I can feel everyone’s eyes on us.
I know my brother is waiting to corner me, and I’m not even sure what I’m going to tell him. The reality is I owe it to Isaac to talk to him about everything first, but this isn't the time.
At least the party is starting to die down, and I’m thankful Dasher can’t grill me on what’s going on. More than anything I want a moment alone with Isaac because people keep stealing looks our way. I’m sure the gossip is already spreading.
“I should check on Rae,” I tell Isaac, ready to make some kind of escape.
“I could use a cookie.” He gives me a soft smile, making my insides flutter. The more time I spend with him, the more those dark clouds in his eyes begin to fade. And maybe I’m starting to relax a little too.
Isaac hasn't put together that Rae is his. Or if he has, he hasn't said anything. My best guess is that like the rest of the world, he thinks she’s Paul’s. I hate that. I really do, but again, it’s not really the time.
I don’t think Isaac wants to find out he’s a dad when a dozen other people are around to witness it. I’m sure it’s going to be a giant shock to him, and I have no idea how he’s going to react to that news. He might hate me, and I don’t know that I can blame him. If someone kept my daughter from me, I’d hate them too. What a mess I’ve made of things.
“Paul didn't tell you about Rae?” I ask, and he shakes his head. His jaw flexes each time Paul’s name is mentioned and even though it’s subtle, I catch it.
“She’s a beautiful little girl. She looks just like you.”
I smile and duck my head to hide my blush. It’s silly because he’s already had his face between my thighs tonight. Him saying I’m beautiful shouldn't make me feel shy, but his gaze on me makes me weak.
There are so many things I want to ask him, but when we enter the kitchen I spot Rae, and all of my questions dissolve in my mouth. Most of the catering people have cleared out, and she’s sitting at the counter with Dasher and Eve. They both look my way, and I know they’ve got their own curiosities burning under the surface.
“I saved you a frosted one.” Rae holds up a cookie, and her eyes bounce right over to Isaac. I don’t think she’s ever seen me close to a man before. “You can have one too,” she tells him as she reaches for another and holds it out to him.
“Thank you.” He takes the cookie from her and then bites off a big chunk. He watches her for a moment, and my stomach tightens just as Rae interrupts my thoughts.
“Aunt Eve is pregnant again!” she squeals in excitement that I’m sure has everything to do with the amount of sugar she’s ingested tonight. Soon enough she’s going to crash from that high and be out like a light.
“Really?” I ask as I look to see Dasher’s hand resting on her stomach. I had a feeling she might be.
“Yes, I’m not far along so we’re not telling anyone. Well, except you guys.” Eve waves her hand.
“Oh.” Rae covers her mouth, realizing she spilled a secret.
“It’s fine, sweetheart.” Eve kisses her cheek and gives her a cuddle.
“I asked Mommy for a brother or sister for Christmas. You think Santa misunderstood and put the baby inside you?”
Both Eve and I try to smother our laughter.
“I told you, honey. That’s not how it works,” I manage to say.
“I know.” She gives me a very dramatic eye roll. “You need a husband.” She looks back over at Isaac, who has polished off his cookie. “Are you married?” Everything inside of me freezes.
There were many nights I lay in bed wondering where Isaac might be and what he might be doing. For all I knew he had a wife, but I hadn't seen a ring on his finger. Maybe it was foolish thinking, but I didn’t get the feeling he was the type of man to cheat.
“Not married.” He gives her a half-smile. “Yet.” He winks as Rae’s eyes widen.
“I think that’s enough talk of marriage,” my brother cuts in. He’s protective, and I get it. I don’t have a good track record when it comes to men, and he’s had to save me once before.
“Dasher,” Maggie calls as she carries their son into the kitchen. “He’s awake.” She walks over, placing the baby in Dasher’s arms, and my brother relaxes for the first time since he laid eyes on Isaac.
“See how adorable babies are?” Rae says, staring right at Isaac.
Oh my god. I can’t believe her right now. She must really want a sibling more than I thought.
“They are, and it's clear your mom makes beautiful ones too.”
Rae giggles, and I melt. “This is true,” she agrees.
“Are you ready to tuck in for the night?” Maggie asks Rae, but she gives me a look. If it wasn’t for Isaac I’d tell her I can do it, but instead I nod so she can put her to bed tonight. “I found batteries for your robot guy,” she adds quickly before Rae can say she’s not tired yet.
“Yes!” She jumps up from the stool too fast, and her foot snags on one of the metal bars on the base. She starts to fall, but Isaac moves and catches her quickly.
“Be careful,” I call out as he puts her on her feet.
“Sorry, Mommy.”
After I give her a kiss, she grabs Isaac’s legs and hugs him tight. I stand there shocked as I watch it happen.
“Thanks,” she says, bouncing off to hug Dasher and Eve next before leaving the four of us standing there.
“So…” Dasher starts.
“No, not tonight. She’s a grown woman. She can have a man in her room if she wants,” Eve cuts in. God, I love her.
“My intentions with Jillian are good,” Isaac says anyway.
His arm snakes around my waist, and he tucks me into his side. I lean into him because it feels so damn right. I don’t know what it is, but there’s always been something about him that is meant to be. Even when I think back to that night we had together, I don’t regret it. It gave me Rae.
“She’s a very rich woman.” My brother's words sting a bit. I know he doesn’t say it to hurt me, but I still have my own lingering insecurity about that. I know that’s why Paul locked his claws into me, but again, I can’t regret him either because he too had a hand in me having Rae. If it wasn’t for our wedding day, I might have never met Isaac.
“I said not tonight,” Eve snaps. It’s not a tone she uses often, but when she does, everyone stands up a bit straighter.
“I’m a very rich man,” Isaac says blandly. “I don’t need her bank account. I only need her.”
Emotion starts to creep up my throat, and I can’t help but wonder, if this is how he felt, then why did he disappear?
“Good,” Eve says with a bright smile, trying to ease the tension.
“We’ll talk tomorrow,” I say to Dasher, wanting to break away and be alone now that I know Maggie has Rae for the night.
There are so many things to say, but all I really want is Isaac’s mouth on me. More than anything, I need to get lost in him again before I have to face the things I’ve done.
“I didn’t catch your last name,” Dasher says as we’re walking out of the kitchen.
“Not tonight,” I answer, and Eve smirks. I have no doubt my brother wants to dig up everything he can on Isaac. “Isaac is staying the night. Like I said, we can talk tomorrow.”
We walk out of the room, and I lead Isaac up the stairs. For once I’m taking exactly what I want.