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“My half’s clear, too,” Charlie informed.
We reconvened in the center of the ballroom. In a matter of days, this place was going to be swarming with partygoers and staff, a sea of faces when we were on the lookout for just one.
Duchess Arianna walked in with the venue manager, a stout little man with a pencil mustache and an unfortunately obvious toupee. She was flanked on all sides by trained officers that the police department loaned to us; one in front, two on either side, and one at the tail. If Kris could wrap her up in bubble wrap for the duration of our trip here, he probably would have. This was the next best thing.
“And how is everything in here?” the duchess asked the room.
“Everything looks good, your grace,” I answered.
She looked relieved. “I’m glad to hear it. Sam? Would you mind coming with me? I’d like to know your opinion on the catering menu before I confirm things with the chef. I can’t decide if we should serve the crab crackers or the deviled eggs as appetizers.”
“Eww,” I mumbled under my breath.
Sam nudged me in the ribs with her elbow and grinned. “I’d be happy to help.”
“We’ll be in the kitchen just next door,” she said, turning to Kris. It wasn’t like she was asking permission, merely giving us a courteous heads-up.
Kris nodded. “Yes, your grace.”
The duchess hooked her arm through Sam’s and guided her away, already talking her ear off about how annoying it was to plan an event for people with so many dietary restrictions. When she stepped through the doors, Sam made sure to give us a big smile and small shrug before disappearing from sight.
“I miss her already,” I said, only half-joking.
“How are things going between you two?” Charlie asked Kris. “Can’t help but notice that you’ve been… preoccupied lately.”
“Things are fine. Good.”
Liam huffed. “We all want to make sure that Sam is happy.”
“We’re great,” Kris insisted. “I’ve just been too busy running the show to…”
“Have sex with her?” I supplied shamelessly.
“Really not the place for this conversation.”
I bumped my fist against his arm. “Come on, man. We’re just joking.”
He sighed. “When things calm down, maybe I’ll find the time to…”
“Have sex with her,” I said again.
“God, you’re annoying.”
“Who’re you kidding? You love me.”
“Youdoseem to be in better spirits, though,” Charlie pointed out. “Did something happen?”
Kris’ eyes warmed. “The other night she told me that Max is my son.”
“What?” I exclaimed a little too dramatically. “No way! You mean you didn’t figure it out right away?”
He glared at me. I smiled wider. “I had my suspicions.”
“I think we all did,” Liam noted.
“How do you feel?” Charlie asked.
“Weirdly okay. Great, actually. It’s a lot to think about, but… I don’t know.” He smiled, bigger and brighter than I’d seen in a very long time. “I guess I’m excited. I don’t know the first thing about being a father, but I know I want to do right by them both.”
