Page 30 of The Painter and His Poet

“Harlow, I just want to let you know that I appreciate everything you’re doing. This wedding wouldn’t have happened without you. I’m honoured to welcome you into my family.”

“I… Thank you,” I reply softly, feeling a sudden well of tears burn my eyes. It’s been a long time since anyone, namely my mother, has thanked me for anything.

“Credit where credit’s due,” he replies, clearing his throat. “Is your suite to your taste?”

“It’s beautiful.” The suite is stunning, and far too grand for my needs, but I appreciate it nethertheless.

“Only the best for you.”

“It’s very generous of you. I would’ve been happy to have a standard room. This wedding is already costing you quite a substantial amount of money.”

He barks out a laugh. “I’m a billionaire, Harlow. I can afford it.”

“Even so…”

“Whatever you need, you just ask and I’m sure I’ll be able to accommodate you.”

Accommodate me? Why does that phrase seem soloaded?

“I don’t need anything, but thank you, that’s very… kind,” I reply, glad we’re on the phone and he can’t see how uncomfortable I’m suddenly beginning to feel.

“You’re going to be my daughter very soon–”

“Step-daughter,” I interject.

“Semantics,” he replies, before adding, “And I want you to feel part of the Blade family. Making sure you’re comfortable, that you have everything you need, is the least I can do.”

“Was there anything else?” I ask, wincing at how abrupt I sound. It must be the stress of organising the wedding, my mother’s constant digs, and the anxiety building inside of me from these messages I keep receiving. It’s not Robert’s fault I’m projecting. “Sorry, I’m a little tired, that’s all,” I add.

“That’s understandable, but there wasonemore thing.”

“Okay, shoot,” I say, aiming for lightheartedness to try and dispel this uncomfortable feeling brewing inside of me.

“My son…” His voice trails off, and I can practically see the scowl he must be wearing at the mention of his elusive child.

“Yes?”

“He’s decided that, in fact, he would like to be my Best Man.”

“He does?” That’s news to me, I hadn’t even realised he was attending the wedding given his name wasn’t on the guest list.

“He’s been home for a couple of weeks now, and let’s just say he’s seen sense.”

“A couple of weeks? I didn’t realise.”

“Perhaps it was remiss of me for not introducing the two of you earlier, but you’ve been so busy with the wedding and arranging your mother’s schedule, and given you both only arrived in Princetown a few days ago, I didn’t want to add any more pressure by introducing you to my son who can be…difficult.”

Difficult? Great, that’s all I need.

“I guess I’ll meet him tomorrow then?”

“Indeed, and given he’s had a change of heart, I’ll need you to arrange a boutonniere for him. Can you do that in time?”

“Of course, I will call the florist directly, and get them to deliver an identical one to yours tomorrow morning. That should be manageable.”

“Excellent, well, I shall see you in the morning then.”

“Of course… Oh, and Robert, you’ve never actually mentioned your son’s name. I’d feel awkward not knowing it given we’re meeting tomorrow for the first time.”

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