Total pages in book: 188
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
“Duly noted,” Seth said carefully. “I won’t apologize.”
Carl nodded. “You shouldn’t. Your love life is none of my business. If Heavenly and Beck make you happy, as far as I’m concerned, that’s all that matters.”
But his opinion wasn’t the one that mattered. Grace’s was. At least Carl wasn’t going to be a roadblock.
“If you knew,” Beck said slowly, “why didn’t you say something?”
“Didn’t want to start drama before the wedding,” Carl replied easily.
“Same reason we didn’t,” Seth offered. “She deserves to focus on her own wedding without worrying about us. I had Beck come because I wanted Mom to meet him before I sprang the truth on her. It would have been worse trying to convince her to accept a stranger.”
“You’re right. So…which of you two is engaged to Heavenly? Or was that a lie for your mother’s benefit?”
“No,” Beck put in so Seth wouldn’t feel so put on the spot. “We’re both engaged to her, and we’re looking for ways to cement our bond—legally, spiritually. Whatever we can manage.”
“Exactly.” Seth nodded. “Obviously, we’ll never be married in the Church, and I know that will be tough for Mom to take. But that’s our reality, and I’m okay with it.” His voice was steady, resolute. “I’ve done the big church wedding once. I don’t need that again because I know in my heart that what we have is real. Mom is going to have to be okay with that. One of us will marry Heavenly legally, but we haven’t decided who yet.”
Carl looked thoughtful. “Sounds like you three have thought this through.”
“Carefully,” Seth assured. “And…we’re trying to have a baby.”
Carl’s eyes widened with surprise. “You ready for that?”
Seth’s jaw tightened, but his gaze didn’t waver. “It’s been a struggle at times. I won’t lie. But I’m determined to embrace the future. This is the way forward.” He paused. “I hope my mom and my brothers can accept that—and the children we plan to have.”
Beck stood silent beside him, relieved to hear Seth laying his feelings bare without bullshit or reservation.
Seth outlined the rest of his plan—talking to his brothers during the reception, then sitting down with Grace on Monday.
“Have you had a chance to talk to her since my visit last month? Has she softened any after the twins’ situation?”
Carl hesitated. “Some, just enough for me to realize the wedding has consumed most of her waking thoughts. She’s barely thinking about Jack and Connor now. But once the distraction is over, she’ll start thinking about them again.”
Seth nodded like that was a fact. “Thank you for trying.”
“Sorry I couldn’t do more, but you know when that woman gets focused…”
“She’s singularly fixated, yes.” A smile tugged at Seth’s lips.
“Once you tell her, she’ll need time. But she’ll come around.” Carl clapped Seth’s shoulder, a tinge of a smile curling his lips. “Even Grace Cooper—soon-to-be-Mahoney—won’t be able to deny you’re building a life based on love—especially when the babies come. Your mother has been dying for more grandchildren.”
Seth smiled. “Yep. She hasn’t been shy about that.”
“Not even a little. So if she’s not okay with this threesome right now…well, a bundle of joy just might solve everything.”
Beck had to grin. “Trust me. We’re working on that. Judiciously.”
Carl winked. “I’m sure you are.”
Beck turned to Seth, and they fist-bumped. Relief was all over the big PI’s face.
Grace’s acceptance wasn’t guaranteed, but having Carl on their side… That was more than they’d had ten minutes ago.
“Thanks for listening,” Seth said solemnly. “And not judging.”
“Anytime. And if you’re going to…make more inroads toward that baby this morning, keep it down, huh? I’m getting married to a beautiful woman today.”
Then Carl started down the stairs, heading for the coffeemaker. As soon as he disappeared around the corner, Beck let out a pent-up breath. Beside him, Seth did the same.
“Holy shit,” Beck muttered. “That…went better than expected. At least you’ll have an ally.” Since Seth intended to face Grace without him or Heavenly by his side.
He understood the woman, but her beliefs couldn’t be the reason Seth became estranged from his family. He hoped like fuck she loved her son more than she hated the life he’d chosen.
“Thank fuck.” Seth slumped against the wall.
Behind Seth, Heavenly cracked the door to Seth’s room wrapped in a towel, water droplets beaded on her shoulders. Her gaze darted between them, concern creasing her brow. “What’s going on? I heard voices.”
Seth crossed to her and cupped her face, his voice quiet and steady. “Carl knows. About us.”
She gasped. “Oh, no. How did he find out?”
Beck winced. “He caught me leaving your room. But…he’s okay with it. In fact, I think everything is going to be all right.”
And for the first time since they’d arrived in New York, he actually believed that might be possible. At least he hoped so. Carl was in their corner. But after Seth confessed all, would that be enough?