Page 12 of Charmed By Destiny

“I never didn’t notice him,” Gabriel grumbled.

“Of course not, he’s beautiful and your soulmate,” Richard’s mother pointed out pragmatically.

Although Richard refused to say it aloud since he didn’t want to embarrass Gabriel, he thought it was cute the way the inspirit’s cheeks reddened at his own admission that he’d been unable to ignore Eric. One thing his little brother deserved was to have a man who unabashedly adored him, and he’d gotten that in Gabriel.

“Gabriel will pick things too,” Eric stated with an elbow nudge for his fiancé. “Won’t you?”

“We’ll decide everything together,” Gabriel assured him.

“Wait until Richard finds his soulmate, we’ll have the exact opposite problem,” his mother mused. “He’ll know exactly what he wants, and we’ll be scouring the globe to find something to match his vision.”

Richard had been honest with Maribeth and Eric about his desire to stay single forever, but he wasn’t brave enough to inform his parents about that decision. They wouldn’t approve. As soulmates, they believed true happiness for their children would follow that same path. Eric was excellent proof of that theory, but Richard had little in common with his sweet, accommodating, and kind brother.

“He’s never going to find his soulmate if he sits around the house every night,” Clark grumbled.

“Dad, I’m taking a break from going out,” Richard countered. “I have a career too, and I can’t do my job if I’m only managing a few hours of sleep every night. More power to those people that can, I have the utmost respect for it, but my body doesn’t run like that.”

“I don’t want you to give up on a social life,” his father replied. “Especially now that Maribeth has moved out.”

“She hasn’t even been gone a full day, Dad. Can we talk about something else?” Richard pleaded.

“Of course,” Rosalind replied. “Did our new inspirit decide yet where he wants to live or where he’d like to start at the casino?”

“We’re setting up a condo lease for him,” Gabriel stated. His green gaze landed on Richard. “Luke is interested in joining your team, Richard. I told him to report to you in the morning.”

A little spurt of excitement bubbled through Richard, which startled him. What was it about a handsome face that immediately had his hormones jumping to attention? Did he have to be that shallow?

“Our office has several open positions, we could use the help,” Richard remarked in what he hoped was a dispassionate tone, but he didn’t miss the way Eric’s eyes darted toward him. Richard did not want his brother studying him. Eric knew him too well and wouldn’t buy into his bullshit. If he sensed Richard had a speck of interest in Lucas, his lovely romantic heart would rev into full gear. Richard didn’t want to have to explain again why having a partner was out of the question.

“Can you squeeze in some time for me tomorrow?” his mother asked. “I’d love to meet Lucas, and we need to work on arrangements for the wedding.”

Eric frowned severely. “Again? So soon?”

“You aren’t invited,” Rosalind replied with pursed lips. “And I want you to show some excitement for this momentous step you’re taking in your life. I know you’re soulmates and that’s forever, so this wedding may seem silly, but it’s not. It’s a chance for us to celebrate the love you’ve found. Think of all the beautiful memories you’ll make together.”

“And the gorgeous pictures we’ll have of the two of you,” Richard added, already knowing his mother would sprinkle them throughout the house. He couldn’t wait.

“The pictures will be wonderful,” Eric conceded as he smiled dreamily at Gabriel.

Richard’s tender heart swelled as Gabriel leaned close and kissed Eric’s temple. What they had was so precious.

“Mom, I can certainly squeeze you in,” Richard said. “And Eric, you and Gabriel aren’t invited. We’re going to narrow down your choices to make things easier on you. We’ll give you some options and you can tell us if we’re heading in the right direction or if we need to start over.”

“Your guidance is appreciated,” Gabriel replied, relief written on his face. “I have no clue how to select things for a wedding.”

“I don’t even pick out my own clothes,” Eric added. “And Mom helped me design our room.”

“Don’t remind me, it was like pulling teeth to get that project finished,” their mother muttered. “No matter how many times we move, you never make it easier on me, Eric. It’s your little nesting spot, it should fill you with a sense of comfort.”

Eric sighed heavily, and Richard nearly chuckled at the distress on his face. His brother didn’t care about interior design or fashion, no matter if it pertained directly to him or not. “I know, Mom.”

“Let’s focus on the pleasant,” Clark threw in. “The wedding is about love and soulmates. It’ll take some work to put it together, but in the end, our family will have a wonderful day with memories that will last forever.”

“Beautifully said, Dad,” Richard remarked. “It’s going to be wonderful.”

“And now you’ll have another person on your team to help out,” Eric commented, his blue eyes meeting Richard’s. “Hopefully Lucas enjoys being involved in events so he stays permanently in your department.”

Richard stabbed a green bean with far more effort than necessary as his stupid brain yet again traveled to the gorgeous face he’d been immediately attracted to earlier that day. Lucas was dangerous to his peace of mind, but Richard would get over it. He was a professional, and Lucas was just another employee.

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