Page 90 of The Bargain

“Perfect. I will go meet them in the hall. Could you please inform Mr. Beaumont?”

He bowed and left the room.

I turned toward Mrs. James.

“You go, Miss,” she said. “Everything is ready and I’ll tell the chef guests are starting to arrive.”

“Thanks again, Mrs. James.”

“My pleasure.”

I walked into the hall to find Dee and Raoul looking around in awe.

When Dee turned around at the sound of my shoes on the marble floor, Timmy started to babble in excitement overseeing one of his favorite people.

“Look who’s here Timmy? Aunty Dee and Uncle Raoul.”

“Oh my God,” Dee marveled as we stopped in front of her. “You look well,” she said to me, giving me a half hug. “And you.” She stole Timmy from my arms and hugged him tightly. “You look like the little man you are.”

I hugged Raoul.

He pinched my cheek. “Country life suits you, m’hija. I like this look on you.”

Dee grinned up at me. “He is a dashing little boy.”

“He’s got good genes,” I said. His uncle looked like a gift from the gods.

“Uh-huh.” Dee looked behind me and I didn’t even need to turn around to know who was there. I could feel his eyes on my skin. “And how are things?” she asked. I knew what she meant. She hadn’t been convinced I was making the right choice when I’d decided to give him another chance.

“Better than I could have ever hoped for.”

Dean came to stand behind me, resting his hands on my shoulders, making me shiver.

“Dee, Raoul - I’ve heard so much about you. I’m so pleased to meet Amber’s family. Thank you for coming.”

Raoul nodded with a smile. He was a man of little words, but that was perfect as Dee probably talked enough for both of them.

“Yes, likewise.” Dee arched a brow. “You seem to be good for my girl.”

“I’m certainly endeavoring to.” He quickly kissed the top of my head.

“Please, let’s go to the sunroom; my sister just texted to say she’ll be here in the next few minutes.”

Raoul extended a small bag to me. “A present for the little prince.”

I gave him another hug, feeling emotional. Dean had been right; they were my family.

We’d just sat down at the table when Lea, Susan, and Jeremy walked in.

Lea and Susan gushed over the star of the day. Jeremy waved at me before sitting next to Dee, who was treating him like a star for what he’d done for Timmy.

I looked at Dean who was standing beside the gift table and looking at us all with a small smile.

I waited for him to meet my eyes before gesturing to the seat beside me.

He beamed and the fact that I could so easily bring him joy, made me happy.

After sitting down, he leaned toward me. “If you only knew what this dress does for me,” he whispered, his hot breath making me shiver.

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