Page 65 of Striking
“Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve, Rhys,” Atticus warns, but I see the determination in Rhys’s eyes, and apparently so does Atticus. “Fine. I’ll go make a call tonight and see who I can talk to.”
“Good, brother. Do that and do it quickly if you don’t want your favorite dessert ruined for you forever.”
Atticus drops his fork, muttering something about food and sex and disgusting siblings as he leaves us alone in the kitchen. The low under-cabinet lighting suddenly feels more intimate.
“So about that moan I walked in on...” Rhys cradles my face in his hands, searching my eyes while a challenge dances in his.
“Yes, Your Highness . . .”
Caitlin
It’s the first New Year’s Eve we’re not spending together in forever. I don’t like it.
Bellamy
You’ve got a new baby, and you’re pregnant with another one. Are you even going to be awake at midnight?
Caitlin
I’m surprised I’m awake now.
Bellamy
And it’s barely lunchtime where you are.
Caitlin
Is tonight your Princess Diaries moment?
Bellamy
We’ve moved on from Netflix?
Caitlin
Are you wearing a gown and a tiara?
Bellamy
Just a gown. No tiara.
Caitlin
Send me a pic.
I snap a selfie in front of the floor-length mirror and smile. This gown is gorgeous. Dark green with box pleats and beautiful silver embroidery. It’s the first time I’ve felt like a princess since I married my husband. Not sure I’ll ever feel like a queen.
Caitlin
Wow. You look incredible, B. Are you going to wear a bigger necklace? The one you have on is pretty but small. With that strapless neckline and those earrings, I think you could wear a statement piece.
Bellamy
No. This one was Rhys’s mom’s, and it doesn’t make me feel like I’m playing dress-up in my mother’s jewelry box.
Caitlin
You’re the queen, B. The whole box is yours now.
