Page 10 of Like You Love Me

London gave Jace a piercing stare. “Bianca is talking about going back to the office next week. How’s the morale at work?”

“We have counselors that have been in to meet with our employees.” Jace was the director of Human Resources for the Beaumont Corporation. “We want to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.”

“I still can’t believe it was the head of your security team,” London said with his eyes on the screen.

Jabarie nodded. “Yes, that’s what’s scary about this.”

“We have a recruitment firm assisting us in finding some strong candidates,” Jace reassured. “I reviewed a resume for a former marine with a top-secret clearance. He might be a little too militant for the climate in our organization, but at least we have options.”

Jaden waited until Dallas made their first touchdown in the second quarter before saying, “I heard a law firm in Richmond is representing Troy.”

A muscle at London’s jaw ticked at the announcement.

Jace’s eyes locked with his. “Not to worry. Our family attorney has retained a criminal attorney with an impressive record to represent the women.”

London looked up to see Roger Beaumont walking into the building. He still couldn’t get used to seeing his father-in-law dressed in jeans and a turtleneck. He elbowed Jace in the ribs and pointed toward the entrance.

Jaden swung around on the stool and saluted him with a frosted glass. “Father, you came.”

Roger came toward them with his eyes latched onto the game. Once he reached their table, he removed his coat and hat. London watched him with admiration. He was in his late sixties with faint wrinkles around his eyes and silver hair, but he managed his weight well and was still quite fit.

After London exchanged hugs, Roger walked around the table to embrace Jabarie. London gave the brothers a sidelong glance and wondered if they realized how lucky they were to have both of their parents still. He would give anything to have one more day with Clarence Brown.

Roger reached over and squeezed London’s shoulder.” How’s my daughter doing?”

“Better. She’s spending the afternoon with the ladies.”

Jaden laughed. “They are planning the bachelor auction.”

The older man gave a playful eye roll before saying, “Tell her to please call her mother.”

“Will do,” London confirmed with a nod.

“Father,” Jace began, drawing his attention. “Did you know Uncle Richard is still in town?”

He nodded. “Yes, I know.”

“I was thinking about asking him to come and join us,” Jaden added.

His father’s salt and pepper brow furrowed. “And if you do, I’m leaving.”

Jabarie leaned forward with his elbows on the table. “Father, we all want to know what’s going on with you two.”

Roger shook his head with a grimace. “I rather not talk about it. Now, pass me a mug.” That marked the end of the conversation.

They watched the game and took turns shouting at the screen. Even Roger joined in, yelling at the referee. London grinned. The Beaumonts were his family. He had grown up surrounded by sisters, but these were his brothers. He often wondered how he had gotten to be so lucky to be a part of the camaraderie of being a Beaumont. As far back as he could remember, the family had welcomed him like a long-lost relative.

“London, how’s the rebuild going?”

He glanced over at Jace and frowned. “It isn’t. The insurance company still refuses to approve the claim.”

“Hey, you may be in luck. Before you arrived, I was talking to Charlie.”

London’s eyes shifted back and forth from Jace to the game as he spoke. “The owner here?”

Jace gave a head nod. “Yep. He was telling me Ryan, who’s married to his cousin Mackenzie, has—”

“Ryan Young? The firefighter over at fire station three?”

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