Page 33 of Once Upon a Royal Billionaire

“Glad someone is happy about all this.”

“I’ve been dying for the world to see you ski again. Now they’re gonna finally know what Mountain Blue is all about.”

A lump grew in her throat as she listened to Rhett’s sincere support. How had she ever come to deserve such respect from him. “I love you, Rhett.”

He stepped closer. “I suspect that just slipped out, and that you’re thinking you meant it in the most brotherly way possible. But, Em, when I say those same words to you, you’ll know that not only do I mean it in every way, but that it is an emotion so powerful it commands my very breath.”

Her eyes widened, and the hand that rested on his arm gripped his shirt tighter.

His gaze lingered on hers for long enough that she had no doubt of his sincerity, and then he turned to greet the other guys. He talked to Carlson as they waited for Milo to be discharged.

At length, Milo was wheeled out, and they were all on their way back to the lake. Milo would sit out for the competition, and Em would be taking his spot.

Rhett took the rest of the day off to train with them. At least, that’s what he said. But Emily suspected he was there to watch her ski. They piled into the Mountain Blue boat one more time as Milo watched from shore.

But before they could turn on the engine, Emily’s phone rang. It was a number she didn’t recognize. She waved for the guys to wait. “Hello?”

“Emily. It’s good to hear your voice.”

She gasped, and an awful cold feeling seeped into her chest. “How did you get this number?”

“Hey, relax. I’m just calling to talk about some issues with Lily. The school gave me your number so we could talk through their concerns.”

“What issues? What are you talking about?” There was no way the school had given out her number.

“You always were super emotional. Take some deep breaths, there’s a girl.”

Emily had a strange feeling that other people were listening to at least his half of the conversation. “What are you doing?”

“They are concerned about our little girl, said that some of her behavioral issues stem from having no father figure in her life—”

“What are you talking about? My dad is her father figure, and he sees her every day. Who is concerned?” Her alarm rose, as did her frustration with the obviously made up garbage spewing from her ex’s mouth.

“Well, judging by some of her behavior, they’re thinking that perhaps that’s not good enough. That her real father might need to step in.”

“How are you talking to the school about her? That is strictly forbidden in our court order.”

“Seriously, Em. You gotta calm down. You don’t want another episode like the one you had.”

“What episode? I have never had anything even loosely defined as an episode. Just remember one thing, Jackson. You aren’t allowed within sight of her. And if you try anything, I’m chasing your butt back to jail.”

“And here come the threats. Look it was nice to talk to you, too. We’ll work on a civil way to help our little girl get what she needs. Bye now.”

Emily’s heart pounded in anxious rage. “How dare he!” She clutched her hands together until they turned white.

Carlson’s lips were pressed into a tight line. “Was that Jackson?”

She nodded, a sick fear growing in her gut.

“What is it? What’s the matter?” Rhett moved to sit at her side, visibly alarmed at her discomfort.

“Well, her ex is about the lowest cretin we’ve ever heard of. And it sounds like she just got a call from him. That about explains it.”

Emily fought for control over her emotions. She needed their help, and she needed to ask for it without bursting into tears. “He’s trying to get Lily.”

“What!” Carlson stood up, his nostrils flaring. “Like the courts are gonna grant him any kind of custody.”

“He’s saying the school thinks she needs a father’s influence. But how would he even know?”

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