Page 52 of Resisting the Billionaire

She looks back and forth between us, grinning.

“I sent the invitations, but I haven’t received any replies,” Mackenzie says, playing along. “They were made of pure gold and pretty heavy, though, so they might take a while to arrive.”

Her eyes widen. “Really? What’s Gabe’s wife like? Is she a princess?”

Not my wife. Not yet.

Mackenzie takes a moment to consider her question. “Serena is quiet, shy, and one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met.”

A technicality. I’d rather have Mackenzie’s warmth over Serena’s cold beauty any day.

“I picked a princess gown for her. Would you like to see it?”

Kaia nods excitedly as Mackenzie cautiously takes a seat at the end of the bed and holds out her phone, the little girl oohing and aahing over it, the two of them discussing something about lace and tulle and organza.

I lean over to look at what they’re talking about, but Mackenzie hastily pushes me away. “You’re not allowed to see the dress. It’s bad luck.”

Kaia giggles, and I hold back the sarcastic comment that wants to fly free. I hardly think seeing a dress is the thing that will doom this marriage. Serena and I will do that just fine on our own, thank you very much.

I cross my arms and relax in my seat, watching the two of them, content to listen to their chatter, knowing it’s a topic I can’t provide any input on. Kaia and I usually debate who would win in a fight - Batgirl or Supergirl? And if we throw Wonder Woman in the mix, all bets are off.

The point of all this is to take Kaia’s mind off her upcoming procedure, a respite from the terrible luck life’s dealt her.

They end up looking at other wedding gowns on her phone, Kaia fully absorbed as Mackenzie teaches her about the different styles. I had no idea Kaia was so interested in something like this, but then again, she’s an eight year old girl. And dresses aren’t exactly my forte.

Across the hall, Ruby snaps on a fresh pair of gloves as she lifts a young boy in his bed more upright so he can eat, speaking in soft tones to him. He appears weather-beaten, his eyes two hollow sockets in a thin face as he refuses the tray of food in front of him. I’ve spoken to him before, but I can’t remember his name. Maybe if I brought in something other than the bland hospital meals they provide, it would tempt him to eat. I’ll have to ask one of the nurses what his dietary restrictions are.

Down the hall, a frantic beeping has several nurses rushing past us, Ruby included, and I grip the arms of my chair so I won’t give in to the urge to follow. That’s not what I’m here for. My job is to lift spirits, not get in the way of professionals who actually know what they’re doing.

After another ten minutes, Kaia’s mom returns, smoothing her hand down her daughter’s cheek in an absent-minded gesture of affection. I remember my mother doing the same, a brief ache forming in my chest as I watch Kaia smile up at her. “Is it time?”

“Yes, baby.”

Ruby comes over with a wheelchair to wheel Kaia away, her mom following close behind.

Mackenzie watches them go with a somber expression, rubbing at her sternum. “Is it always so… heartbreaking?”

“You get used to it.”

I guide her over to some of the other kid’s beds, introducing her around, where she quickly gains the moniker of Wedding Lady. She doesn’t seem to mind, though, as she shows a few other girls dresses on her phone, delighted to answer their questions.

I’m happy to defer all matters regarding my upcoming nuptials to her, spending my own time talking to the boys who aren’t interested in weddings.

After another hour and a half, it’s time for us to leave and I escort her back toward the elevator.

“That was so…” She searches for the right word as we make our way out of the hospital. “Fulfilling,” she finally settles on. “Even though I didn’t really do anything.”

“I know exactly what you mean. But sometimes the simplest things are the best. Someone to talk to. To laugh with. To listen.”

“And your brothers have never wanted to visit with you?”

I sigh. “Connor’s in the Philippines right now. Otherwise, he probably would. And Archer… I honestly don’t know if he would see the point. He’s turning more and more into Dad every year.”

We wait at the curb as Davis pulls the town car around in front of us, and I usher Mackenzie inside, glad she’s too distracted to refuse a ride back to her office.

“What was it like growing up together?”

I tap on the glass divider to indicate to Davis to go, considering her question. “Mom was good about realizing we were two separate people with different personalities and interests. But being only a year apart, it was hard for Dad not to compare us. And with Archer the older one, he was obviously always ahead of me. It caused some resentment issues for sure, I’ll be the first to admit that. I didn’t like constantly being found lacking and eventually gave up trying to impress Dad.”

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