Page 48 of Broken Promises

My phone rang, so I answered it.

“Hey, Alex,” I said as Klaus scoffed at his empty fridge and picked up takeout menus.

Good. I didn’t feel like cooking anyway.

“Can you upload more photos of you guys to Rosalie’s account? We have way too many reporters breathing down my neck here.”

“Uh, yeah. I can do that,” I said.

“I think it’s best if we start pushing her European dates back. Without Rosalie, we can’t do this. Make a statement that, for her mental health and safety, she’s going to take a little break. People will believe that. She’s been going through a lot these last few weeks.”

“I’ll post it tomorrow,” I said. “Move the dates however you need to.”

“Thanks. I’ll do that. I appreciate all you do, man. Has there been any word?”

“Nothing,” I admitted as I listened to Klaus call in some takeout from a burger joint Evan liked.

“Damnit,” Alex muttered. “What the fuck?”

“I don’t know. I miss her,” I admitted.

“Hang in there, Anson. She’s going to be OK.” His voice shook.

“I hope so,” I whispered.

“She will. She’s a strong woman. I know you guys taught her well.”

I swallowed, my throat tight.

“No weird messages or packages either?”

“Nothing. It’s just… odd.”

“It is.” Alex sighed. “We’ll talk soon, OK?”

“Yeah, man. Soon.”

We bid one another goodbye, and I hung up.

“I ordered burgers,” Klaus said.

“I heard,” I murmured, staring out at Evan as he wiped at his eyes.

“He’ll be OK. He needs time. It’s a lot to be going through right now,” Klaus said.

“It’s fucking bullshit. I’ll talk to E.”

“Perhaps, but don’t push it.”

I nodded. I wouldn’t push it unless I had to. Evan was my brother, and I loved him so fucking much. After seeing our daughter today, watching her play with Jameson, Trent’s stepson, all I wanted to do was bring Rosalie home, hold her with my guys, and love on her. Make a baby. Just be a family.

We fucking deserved that.

Evan deserved it.

If Rosalie got to come home, I’d back off and let Evan win her pregnancy. I knew how happy he’d be, and I’d give that to him.

I went back to the living room and sat next to Evan. Klaus’s phone rang, and he swore about fucking clients before leaving the room to go to his office.