Reluctantly Royal(69)

“And if you want, you could draw or paint. I’ve got some stuff you can use.”

“That would be cool. Mom said you’re a painter. Not like the ones that paint houses, but the ones that paint pictures of things. Mom likes a painter named Fan Golf.”

“Van Gogh?” I chuckled.

“I guess. He painted lots of things about a missing ear.” Marty took a sip of his water and made a face. “That stuff tickles my nose.”

“There’s probably some still water in there if you’d prefer.”

“Nah. I like this.” Marty took another swig. “Even if it tickles.”

“You’re kinda crazy.” I chuckled. “A good crazy.”

“Well, that’s better than being a bad crazy.” He took another swallow and made a face.

“Very true.”

I looked back toward Meredith, and she had turned so that she was looking at where we were standing. I pointed at the open door of the car and she nodded her head in understanding. She had wanted to know where her son had gotten to.

There were a few more people left to speak to, but I could tell by her stance that she was tired. When the last person approached her, I watched as her father turned in her direction and began speaking. I started to go up the hill, but Alex beat me to it. Knowing my brother, he had left Samantha on the other side of Meredith on purpose when he went to talk to Arthur. Casually he placed a hand on the man’s shoulder and joined in the conversation.

It was all friendly, but I also knew that it was business. He was reminding the old man to stay on good behavior. It seemed to be working, because Arthur had taken to merely answering questions that were directed at him.

Once they were finished, they all started down the hill toward the cars together. Sam had looped her arm through Meredith’s and was talking animatedly about something that had them both smiling. By the time they got to where I was standing I caught the tail end of the conversation.

“Tabitha could make the pope want to curse.” Sam shook her head.

“I don’t even know why she was here. Granddad thoroughly disliked her.” Meredith shook her head, sending her red hair swirling around her shoulders. She brushed at the black dress she was wearing and looked back at Sam with a small smile. “Though it was fun to watch you put her in her place.”

“It’s a talent.” Sam pretended to breathe on her fingernails before wiping them on her dress. “She’s one annoying bitch with the memory of a goldfish.”

Meredith laughed and her face lit up. Now that the funeral was over, I could appreciate how stunning she looked today.

Everything about her was understated elegance. She was the woman who walked down the street and caught everyone’s eye. Though I had seen her dressed to kill at Sam and Alex’s wedding, I was pretty sure I liked her naked best of all. My eyes ran over her body slowly, taking in every inch. Was it wrong that I wanted to whisk her away somewhere private? Probably, but I wasn’t sure I cared. She needed to spend time with Marty; needed to relax and let some of her stress melt away. She needed more than what I could offer right now. I seemed to make her nervous when we were alone.

“So what do we do now?” Her eyes met mine. Her father was standing behind her, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his pants.

I kept my mouth shut. It was the only way I could make sure I didn’t say what I was thinking out loud.

“If you have time, Arthur, I’d like to go back with you and set up a few things for tomorrow.” Rachel looked at the man with a serious expression. “I’d be honored to help with some of the paperwork.”

“All right,” he grunted.

“Then we’ll leave you now and get to business.” Rachel bobbed her head at everyone.

“Thank you for coming.” Arthur mumbled the words, his face a frustrated mask as he nodded his head at Alex.

“It was my honor, sir.” Alex reached out to shake his hand. With no way to escape without being rude, Arthur accepted his handshake before turning and swiftly heading toward the other limo.

I looked at Meredith as she watched her father walk away and I could see the worry etched in the planes of her face. There was also a good amount of guilt there that made me want to punch the old man again. She shouldn’t feel guilty that he was going back to an empty house. He’d brought it on himself.

“Don’t worry, dear, I’ll take care of him.” Rachel touched Meredith’s arm and gave her a warm smile.

“Thank you.”

“I think that after a day like today, we deserve to have fun and relax.” Alex rubbed his hands together. “Marty, would you like to help me feed the birds today?”