Page 46 of A Game-Changing Christmas

“What has that gotten us? While successful, we’ve missed out on numerous opportunities because you couldn’t stand to be in the same room with me.” Lance held his hand out in surrender. “When will it end? You’re married and probably getting ready to start a family. I’m on the verge of getting married and hope to one day do the same. What, are we gonna have kids, watch them grow old, marry, have grandkids with this feud between us? Is this the way it’s going to be for the rest of our lives? What is it going to take? Death?”

The two eyed one another, adrenaline coursing through their veins as they thought about the years they’d missed out on being brothers. Jonathon locked his jaw. He’d be a liar to say not once had he thought back to when their friendship was solid, but he’d quickly dismissed the muse and dealt with the reality of their vendetta.

“What if,” Lance said, “just go with me, what if, you’re wrong and I’m right?” Lance folded his arms in front of him, crossing his hands at the wrists. “I don’t want to fight with you, brother.” Lance held out the envelope, and when Jonathon didn’t accept it, he sat it on a nearby table. “I forgive you for being a dick over the years.” When Jonathon tilted his head to the side with an elevated brow, Lance continued, “I also want to apologize for being one in return.”

Lance retrieved his briefcase and strolled to the door. Before he exited, Lance turned back to Jonathon.

“We’re open to a three-way partnership, and I speak for our family when I say that.” He held a long eye on Jonathon. “My wife also wants to make sure you and Octavia will get a chance to make it to the wedding.” He paused. “If you can find the time in your schedule, I would like for you to come as well.”

Without another word, Lance turned and left the building, leaving Jonathon to muse over his parting words.

* * *

Later that nightwhile standing under the showerhead, Jonathon’s mind was in a permanent storm of thoughts. For so long, he’d held on to the rage that stemmed from the heartbreak he’d felt at the probability that his brother had stabbed him in the back. He’d made the anger his friend, content with the fact that this was the way it had to be. Now, he wrestled with that anger, trying to break its barrier to see if there was forgiveness on the other side of it. He struggled with two possibilities. What if Jonathon was right about this and he let his guard down only to be fooled again? Then there was the second possibility. What if Lance was right? The time they’d spent feuding could not be regained. It was gone forever, and the only thing they could do now is move forward.

As the pelts of water washed over his monumental shoulders, Jonathon’s thoughts continued to toss like a torrential storm.

* * *

Christmas Eve

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

6 A.M.

The email notificationhad come through at the stroke of midnight; another request for a final meeting from King Winthrope’s royal house. Though coming in after hours, none of the men had missed the notice since they were custom to receiving messages at all times due to their various business ventures. So once again, they were gathered at the Four Seasons; the Valentines on one side of the table and the Roses on the other with the royal family at the head.

The masculinity in the room was strong, with every one of them fit, able bodied, holding an air of commanding authority. They were all dressed in their usual business attire: sharp suits, custom tailored, cuff links, and polished shoes. Over coats, trench coats, and wool jackets trailed their backs and covered the hills in their biceps; then tapered off at the packed muscle tone of their thighs. Even the royal family was covered in thick layered robes that announced their majestic tribe by its lively colors.

Upon entry into the room, both the Valentines and Roses had taken note of the three adjoining royals in the space, and they didn’t need to ask to know who the additions were. King Winthrope spoke first.

“Good morning, gentlemen. I’d like to introduce you to my sons Remington and Omari Winthrope.”

The men offered the princes a nod in greeting followed by friendly gruff hellos.

Remington and Omari could’ve been twins with the way both of their faces held the same carved sharpness, light brown eyes behind dark brown skin. The only difference between the two was that Remington had clearly taken a liken to facial hair as his thick beard cornered on the heavy side against his jaw. While also sporting a goatee, Omari’s was light and low as if he’d taken more of a groomed approach. Julian couldn’t help but eye the two closely. He’d seen their modeling careers flourish in front of international news, and as the owner of A Few Good Men, adding them to his roster would likely enhance his company’s global empire.

“This beautiful young woman right here is my daughter and princess, Cadence Winthrope.”

The men eyed Cadence. There was not a difference in the way she and Cadena’s oval face, butterfly lashes, and almond eyes coordinated on their cinnamon brown skin. She was a beauty, laced also in the royal attire of a princess, with gold bracelets, the same tribal tattoo as her sister and the same air of confidence as she held a lifted chin; her soft eyes batting as she glanced at each of them in turn. The men offered Cadence their greeting, and the king got straight to the point.

“As you can see, this morning, we all have come together with the hopes that today will be the era we bring something beautiful to our countries. Should that happen, my daughters,” King Winthrope motioned to Cadena who stood seconds in front of him like she’d done the last time they’d been together, and Cadence who sat in a chair in front of her, “and sons, along with me, will sign this contract as one.” The king paused, his thick shoulders high, and strong; chin raised. “You had time to consider our proposal and talk over your differences if you saw fit to. What conclusion have you rested on?”

They all eyed one another then Lance spoke.

“The Valentines are open to a three-way partnership if the Roses are,” Lance said.

On the other side of the table, Jonathon was the only one missing in action.

“And what have the Roses decided?” King Winthrope asked.

Jonas spoke up. “King Winthrope, we want to thank you for bringing an opportunity like this to our table. It is greatly valued and measured carefully. However, we move as a unit, and as you can see, Jonathon is not here to voice his final acceptance on the matter, so the Roses will have to decline.”

The room was silent for a long minute as they all took in the news.

“That is unfortunate,” King Winthrope said.

Lance grimaced then nodded. “Okay,” he said, accepting the finality that was brought on by Jonathon’s absence. Lance looked at King Winthrope. “Your highness, you know how to reach us should you decide to work with us separately.” Lance then turned to the Roses. “Gentlemen,” he said as a parting goodbye.

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