Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 96833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
I stared into her eyes. “You’re right.”
“Why did you agree to it?”
I exhaled. “I suppose, like you, I wanted to make others happy. I didn’t want to let Phil and Kate down.”
“This is a big decision. Even if they raise the baby, it would be life-changing for you. You don’t owe anyone anything, Sig.”
“I owe it to my wife to do what she would’ve wanted.”
“She would’ve wanted you to be happy and at peace more than anything else.”
In my heart, I knew Abby was right, and her words gave me surprising relief. She seemed to be on my side and understood where I was coming from—that calmed me a bit. I’d been rushing to get this over with, because I feared if I slowed down, I’d change my mind and disappoint my in-laws. I felt obligated and stuck. But I should’ve given myself time to figure out whether having a child was something I could handle.
“Thank you for your words. They’re very insightful.”
She raised her brow. “Are you mocking me?”
I laughed. “Given my behavior today, I can understand why you would assume that. But no. That was probably the most genuine thing I’ve said all day.”
She chuckled. “Well, I never know with you.”
I blew out some air, my breath visible in the chill of the night. “You came all this way. You shouldn’t have to fly back so soon. At the very least, give yourself a holiday. Stay at the inn. Lavinia fancies you. It’ll be good for her, too.”
“I never actually changed my ticket,” she admitted. “I considered it and checked on alternate flights, but I decided to stay the week and go somewhere else in England. I’m not going to let you rain on my parade, Benedictus.” She winked. “But if you don’t mind, I’d love to stay here with Lavinia.”
“Of course. Enjoy it. She’ll welcome the company.”
“Thank you.”
“And I’ll stay out of your hair.” Our eyes locked for a moment before I moved toward my car. “Very well, then. I’d better get going.”
“Okay.” She took a few steps back toward the door. “Have a good night.”
“You as well.” I nodded. “Good luck to you.”
CHAPTER 6
* * *
Sig
Track 6: “Royals” by Lorde
Granting myself permission to take a step back gave me a newfound peace about the situation. Remarkably, I slept fairly well. Abby had managed to hit upon something last night, and for the first time, I no longer felt a sense of urgency or pressure.
I woke up the following morning feeling less anxious than I had in more than two weeks. And with that came clarity. It felt a bit wrong leaving Abby high and dry, alone at the inn with Lavinia when I was the one who’d demanded she come to England. She was here because of me, and I’d done a total one-eighty.
I decided to suck up my pride and call the number she’d given me in our initial email correspondence.
She answered, her voice a bit groggy. “Is this the one and only Sigmund Benedictus calling my phone? Emphasis on the dick?”
“Real mature. Now you’re showing your age. But I suppose I deserve that.” I sighed. “Did I wake you?”
“No. I’ve been up for a while, poking needles into my Sigmund Benedictus voodoo doll.”
I chuckled. “Is he as handsome as I am?”
“He came complete with permanent scowl and dented car.”
“You must be running out of needles.”
She laughed. “What’s up? I didn’t think I’d hear from you again, let alone first thing in the morning.”
“I’ve changed my mind.”
“About the surrogacy?”
“No. About the car accident. I’d like to get your information to charge you for the damage,” I teased.
After a few seconds of silence, she said, “Seriously?”
“I didn’t take you to be so gullible.”
“Well, I’ve come to expect anything from Mr. Hot and Cold.”
Tell her you’re sorry, you dumb arse. “Actually, the real reason I’m calling is to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I should’ve been more welcoming, regardless of my personal feelings.”
“Regardless of your personal dislike for me?”
“That’s not what I meant. I was referring to my hesitation about the entire situation. As you surmised, my attitude had nothing to do with you personally, though I know it didn’t feel that way.”
“I get that you were trying to sabotage the arrangement. Lucky for you, I have thick skin and accept your apology. But do I get a refund for yesterday? I’ll take payment in the form of one adorable sheep at my door by six tonight.”
She’d managed to make me smile. “Funny enough, another reason I’m calling involves sheep,” I said.
“Well, now you’ve got my attention.”
I began to pace. “It occurred to me that given how much you seem to like animals, you might be interested in visiting my cousin’s farmhouse while you’re in the countryside.”
“Would that cousin be Leo, Duke of Westfordshire?”
“I see you’ve done your research.”