Page 98 of The Billionaire's Baby
He nods toward Karina, "I’m Philippe, Arpad’s father. I’m happy to welcome you into my family." He turns to me, "And you? Why are you here?"
"It’s nice to see you," I snap.
Karina draws in a sharp breath. I ignore her. So perhaps I should have warned her a little about our family dynamics, but if I had, she’d have never agreed to this arrangement. Besides, nothing like full immersion, all at once, right? Get thrown off the deep end and you have no choice but to swim.
Footsteps approach, then my younger brother appears at my father’s shoulder, "You made it," he drawls, then he glances at Karina, "and this is…"
"Karina," my father replies, "his wife."
"Wife?" He blinks, then turns to her. "You actually agreed to marry him?" His lips curl. "Will wonders never cease? My brother, the asshole, confirmed bachelor, finally meets his match, then?"
"The obnoxiousness is a family trait, then?" Karina scowls at him.
My brother seems surprised, then he chuckles. His features split into a grin.
"You’re Declan Beauchamp, the film actor," she states.
He tilts his head, "Guilty as charged."
He holds out his hand and Karina takes it. He turns her palm over then presses his lips to her knuckles, "Welcome to our dysfunctional family. I promise you’ll never find things boring here."
I stiffen at that little gesture, then place my arm around Karina. Declan straightens. He stares between us and his grin grows wider. I glare down at where he still holds Karina’s hand in his, then at his face. He laughs, but releases her hand.
"I assume you just got married?" He straightens. "Shouldn’t you be on your honeymoon, or," he turns to me, "did you decide it was best to get the family drama out of the way upfront before you head off?"
"Family drama?" She squints at him.
My father shoots him a sideways glance. "That’s enough, Declan." He steps aside. "I suppose you had better come in."
I purse my lips. "Never let it be said that you were lacking in manners, Father."
Karina hesitates, and I guide her forward with a hand on the small of the back. She glances over her shoulder, "The luggage—"
"The staff will get it," I reply.
She nods, follows my brother as he leads the way into the spacious living room. The sliding doors at the far end open onto the garden. In front of it, in an armchair, is the woman who’s the primary reason for this charade.
Karina’s steps slow, and I walk past her to reach the other woman. I sink down to my knee in front of her, take her slim hand in mine, "Grandmama," I say, "how are you?"
Her face splits in a huge smile. "Arpad, my boy." She frames my face with her palms, then leans forward and kisses my forehead. "It’s wonderful to see you." She leans back and peers into my features, "You look good." Her forehead wrinkles. "Something’s different about you."
"It is?"
She nods, "I can’t put my finger on it, but you seem... Happier? More content?"
"Maybe it’s because he’s gotten married since we last saw him?" Declan’s voice sounds from behind me.
"Married?" Grandmama gasps at the same time that I shoot him a dirty look over my shoulder.
"Thanks for nothing," I growl.
Declan chuckles, "I aim to please, bro."
Karina walks up to stand next to me. "I’m Karina," she says, "I’m his—"
"Wife." Grandmama holds out her hand and Karina takes it. "Help me up," Grandmama commands.
I straighten to help her and she waves me away. "Karina will help me," she declares.
