Page 78 of Tangled Trust

"My aunt is dying to meet you," I say to Carter while we’re on our way to lunch.

"I’d love to meet her too. Why doesn’t she pop over for a visit?"

"Would that be okay? I know you’re very busy at the moment. I didn’t want to presume."

"Of course. I’ll make time. I’d love it. That way, I can grill her for all your little secrets. Assuming you have any," he smirks.

If only you knew.

"She’s sworn to secrecy," I smile.

"Please, invite your aunt. I know how special she is to you."

"Anna wants to come along too. Talk about a British invasion."

"They’re welcome. I’ll send the jet to pick them up."

"Are you sure, Carter? That’s terribly generous of you."

"Of course. Nothing is too much for you, Jones."

There it is again. Jones. How the hell am I going to explain myself to this amazing man? I’ve been putting it off for so long now that I worry it’s too late to tell him. I have sleepless nights anticipating the backlash my secret will bring with it when it gets out.

"Thank you, Carter. You’re too good to me."

"That’s impossible."

I call Sue and Anna to tell them the good news. They’re blown away by Carter’s generosity. A private jet, no less. How very stuck up, quote, unquote.

I wonder how excited they would have been if I were pregnant by Sebastian. I, for one, would doubtlessly be positively suicidal. I can’t imagine sharing my life with that monster, never mind sharing a child with him. It’s a good thing this happened with Carter and not the man I managed to force out of my life.

Anna is right. I’ve sacrificed enough for that bastard. It’s my time to enjoy a season in the sun.

* * *

Amanda is in the house. I feel her presence like one would a malignant tumor or a wild creature lurking in the darkness. Oh, well. I guess now is as good a time as any to face her wrath.

I’ve been lucky up until now. I’ve managed to successfully dodge her face-to-face. But today is a new day, and I’m ready for her sharp tongue. I have nothing to cower over. Carter loves me, and I love him.

So why the hell are my palms clammy?

"Oh, hi, Ella."

What? Is she talking to me? Am I having a small stroke, or is Amanda smiling? It has to be a stroke.

"Uh, hi, Amanda. I’ll just fetch Jagger for you."

"Hang on. I’d like to talk to you if you have a moment."

Is this one of those candid camera shows? Is a director about to jump out from behind the curtain and yell cut?

"Sure."

What else can I say? I’m gobsmacked.

"I’d like to apologize, Ella."

WTF?

---