Page 60 of Wed to You

“That’s not fair.”

Jagger shook his head as he picked up Kaden. Kaden whined and flailed, but Jagger remained silent. Mrs. Stanton followed them.

“Mr. Talbot usually enjoys an evening drink on the terrace. Will you be joining him?” Miss Z asked in her clipped tone.

Chelsea nodded, only because she couldn’t imagine what else she would or could do except follow Jagger’s lead.

“I’ll get the terrace ready.” Grayson headed toward a set of glass doors, leaving Chelsea alone in the room. Not wanting to look like a goof standing by herself doing nothing, she ventured to the windows to check out the view.

“Sorry about that. He’s usually a good kid, but every now and then...” Jagger joined her at the window.

“All kids fuss every now and then.” Still she had to admit, Jagger had handled the situation well. He hadn’t continued to argue with Kaden but instead, took control of the situation. When Kaden continued to fuss and flail, Jagger ignored it. It made Chelsea wonder if he’d taken a parenting class. Or maybe he learned it from Mrs. Stanton.

“Looks like Grayson is setting up the terrace. Want to join me for a drink? Then I can give you the tour.”

Chelsea nodded. Jagger frowned at her. “You all right?”

“Just a little overwhelmed by everything.”

His hand rubbed her back. “You’ll settle in. This is your home now. Miss Z, Grayson, and Mrs. Stanton work for you too.”

He might think so, but Chelsea wasn’t sure they knew that. She didn’t feel comfortable taking on that role. Not yet anyway. Maybe not ever. After all, this was a fake marriage.

Jagger led her out to the terrace. A wrought iron fence surrounded it, and pots of green plants and colorful blooms decorated the area. Grayson set cushions on the outdoor furniture. “Miss Z is getting your drinks.”

“Thank you, Grayson.” Jagger took Chelsea’s hand and led her to a two-person seat, sitting next to her.

A breeze cooled the air, sending a shiver through Chelsea.

Jagger put an arm around her. “Cold?”

She had a little chill, but she wasn’t cold. Especially with Jagger sitting so close. She could be in the arctic, and Jagger’s nearness would be enough to keep her warm.

“I know this isn’t your usual, but you’re newly married and this is your bride’s first trip here, so it seemed like the ideal time for champagne.” Miss Z set a bucket of ice in which a bottle of champagne cooled on the little table in front of them. “I’ll be right back with the flutes.” Two minutes later, she had the glasses and poured the golden bubbly.

“Thank you, Miss Z.” Chelsea took her glass and waited for Jagger to get his.

“Do you need anything else?”

Jagger shook his head. “No. Thank you, Miss Z.”

She nodded and left them alone on the terrace.

Jagger turned to her, holding up his flute. “Cheers.”

Chelsea clinked her glass with his. “Cheers.” She sipped, the bubbles tickling her nose.

“You seem uncomfortable.” Jagger tugged on one of the fly-away strands of her hair.

“This lifestyle is all foreign to me.”

“You’ll get used to it.”

She wasn’t sure she wanted to. After all, it was temporary. But she nodded. “Your home is beautiful.”

He looked over the terrace. “It was my grandfather’s. I inherited it from him. He gave Kaden and me the house in Charlotte Tavern.”

“Kaden is lucky to have you to look out for his interests.”

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