“That will be a challenge,” Carol murmured. “But that’s not the reason I came. I realize it’s last-minute, but I, too, have been hard at work on my new home. Of course, it will never be as large or as impressive as this, but I like to think I’ve turned it into a stylish place. I’m having a little housewarming tomorrow night from seven to nine, and I insist that you and Brock join me.”
Elle blinked. “Tomorrow night?”
“I can’t believe you’re booked. I know Brock has only made one public appearance with you, so—”
Elle felt the stab of shame. Carol was insinuating that Brock was embarrassed by her, embarrassed that he’d married her. “I’ll have to ask him. He’s been swamped at work.”
Carol shot her a sympathetic but knowing gaze. “As he always will be. Do try to drag him away for just a little while tomorrow night. I’d like him to see my new residence. It would be embarrassing to me if he didn’t attend. I’m counting on you,” she said and smiled. “Good luck on the photo memorial. Such a sweet gesture. Ta-ta for now.”
Elle broke the news about his mother’s “invitation” when Brock finally arrived home that night and was eating a late dinner.
He paused, midbite. “You’ve got to be kidding. Of all the ways I want to spend my nonexistent spare time, that is not one of them.”
“I know,” she said. “But she’s your mother and it’s not as if we’ll have to stay the entire time.”
He clenched his jaw. “Nothing good ever comes of being with her.”
Elle laughed under her breath. “You can’t say that. After all, your father created you and Flynn by being with her.”
Brock rolled his eyes. “Well, since then,” he amended. “I don’t understand why you’re taking her side on this.”
Elle shrugged. “It’s not a side. She’s your mother, your only living parent.”
Brock was silent for a long moment. “It makes you think about your mother and her health issues.”
“I don’t want you to have regrets,” Elle said. “Your mother may be a pain in the butt, however, she did give birth to you. And who knows what really went on between your father and mother? Even you’ve said he took her for granted.”
“Okay, we’ll go for a half hour,” he said.
Elle nodded, thinking about the little stabs Carol had taken at her during their conversation.
“You’re too quiet,” Brock said, studying her.
She took a sip of sparkling water, not wanting to reveal her insecurities.
“What is it?” he demanded. “What else did she say?”
“She wasn’t here that long,” Elle said.
“Long enough to cause trouble. What else did she say?”
Feeling pinned against the wall, Elle lifted her shoulders. “She just made a point of saying that you and I hadn’t made but one public appearance. I was probably reading something into it.”
“Such as?” he asked.
“That you’re embarrassed by me,” she said and bit her lip.
Brock rolled his eyes. “You’ve got to be kidding.”
“Well, you have to admit we married quickly. And I’m pregnant. And I used to be your assistant. These are all the kinds of things that make for conversation,” she said.
“Gossip, you mean,” he corrected. “The reason I’ve turned down invitations was to give us a chance to get used to the idea of being married. I especially didn’t want you to have any additional pressure. You’ve gone through enough during the last few months.”
“So, you’re not ashamed of me?” she asked.
He shook his head. “Just very protective.”
A ripple of pleasure and excitement raced through her at the hard expression on his face. Elle had never had a man in her life so determined to protect her, and it was something she’d secretly longed for as long as she could remember. Brock’s devotion touched a core part of her and she wondered how much longer she would be able to keep herself from expressing her love for him. And when she did, would it be a treasure or burden?
Elle dressed carefully as she prepared for her mother-in-law’s housewarming. She didn’t want to feel self-conscious, but she had a feeling that nothing she wore was going to change that. She fixed her hair for the third time and dabbed on some lip gloss.
“You look beautiful,” Brock said from the doorway. “Can we get this over with?”
Elle smothered a laugh at his impatience. “Thank you and yes,” she said, walking toward him.
She liked the way her blue silk dress flowed over her body. It felt like a lovely whisper echoing down to the tops of her knees.