Page 133 of The Charmer

Xander grinned at me. "Beignets are her favorite."

These LeBlanc brothers were something else entirely.

"You look tired," I said. "Working overtime again?"

"Babe," Julian said, "he always works overtime."

"I was at the office until eight yesterday."

My eyes bulged. "On a Friday? Sweet heavens."

"I've been running some of the financials of the Orleans Conglomerate. We're spread too thin in some areas. We should shut down some things, or at least properly finance them."

"Like what?" Julian asked.

"Like the pralines confectionery."

I gasped. "No!" I exclaimed. "Xander, they're the best pralines in the city."

"The whole operation is just bleeding money, though."

"Dude, word of warning," Julian said. "Don't even think about it. And whatever you do, don't mention it to the grandmothers. You know it's one of their pet projects."

Xander shrugged. "I wasn't going to bring it up today. But I will eventually."

"I don't think everything in the conglomerate needs to be profitable. And I know Bailey and her sister, Avery. They've come to the mansion a few times during the Christmas season at the open house event. They're really great." Julian had told me before that they managed that end of the business.

Xander shrugged again. "That's neither here nor there, really."

I looked at Julian pleadingly. "Please tell me this won't happen. I don't think the city can survive without LeBlanc & Broussard pralines."

He laughed, pulling me closer and kissing the side of my head as we arrived at the restaurant. "I make no promises. Xander has a mind of his own, and he's usually unstoppable."

"Damn right I am," Xander replied.

Hmm, our financial guru is a bit of a Grinch.

We entered the restaurant and headed straight to the huge table in the opposite corner from the entrance. The place was filling up nicely already even though it only opened two minutes ago.

The entire family was at the table. Bella noticed us first. Well, she noticed Xander and his bag of beignets. Her little face lit up, and it was the most adorable thing I’d ever seen.

"You're very good," I told him.

"I know," Xander replied as Bella came running to him.

"Are those for me?" she asked innocently, batting her eyelashes.

"Of course they are."

"Thank you, Uncle Xander." She took her bag, keeping it to her chest as if it was a prized possession. Then she headed back to the table.

As we all sat down, Julian cleared his throat. "By the way, we have some news. We want the wedding to be next June."

"Oh my goodness," Isabeau exclaimed. "Congratulations!”

"I can't believe another one of our grandsons is getting married," Celine added. She looked at me with so much affection that it warmed my heart. "We’ re so happy for the two of you."

"Thank you," Julian said.

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