“So you really aren’t going to be marrying Landon?” Tess asks.
“Well, we aren’t really engaged. We clearly can’t get married if he’s never actually asked me. And right now I’m not sure if he’ll forgive me for my lies. I made a mess of everything.”
Right then, Brandon enters the sitting room with an announcement.
“Excuse me, but I wanted to inform you that a party of five has just arrived.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Landon
We slept the night away, and by the time we land in Heathrow, get into a car, and start back to my parent’s home, we’re all pretty hopped up with anticipation.
Sophia bounces in her seat while Eva points out the window at the double buses, Big Ben, and the London Eye. And then, as we leave the city, the countryside stretches out before us and everyone seems to sink into their seats, instantly relaxed with the greenery, something the Vegas natives in this car never see.
“Where are you from, McQueen?” Eva asks as we drive along.
“Kansas City, ma’am,” he says. “I’m a long way from home.”
“That’s where Dorothy is from, and Toto too,” Sophia says.
“Something like that,” McQueen says, smiling. “Jack, though, is from New York; that’s the big leagues.”
“Oh, I want to go to New York one day,” Sophia says, her eyes bright.
“And why’s that?” I ask her.
“Because that’s where miracles happen, on 34th Street.”
“She knows her movies,” I say to Eva.
“Yes, just like her mama.”
I smile, ignoring the reality that I had no bloody clue Claire loves to watch films. There’s so much I don’t know about her ... so much I need to learn.
How many things are necessary to know about the person you commit to spending your life with? Do you need to know details about favorite colors, favorite shows, favorite books? Or is knowing a person’s heart enough?
I’m banking on the latter.
“That castle is so gorgeous, so unexpected,” Eva says, looking out the window once more.
“That’s my parent’s home, actually,” I tell her. “Let’s see if there are any princesses about, shall we?” I ask Sophia.
“And Mama’s here?” she asks.
“She is.”
“I’m so glad you’re her friend,” she tells me. “Landon, you should be her BFF.”
“Just because of my parents’ place?” I ask. “I don’t think we should pick friends based on their homes.”
“No, silly. You should be her best friend forever because you’re so wonderful.” She smiles, dimples poking out of her ridiculously cute cheeks, her bright eyes beaming at me.
I’m bloody over my head for this whole lot.
I need to get a grip, before I step foot inside the house. For some reason it feels like I’m starting the first day of the rest of my life.
And I just hope that life involves Claire.
When we enter the house, Brandon quickly announces our arrival, while Sophia and Eva head to the loo. McQueen and Jack whistle low as they enter the foyer.
“Holy shit, man, your parents are loaded,” McQueen says.
“Were loaded. Remember, that’s what started a lot of this mess? The impending bankruptcy.”
“It’s all covered though, bro,” Jack says, fist bumping me. “We got your back.”
When Eva and Sophia return, the five of us head down the hall to the sitting room. Eva takes everything in, her face in awe the same way Claire’s was.
The guys don’t seem as phased. I’m guessing they’re already having withdrawals from the fact that last night they went to sleep on a plane, as opposed to going to bed with whatever hotties they’re used to bringing home.
When we make our way to the sitting room, Sophia can’t help herself. “Mama,” she exclaims, running to Claire, who has shock written all over her face. Shock, but also complete joy.
I think we’re all a little choked up at the reunion . Seeing Claire with her daughter is something so foreign, something none of us have ever seen.
It is beautiful. It is love.
“Oh, sweet pea, you’re here,” Claire says, kissing Sophia’s cheeks over and over, pulling her into her lap. “I had no idea you were coming. Mom, why didn’t you tell me? I had no idea.”
Eva shrugs, then gives Claire a hug.
“It was unexpected, Claire,” Eva says. “Sorry I didn’t ask about Sophia riding in a plane, but we all thought you might be missing her quite a bit.”
“Landon brought us here! he is the best friend ever, Mama. He read me stories after Gram fell asleep, and he promised me you were in this castle—his Mum and Dad’s castle—and you are. He keeps his promises.”