“Aren’t you supposed to be doing a lunch event with Mother?” Alex asked.
“I canceled.” I shrugged. It wasn’t like it was the first time I’d backed out of an event she’d tried to force me into. She probably had expected it.
“I told her you would.” Alex shook his head.
“And yet she keeps trying to get me to do things.” I frowned. “You’d think she’d figure it out.”
“Mother just wants you to be more comfortable with it.”
“That’s never going to happen.”
Sam opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by the dining room door being opened. The butler stepped in and cleared his throat.
“Lady Meredith of Thysmer.” He bowed his head before motioning for someone to walk in the door.
I stood up and set my napkin down as the feisty redhead walked into the room. Was it my imagination, or did the room seem to brighten just a little? I couldn’t help the way my eyes traveled over her perfect legs and along her delicious body. The skirt she was wearing hugged every curve, and the slight sweater over her shirt draped open in an inviting way. Her hair hung over one shoulder in gentle waves, and I found myself wondering if it was as soft to touch as it looked.
Alex cleared his throat as he too stood, and I quickly tried to cover up the fact that I had been staring.
“Meredith.” I bowed my head before motioning to the table. “Would you care to join us for a late breakfast?”
“I’ve eaten, but some tea would be nice.”
“We have some peppermint tea, if you’d like.” Sam motioned to the teapot near her.
“That would be great.” There was a sway in Meredith’s walk as she crossed the room that was almost hypnotizing. I looked over at Alex to see if he had noticed, but his eyes were trained back on Sam as she poured tea into an empty cup and passed it across the table.
Hurrying around the table, I pulled the chair out for Meredith and slid it back in as she sat.
“Thank you.” Her voice was husky as she looked up at me with half-lidded eyes.
“You’re welcome.” I cleared my throat and moved back to my seat.
“You look wonderful.” She smiled at Sam and I felt that tug again. As if she had captured me in a web, something pulling at me—pulling me toward her. “I’m guessing from the peppermint tea that you’re still having morning sickness.”
“Ugh, yes.” Sam frowned. “And thanks, but I don’t feel wonderful. I feel fat and tired.”
“How far along are you?” Meredith poured cream into her tea.
“Five months.” Sam smiled. “I thought I’d feel better by now.”
“Hang in there. I had morning sickness for what felt like forever, but by the middle of the fifth month I woke up one morning and felt wonderful.” She reached out and squeezed Sam’s hand.
“God, I hope that happens to me.” Sam smiled wistfully.
“It’ll be worth it,” Meredith said, and I chuckled.
“That’s her mantra,” I explained when she turned to look at me.
“It’s a good one.” Meredith picked up her tea and took a sip. “I’m sorry to crash your breakfast.”
“Not at all,” Alex offered. “I was very sorry to hear of your grandfather’s passing. He was a bright, humorous man.”
“Thank you.” Her eyes dimmed. “He will be missed.”
“Do you need anything?” Sam asked. Her voice was thick and I realized she was fighting tears. Though it had been over two years since her father’s death, it was obvious that it was just as raw.
“Actually, I do.” Meredith looked at me with large eyes and leaned forward just enough that I got a peek of cleavage. “I was hoping that you, Max, would be one of the pallbearers at my granddad’s funeral.”
I pulled my eyes away from the glimpse of breast and frowned. I had barely known the man and she wanted me to carry his casket?
“Trust me, I know it’s a lot to ask, but we don’t have much family, and to be honest, we haven’t really been in Lilaria long enough to make many friends.” She looked down at the cup in front of her. “I don’t have anyone else to ask.”
I cut my eyes at Alex but kept my face blank. How the hell was I going to get out of this? Funerals gave me the heebie-jeebies and being in the spotlight made me irritable. Center stage at a funeral? Fuck me.
Alex gave a small shrug as if to say there was nothing he could do, but it was Sam who sealed the coffin, so to say.
“Of course he will!” Sam reached out to touch Meredith’s graceful hand. “We wouldn’t leave you alone in a time like this.”