Page 74 of Hearts of Wealth

“His room is ready.”

“I know, but I’m not sure his pride is,” I said.

“What do you mean?”

“He’s just not feeling all that comfortable about staying with us,” I explained. “He’s an independent man and not used to taking help from anyone.”

“That’s silly,” she chided. “We’re family.”

“I know, but old habits die hard,” I said. “He’s always been the one to give, not take.”

Paisley was silent for a moment, her brow furrowed as she mulled over what I’d said. “Well, we’re just going to have to show him that family means being there for each other, no matter what,” she declared finally.

I chuckled at her determination, my heart swelling with love for this compassionate child. “You’re absolutely right, sweetheart,” I said with a nod.

As we drove along the picturesque coastal route, the sun began to set. Our perfect weekend was over. I hoped it would translate into perfect years ahead. When we got back to Sleepy Hollow, I honked once and waved as Catherine and her father drove on to her house while we turned to go up to ours.

“I can’t wait until we all get to go back to the same house,” Paisley said.

“Me too.”

When we got to the house, Paisley dragged her stuff upstairs. I knew I probably wouldn’t see her for the rest of the night. I meandered through the house, realizing it was way too big for me and Paisley. I truly hoped Catherine and John would join us soon. I wanted to hear laughter and conversation. I wanted the warmth that came with having people in the house.

I had just sat down on the couch when my phone rang. I smiled, assuming it was Catherine letting me know she got home.

But it wasn’t.

Regina.

“Yes, Regina,” I answered.

“You’re marrying the whore!”

I let out a long sigh. “Yes, I am. She’s not a whore. You need to quit talking about her like that. She’s a good woman, and Paisley likes her. Don’t you dare pull any of your shit.”

“But I—” Regina started, but I cut her off.

“No, Regina. This is where you listen. Catherine is a wonderful woman, and she’s going to be a great stepmother to Paisley. She doesn’t deserve your rudeness.”

There was silence on the other line. “Don’t expect me to like her.”

“You don’t have to like her,” I said firmly. “But for Paisley’s sake, you need to respect her. And please, don’t take out your jealousy and frustration on Paisley.”

I had no doubt someone at the party had called her to gossip about my engagement. I had expected as much.

“I was just calling to tell you I’m going to be traveling for a while,” she said in a haughty voice. “You can keep Paisley. My new boyfriend doesn’t want kids. We’re going to Prague and then Paris for a while. He owns an airline. He’s going to make me very happy.”

I rolled my eyes. He was going to make her bank account very happy. When she divorced him a couple years down the road, she was going to end up owning half of his airline.

Poor dude.

“Good,” I said. “Congratulations. Goodbye, Regina.”

I ended the call before she could say anything else. I hoped she would stay occupied with the new guy. That would be the best thing to happen to all of us.