Conception (The Wellingtons #4) - Tessa Teevan Page 0,130
need Wellington Enterprises for when I have you?”
His father chokes.
“Kidding, Dad. Promise. I’m not going anywhere,” I insist before turning to Amelia.
“That’s cool, babe. It changes nothing.”
“I wouldn’t expect it to.”
He leans down, about to press a kiss to my lips, but then Kate takes my arm and plucks me out of his. The incensed expression on Knox’s face is worth missing the kiss.
“Did Knox ever tell you about his ancestor who came over from England?” she asks. “He wasn’t aristocracy, of course. Quite the opposite actually. He’s how the family got the Wellington name.” She sighs. “It’s such a dreamy story.”
“I’d love to hear it.”
We spend the next two hours on the back patio, enjoying wine spritzers, the fresh air, and the occasional baby cooing while Branson rests in a portable crib. Kate’s a fabulous storyteller and I can’t wait to hear all the tales she’ll one day make up for Branson.
“I’m so glad he found you, Amelia. I’ve never seen him this happy. Knox has always had his life figured out. So rigid, so stubborn. Nothing could change his path. What he needed the most was a wrench thrown into that.”
“I’ve never been likened to a tool, but I’ll take it,” I tell her, unsure if it’s the wine or her easy acceptance that makes me say what’s on my mind.
“The Knox I knew a year ago would’ve had a conniption if he found out he had a son he didn’t know about. With Branson? Not a single hesitation. And that’s because of you. Any other woman, I honestly believe he’d be there, providing for his child, but I don’t think he’d be so quick to offer marriage. He only did it with you because he loves you.”
“I love him, too. I never thought I’d be here. I wanted Knox to know. I truly did. But after the letter went unanswered, I lost hope. When he showed up in the hospital, I thought I was having a dream.”
She smiles. “That letter. His father and I should’ve asked him. We just naturally assumed the letter was written to my Knox. What woman would write my son at the company when she could’ve easily found him on campus? Oh well. It all ended just as it should. And here we are. A new daughter-in-law and grandbaby. I’m so happy our family’s expanding.”
“As am I.”
Kate leans forward and pats my hand. “I would never presume to take the place of your parents, but I hope you know I’ll always be here for you. Whatever you need. Even if you need to vent about my son being an ass. Knowing how he takes after his father, I’m sure that’ll happen quite often.”
I laugh and wipe away hot tears at the same time. “It already does. And I love him for it.”
“It’s Wellington magic. They can piss you off until you’re seething and then fix it all in the next breath. It’s rather annoying, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
I have a feeling, twenty years from now, my sentiments will be the same. I just hope Knox and I are blessed enough to give Branson siblings to grow up with. The thought of more babies twists my stomach into knots. I’m still in awe at how much my life has changed in the last year.
I’m getting married.
Branson grasps my hair and tugs as if he’s emphasizing my thoughts. I gaze down at my son in disbelief that this is my life.
This is our life.
How the hell did I get so lucky?
I fixate my gaze on Amelia as she walks down the makeshift aisle in my parents’ backyard. She’s a vision in white lace, her long, blond hair flowing down her back in curls I can’t wait to wrap my hands in.
The ceremony’s a blur. I can’t take my eyes off her, my wife, as we promise to love and honor each other forever.
After hours of food, drink, and dancing at our reception, I whisk Amelia away from the estate. I’m eager to be alone with my wife.
“Knox, where are we going? Did you get a hotel suite for the night? What about Branson?”
“You already put him to bed, wife. He’s staying with my parents.” I glance over at her, not missing the worried expression in her eyes. “If that’s okay with you?”
“It’s okay with me. There’s plenty of milk for him. Your mom will call if she needs anything?”