Page 26 of Broken Prince

My lips part, and I gape at her. “You're kidding, right? Mom, Ferrari’s are hundreds of thousands of dollars! Our car was like five grand!”

“This is why I didn’t want to tell you.” She looks like she's going to cry, and I feel like shit. “James has money, and he wants to buy me nice things. I’ve said no a lot because, like you, I don’t need big fancy things. But Delaney, I’m with this man for the rest of my life, and I can’t just ignore how he lives—”

“Stop, stop, stop.” I hold my hand up and sigh before stepping forward and pulling her into my arms. “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business. You deserve the best in life, Mom.” I pull back, my stomach turning when I see tears falling from her eyes. Reaching up, I brush them away, swallowing hard. “It’s not that I don’t like all the new pretty things. It’s just that I saw how hard you worked your whole life as a single mom to get to where you are. You sacrificed a lot to give me the best life. And I’ll love you forever for that. You don’t have to justify your new life and all the things that come with it.”

“I just want you to be happy.” She smiles. “I want you to have all the things you deserve.”

“All I ever needed was you.” I laugh, trying not to cry. “You're my best friend, my favorite person in the whole world. It’s why I couldn’t live on the other side of the country, away from you. It’s going to take me some time, sure, but I’ll get used to it. Hell, I’ve already started becoming a poolside princess,” I joke.

She laughs, pulling me in for another hug. “I love you so much, Delaney.”

“I love you too, Mama.” I kiss her cheek.

“Also, I kept the car because I was going to give it to you as a back-to-school present. But I want you to take it now and get out of the dang house. You need to check the town out.”

She’s right. I’ve only been into the dress shop and saw the rest in passing. I would love to explore a bit more.

“I’ll do some back-to-school shopping next week after the wedding. Just need to see what I’ve got left in my savings.”

“No need for that,” James interjects, stepping out of his office. He gives my mom a concerned look, but she gives him a big smile that tells him not to worry. He smiles back and then looks at me. “I know all of this is a lot for you to adjust to. And I don’t want to come on strong and offer you the world like I’ve been wanting to.” He chuckles. “Your mom told me if I bought you a car and all the other things I’ve planned, you would run for the hills.”

“She’s not wrong.” Some people might love free expensive things, but me? I’d feel weird about it. Treating me once in a while would be one thing, but I believe in earning the things I have.

“That's another reason why I believe you fit into this family perfectly. My boys are the same way. They don’t take advantage of the fact we have money. They use just enough to make life good but nothing more. Even Elijah has a serving job down at one of the local bars with his best friend, Winter. He doesn’t need it but wants it.”

Just what I need, another thing that makes me like Elijah even more.

“But, with that said, I’d still like you to take this.” He holds out a black card. I take it curiously, and then my eyes widen, snapping up to his.

“Is this an Amex black card?” I whisper in awe. “I’ve only seen these in movies.”

“Yes.” He chuckles. “And this one is yours. It’s hooked up to your own account. Use it to pay for anything you feel like you need. School supplies, clothes, books, anything. You don’t have to. But I’d like you to have it, just in case you need it.”

“Thank you.” My heart twists, making me feel funny. I’ve never had a dad in my life. Mom was never really open about mine; all I know is that he left before I was born. So, having a father, someone who cares, it’s not something I’m used to. And I don’t really hate it.

“Of course.” He smiles brightly. “You’re family, after all. And I take care of my family.” He wraps his arm around my mom’s shoulder and kisses the top of her head before giving her this look that I can’t help but envy.

I want that. I want someone to look at me like I’m the air they breathe, the life force that beats within them.

“Any chance you have a single brother?” Auntie Sylvia asks.

“Or a sister?” Auntie Eden joins in.

“You two,” Mom scolds, but my aunties just grin.

“Hey, can’t blame a girl for trying.” Auntie Sylvia laughs. “Now, enough of all this sweetness, it’s giving me a toothache. It’s time to party!”

James chuckles. “You ladies have fun. And feel free to go crazy. If you need a ride home, call. I’ll have someone come grab you.”

“He’s the best.” Auntie Eden sighs dreamily as James kisses Mom before walking back into his office.

“He really is.” Mom’s eyes grow misty again. “I love him so much that it hurts sometimes. Is that silly to say?”

“No.” I shake my head. “Not at all.”

***

As mom took Auntie Sylvia and Auntie Eden to their rooms, I went back to mine to get ready for tonight. It took me far too long to find something decent to wear. The more I looked at my wardrobe, the more I realized I may have to make some adjustments. I’m not really one who cares too much about what people think about the clothes I wear, but Rose Briar Hill isn’t San Francisco. This place is for the rich and elite, something my wardrobe is not.

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