Page 17 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 2

“Nay,” he gasped the nickname he’d given me, one I’d already come to adore. “They have candy bars in here?” He pulled out a couple and waggled his eyebrows.

I laughed. “Looks like they thought of everything. My father likes to have his creature comforts, that’s for sure.” I inhaled fully and let out a slow breath as I thought about what it would be like when we arrived at the hospital. I sent up a silent prayerthat my father would be on his best behavior, even though I knew it was unlikely.

A few minutes later the pilot took off, and we were headed to my family’s vacation home. The co-pilot asked if we’d like information about New York when we flew over it and Memphis exuberantly agreed.

Me, I’ve seen it all before, but seeing how he hung on every detail the co-pilot shared about one of my favorite cities was a sight to behold.

Memphis pointed out the window, his forehead touching the glass. “Whoa, there’s the Statue of Liberty. Baby, did you see it?” he exclaimed, pointing out the window.

I’d seen it a thousand times, but I dutifully snuggled up to his side and looked over his shoulder, mostly to be close to him. He smelled like the hotel body wash and a cologne that had hints of oak and leather. I pressed my nose to his neck and breathed in his scent to ease the tumultuous emotions running through my mind about what we would find when I saw my mother…and my father.

Memphis took my hand from his thigh and held it over his heart while we stared out over Long Island. A sense of peace soared through my body as we cuddled.

“I know this is a shit reason to be taking a helicopter ride over New York City, but it’s still pretty magical, Naomi. Thank you for sharing this with me.” He kissed my forehead, and I couldn’t help sighing and closing my eyes, soaking the moment in.

“You’re welcome. I think it’s pretty magical experiencing this with you too.” I nuzzled against his side as far as my seat belt would let me go.

Too soon we were hovering over our family vacation estate in the Hamptons.

“Tell me that isn’t your house.” Memphis’ face twisted into an expression of wonder.

“It’s notmyhouse,” I clarified. “It belongs to my father and mother.”

“Which means you’re going to inherit it one day?” He tilted his head to the side and pursed his lips.

“Maybe.”

“Day-umm. I knew I was marrying a wealthy woman, but this is insane. Helicopter rides, mansions overlooking the Atlantic Ocean…”

“Like I said, it’s not mine. I think you’ll find our home in Manhattan to be a bit more discreet.”

He frowned as the helicopter landed on the pad.

“We’re moving to New York?” He swallowed as if this was the first time he realized he’d be moving to somewhere other than Atlanta.

“That’s where my headquarters are. I thought I told you that?”

He shook his head, a solemn expression crossing his handsome face before it was replaced by what I immediately recognized was a fake smile. I’ve seen the man smile many times, mostly at me, and this was not a real one. Something we’d discuss after I checked on my mother. Once I confirmed that she was okay, we would need to have a real discussion about our future.

Surprisingly, he took my hand and squeezed it with intention. “Where you go, Naomi, I go. If that’s New York, then that’s where we’ll be.”

This man was too good to be true. Still, I didn’t want him feeling like he was giving up his whole life for me. I know it’s what was expected of the marriage auction candidates, but there was something about it being all about me that didn’t feel right. Which was strange since it was the reason I signed up in thefirst place. I wanted a man to fit into my life, not the other way around. Yet, I felt the need to jump into his world with both feet too. Experience everything that had made him the incredible man he was today. And after hearing about his big family, I knew being close to them was what would make him happiest.

I shook off the niggle of worry that had infiltrated my subconscious. I’d dissect those feelings later and Memphis and I could come up with a plan. I could easily buy us a home near his family, and we could go there regularly. I’d bet that would make his eyes light up with excitement once more.

Pushing the idea to the back of my mind to discuss later, I followed him out of the helicopter.

My father’s staff met us at the entrance.

“Miss Shaw, it’s so good to see you,” Rupert, my father’s personal butler, and a man I loved like an uncle, stated as he bowed in greeting.

I rolled my eyes and held out my arms. “Rupert, you’ve known me since I was born. You’ve changed my diapers. Get over here and give me a hug.”

The older man shuffled over and held me close. “I’m sorry about your mother, dear heart,” he whispered into my hair.

My tears immediately stung against the dry grit of travel. I sniffed, and he pulled back, removed a handkerchief from his breast pocket and handed it to me.

I patted my tears away with the cloth. “Thank you. She’s going to be okay though. I just know it.”

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