Georgia’s POV
I swear, for a second I thought I misheard her. Ella? My ride-or-die Ella? Doubting Liam? Of all people?
I blinked at her, clutching my teacup like it could shield from being dragged into the middle of a soap opera I absolutely did not sign up for. Liam is my brother-in-law. Ella is my best friend. I refuse to choose between them. I’d rather fight a wild raccoon.
"W-Why are you thinking like that?" Vicky asked before I could. Bless her soul. Good thing she did, so I don’t have to. "Did he do sothing? Like... aside from both of you being busy? Because if it’s work, I can vouch that Liam’s company has been slamd lately. The shipnts from Nick’s new ships are being routed through their logistics, and he upgraded half his branches. That’s a lot. Is it really just the lack of ti that got you doubting him?"
Thank you, Vicky. Truly. I will send her a gift one day for saving from that minefield.
Ella inhaled shakily. "There was... one ti," she said. "Before the wedding. We were in his car, and soone called. A woman."
My grip on my mug tightened.
"He had his Bluetooth connected to his car," she continued. "Her na popped up. He cancelled the call. She kept calling. He kept cancelling." She rubbed her forehead, visibly distressed. "I told him to answer it, maybe it was important, or the person would not call him so eagerly. He looked... tense. Like he was deciding if he should follow my advice or not. She called again, and he finally answered using his earbuds, and not the car’s speaker."
"And?" Vicky asked, leaning forward like she was watching a thriller.
"He told her he was driving ho. And the woman hung up. That’s it. No explanation. No callback. Nothing." Ella threw her hands up helplessly. "It shouldn’t have bothered , but the way he reacted... My gut yelled louder than my brain that he was hiding sothing from ."
"Did you ask him about it?" Vicky asked gently.
Ella shook her head, and a lone tear slipped down her cheek. Vicky imdiately scooted closer to wipe it.
anwhile, I sat between them, holding my cup like it was the last piece of sanity I owned.
"No," Ella whispered. "I want to. But I’m scared. What if he says he doesn’t want ? What if he breaks up with before he even says he loves ? I’m not ready for that."
"Ella," Vicky said, soft but firm. "I’m not a relationship expert, but you need to talk to him. Not because he’s my brother, but because I know him. Liam is not a womanizer. He’s boringly loyal and all work. Unlike Reagan or Nick." She whipped her head toward . "No offense, Georgia. I an before you."
"None taken," I said quickly because... fair enough, I know Nick’s history.
Vicky continued, "The only girl Liam ever introduced to us was his high school girlfriend. And that was centuries ago. She’s happily married with kids now, living sowhere snowy. I genuinely think you should tell him your worries. Let him explain before your brain invents a whole Netflix series of worst-case scenarios."
Ella sniffed, nodding slowly.
anwhile, I took a sip of my drink and just stared alternately between them.
Vicky wrapped her in a warm, sisterly hug, an emotional, gentle mont that lasted exactly three seconds.
Because our bedroom door suddenly slamd open like soone was reenacting an action movie. Loud with a thud.
The tiny tornado has awakened.
"Mommy!" Katie squealed before launching herself towards the living room. "Aunt Ella! Aunt Vicky!" She waved her arms like she was greeting fans at a concert.
"Good morning, love," I said, pulling her onto my lap before she could sprint away and break her face. "Is Daddy still sleeping?"
"Nope!" she announced proudly. "He’s on the phone with Grandpa. He woke up because I have to go to Nanna Wendy and get ready for the move out." She said.
I nodded. "Alright, go to Nanna. I’ll get ready, too."
Right on cue, Wendy appeared after hearing Katie’s voice.
I turned to Ella and grabbed her hands. "Ella, I love you, both of you." I glanced between her and Vicky. "You’re my family. But Vicky’s right. Talk to Liam. Find out what’s actually happening. And then tell everything later, okay? I just need to get ready. Feel free to roam around and do whatever you want."
"We ca early to help," Ella said. "Just tell us what to do. It would help get my mind off negative thoughts, too."
Wendy, unsurprisingly, answered before I could even inhale. "You can cook our lunch if you want."
Ella stood up so fast she looked like soone hit fast-forward. "Cooking it is!"
Vicky raised her hand next. "Wendy, I can help Katie get ready so you can finish packing."
Wendy’s whole face lit up. "That would be wonderful, dear. Most things are already packed, but there are still a few bits left. So yes—absolute blessings from heaven, both of you."
I dragged myself toward our bedroom, still half-asleep and half-awakened by my honey lemon ginger tea. When I pushed the door open, I found Nick sitting on the bed, back resting against the headboard, phone held up in front of him.
He was still on a video call with his father.
I swear, Benjamin always looked like he was one dramatic sigh away from scolding the entire universe. But today? He had this suspiciously bright smile, as he had already done sothing mischievous.
"Good morning, Dad," I greeted, slipping onto the bed beside Nick.
"Oh! Georgia!" Benjamin practically glowed. "Good morning, dear!"
"Dad?" I squinted. "Why are you smiling like that?"
I leaned closer to the screen and noticed the background... which was not their mansion.
No. It was our new house.
"Wait—are you at the new place already?" I asked.
Benjamin puffed up proudly. "Of course! Your mother woke up at five a.m., insisting we had to ’help the kids settle in.’ Next thing I knew, we were in the car."
In the distance, Prudence’s voice chid in, "Tell Georgia I brought the bougainvilleas she likes! And the philodendrons! And the orchids! And the—Benjamin, move, I can’t see her!"
Benjamin sighed like a defeated soldier and shifted the phone to the side. Prudence waved energetically, practically glowing. "Sweetheart! I can’t wait for you to see the plants! I’m arranging them now. They’re going to look amazing by the windows."
I blinked. "Mom... how many plants did you bring?"
Prudence shrugged innocently. "Just a few."
Benjamin leaned toward the cara. "She filled the van. I couldn’t even sit properly."
Nick pinched the bridge of his nose with a smile. "Mom, Dad, we’ll be there soon. We need to get ready."
Prudence blew a kiss. Benjamin gave a dignified nod. Then Nick said his goodbyes and ended the call.
The mont the screen went dark, I slid closer and wrapped my arms around him, burying my face into his shoulder.
"Can we cuddle for a bit?" I murmured. "I’m feeling lazy."
Nick chuckled, deep and warm. He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. "Baby... we have to get ready."
I tightened my hold in protest.
He cupped my jaw gently and leaned closer, lowering his voice to that teasing, sinful tone that absolutely did not help my laziness. "If we cuddle now," he whispered, "I might do sothing to you..."
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