Page 75 of Final Chance At Love (Chance At Love Duet 2)

“Jesus,” I mumbled. “Is everyone coming this summer?”

My face must have shown shock and disbelief because he chuckled and added, “I know, I know. We’ll get it going so much faster together and you are not afraid to tell me when I am wrong.”

“That would be most of the time, Samuel,” I retorted dryly.

“C’mon, Gemma.” He actually thought it was a good idea. “Don’t you want to get it going as soon as possible?”

“I do, but there is such a thing as respecting people’s space and privacy,” I grumbled back. “How did you know where to come?”

“Kimberly told me,” he replied boyishly. “And I wanted to see you. I missed you. Aren’t you glad to see me?”

“I am. You should have really called though.” I couldn’t help but smile back at him. “Where are you staying?”

“I stayed in Zagreb for two nights and left this morning hoping to find you.”

“So you don’t have a hotel.” I said it as more of a statement than a question. He confirmed my suspicion with a shake of his head. “Well, that was dumb. All hotels are more than likely booked.”

He didn’t say anything so I just shook my head, amazed at his irresponsible behavior. “And we are starting a company together… you can stay here, but if I hear one complaint…” I didn’t finish the sentence, just stared at him threateningly. Maybe not that threatening since a big smile spread across his face.

“Thank you, Gemma,” he answered happily. “I knew you loved me.” He gave a challenging look to Kristoff.

“How did this summer get so out of hand?” I mumbled to myself. He heard me and smiled again. “Samuel, no agitating Kristoff, got it.” I felt horrible that it sounded like I was talking to a little boy or a dog.

He gave me his boyish smile and went to go introduce himself to the others.I swear if I wasn’t pregnant I would have a drink right now.

I glanced back to Kristoff and although he didn’t look happy to see Samuel, he didn’t look mad either. Hmmm, maybe some improvements?

Chapter Twenty-Four

The group decided we’d have dinner at my favorite restaurant on top of the hill that overlooked our cove and had the best view over the Adriatic. It made you feel like you were up in the clouds, looking down at the beautiful earth and the sea.

Going out for dinner worked out perfect because I felt tired and was not in the mood to be hosting nor catering to anyone else beyond my kids. Hmmm, maybe Kristoff too since he’d been charming at the beach trying to feel the babies. We didn’t have a moment alone since Samuel came and I couldn't help but wonder what he thought about my revelation yesterday and whether he brought up marriage because I was pregnant.

After we got back from the beach, I got the girls bathed and dressed.

Before I left to go get ready myself, they were all admiring themselves in the mirror.

As they noticed me looking at them, they all smiled but stayed in front of the large mirror.

“Look, Mommy... we are beautiful!” Saoirse exclaimed, not an ounce of modesty in her voice.

“Girls, really... you are going to turn vain if you continue looking at yourself in the mirror. And yes, you look beautiful.” My little ones turned around and came over for a hug.

“Ok, lovebugs,” I murmured while hugging them. “Go play.”

I smiled as they quickly left and I went to get myself ready. A quick shower, blow dry my hair, some mascara, and I was ready. My hair had gotten longer and even thicker with my pregnancy hormones helping out the situation. I put it into a high ponytail, quite happy how it kept hair out of my face, and highlighted my cheekbones. I pulled on the white strapless dress that fell just to my knees and flowed loosely around my body, highlighting my beach, suntan glow, and finished off the look with a simple pair of white, flat sandals.

I hurried down the stairs to the terrace where everyone was waiting. But I only noticed Kristoff and his gaze on me.

“Finally,” Betty exclaimed, as she saw me walk out of the terrace door. “Wow, Gemma.”

The little ones, along with Jack and Sienna, were chasing each other while Kristoff, Jonathan and Rick stood in a circle.

“What?” I laughed. “Not bad for a pregnant woman?”

“Everyone ready?” I looked around noticing Sophie and Samuel weren't here. “Are Sophie and Samuel coming too?”

“She went ahead of us,” Jonathan answered. “And who knows what Samuel is up to?”

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