Remy to get out of her history of magic club.
“It was instant, too. Do you know how many people that potion could help? How many kids?” Just like my rant at the apothecary vendor tent, I was bouncing up and down in my seat as Cealian showed us how to get rid of congestion in healing club.
Imogene signed up for the same club, mostly because none of her group chose that one.
“The ladies are a hoot, but sometimes I need a break from being the head witch in charge,” she said next to me in class when I asked what interested her about the club.
I glanced at my phone. Remy should be finishing up shortly. She had a car parked somewhere, and the closest town wasn’t far.
My little noodle wiggled in my bag, and I patted it softly. Edith enjoyed club, she also attached herself to my neck like a little choker claiming my enthusiasm warmed my skin. I was her extra special heating pad and that made her sleepy.
“Here she comes.” Imogene pointed behind me and just as I turned to find her, a whooshing sound caught my attention.
Remy stopped beside me as I looked at the sky. We didn’t hear planes, or helicopters much here. Why was one so close now?
Remy shrugged. “Oh, well that works too. I was just going to drive us, but his way is faster.”
A helicopter with McKenzie Enterprise in bold across the side landed in the grass beyond the courtyard.
“A chariot worthy for us queens.” Imogene didn’t bat an eyelash as she strolled over to Rylan hopping onto the grass.
A helicopter to go shopping. It seemed a little much, though no one else questioned it.
Was I the only not used to this type of luxury?
Rylan waved me over and grabbed my hand as I tried to cover my eyes from the air being whipped around.
“Don’t be mad,” he yelled while helping me into the flying beast.
Why would I be made about this?
“Hi, Mom.”
I stumbled into a free seat and whirled around so fast I almost fell over completely.
“Piper?” Green eyes that matched mine stared at me.
The door closed behind me and I still couldn’t process what I saw.
“Don’t freak out.” She waved and I launched at her.
The words couldn’t fly out of my mouth fast enough.
“I missed you. How are you? What are you doing here? How did you get here?” All of it came out in rapid fire.
She didn’t get a chance to answer before I squished her into a hug.
Her body shook in my embrace, and I didn’t care she was laughing. I missed my baby so much.
“I’d called a few weeks ago and Mr. McKenzie...”
“Rylan,” he corrected her and sat in the seat beside mine.
“Rylan answered and said you were sleeping.”
Unwinding my arms from her, I took my seat, readying for takeoff.
“He asked me some questions about you, and I told him to give me a call if he needed more intel. He called yesterday and wanted to surprise you. I mean, who says no to a shopping trip in France. Not this girl.” She pointed to herself with two thumbs up.
Rylan shook beside me and now I get why he said don’t be mad.
They were conspiring against me.
My daughter and my… love interest.
“I.” Words failed me. Sheer happiness rattled inside me so much I feared for the safety of our flight.
It took maybe three deep breaths, and at least four “oh my Gods” as we took off before I gathered my thoughts.
A shining light glowed from my bag as Edith helped calm me. It took a minute, but I managed to relax the rest of the way.
Remy and Imogene introduced themselves to Piper, and even Edith stuck her head out of the bag to say hi after she stopped glowing.
Imogene leaned against me and spoke, “How sweet of McKenzie to bring your girl along for the ride.”
“Mom, are you mad?” Piper asked in front of everyone, and I shook my head. I wasn’t mad, but I did feel a little unsure.
“I’m happy to see you, P.”
My assurance turned her growing frown into a smile. I was happy to see her.
Rylan’s warmth brushed against my neck as he spoke close to my ear. “Too much?”
The helicopter jostled us for a moment, and my hand shot out to grab his only to drop it like his touch burned me.
“I’m not sure how I feel about you talking to my daughter behind my back and conspiring to get her here.” I trust her to make decisions, and I didn’t think Rylan was a bad guy, but… wasn’t this too personal? Wrong? Right?
“I wanted to do something nice for you. I know you missed her. I have the capabilities to do anything you want, so if I can do something to make you smile, I’m gonna do it.”
Well, if that wasn’t one hell of panty dropping line... Rylan wasn’t just any guy. He was Rylan McKenzie, one of the richest men in the world.
He told me he’d stack the cards in his favor, and this move was dirty. But dammit if it didn’t make me like him more.