Page 123 of Enchanting the CEO

That was high praise coming from him, considering his relationship with Maddox and the rest of our half brothers wasn't always as good as now.

"And as always," Jake added, "if you’re in need of any support, let us know."

"How come you all decided on Essex after all?" Natalie asked.

"Yeah, I was about to ask that too," Spencer added, taking Ben from Penny. "You mentioned something about Stockbridge at some point."

I exchanged a glance with Leo and Maddox. We hadn't told the others about the whole business with Dad. There was no point. We'd averted a crisis, and he'd fucked off back to Sydney. Maddox insisted that Dad had made no attempt whatsoever to contact him, even after finding out we’d bought the property. But I could tell that keeping an eye on him was taking a toll on my brother, so I'd offered to do it. Leo, Nick, and I were monitoring his moves in case he didn’t get the message and wanted to look for other business opportunities in the Boston area.

I, for one, hoped he started something in Australia. I wanted him to do well—but away from us.

"This showed up," I replied, "and it's a great property."

"Oh, I'm so proud of you," Grandmother said. "You built a new home and found this wonderful lady."

Diane simply melted against me. I kissed the side of her head and then fake-whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. "I like how I invited everyone to celebrate a business deal, but she's proud of me for finding you."

"Oh, business comes and goes, boys," Grandmother said, "but family and relationships are what endures."

"So let me get this straight. You're only proud of him, not of me?" Maddox asked.

"Of course I'm proud of you boys continuing to grow this legacy and everything. But I'll be just as proud when you come to these events with someone on your arm."

I put a hand on his shoulder. "Dude, you did this to yourself."

"I figured you'd show me some mercy considering we're here to celebrate," Maddox told Grandmother.

Leo and Nick both laughed.

"That is not how Grandmother operates," Leo said, "and you should know it."

I held my flute up to him. "And a big thanks to Leo here, who tirelessly looked up properties."

It was true. He might not have found this one, but he had put a lot of effort into checking out Stockbridge. Maybe one day I'd open something there too. I felt invincible with Diane and my family by my side.

"You know," Natalie said, "every time Jeannie sets her eyes on one of you guys, I always think she's barking up the wrong tree. And every time I'm surprised.”

Meredith put her hands over Cade's and scoffed, "Well, I don't. I trust Jeannie's instincts 100 percent. So, you know, beware."

Maddox shook his head. "Not going to happen. So why don't we focus on celebrating the happy couple and our business success today?"

Even I started to laugh. Because the fact was that even when Jeannie Whitley wasn't voicing her plans, that didn't mean she wasn't working on them.

"When are you starting construction?" Spencer asked.

My brother seemed more energetic than usual. It had to mean that Ben was sleeping better lately.

“We want to acquire the property next door, too, before we start finalizing the plan," I said.

"That adventure park?" Cade said. "I saw it in passing."

"That's the one," I added. "The owner is considering the idea, but his daughter absolutely hates it.”

"You spoke to her?" Maddox asked me.

"No, just with her father, but he was adamant that she's against the sale. He won't do it if she's not on board."

Maddox waved his hand. "Oh come on. I'll meet her. I bet I can sweet-talk her into it."

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