Page 66 of Best Mistake Ever

Kendall smiles and says, “Oh, good. I’m starving. Wrapping my head around being a millionaire is going to take some time…”

While we eat, I ask my mom, “Have you told Ethan, Hayden, and Genevieve about the conditions of the trust?”

“No. Not yet. I thought it was best to wait like I did with you, until you were about to settle down. But Ethan’s deadline is only two years away. Hayden’s is three. I should tell them soon. Genevieve has ten years, plenty of time before she needs to think about marriage.”

“And I’m guessing you don’t want many people to know about the strings?” Kendall guesses. “To make sure they’re marrying your sons and daughter for the right reason?”

“Exactly,” my mother replies. “There’s also an NDA, which is why I had to ask Richard to leave. Nobody outside the family can know about the conditions of the trust unless the engagement is official.”

“Ah. So, Vanessa knew?” Kendall asks. “She knew and she still…”

“Yep,” I say.

“God, I’m so glad she was an idiot.”

“Me too,” Mom says. “She never sounded like a good fit for you, honey.”

“She wasn’t,” I admit.

“Vanessa Charles, right?” Mom asks.

“Yes. Why?”

“No reason.”

“Mom. Just tell us,” I demand.

“I don’t know. I don’t want to risk hurting your feelings, hon.”

“You won’t,” I assure her as I reach over and lay my hand on Kendall’s thigh teasingly. “I was over that woman before the plane touched down in Saint Christopher.”

“Well, I was just thinking that her father may be the Charles that’s a partner in the firm that handles your grandmother’s estate. Vincent Charles?”

“That’s her father,” I agree with a nod.

“No way!” Kendall whispers. “Couldn’t he lose his law license if he shared details about a client’s private affairs?”

“He could,” I agree through gritted teeth. “But they’re not worth the trouble.”

“You’re a better man than me, honey,” Mom says. “Now, Kendall, we still need to discuss flowers, music, the menu for the reception, oh, and your dress!”

My mom is ecstatic. My fiancée is overjoyed.

Everything is working out for the best.

After thirty minutes of them making wedding plans after the table is cleared, the four of us finally stand up to leave.

When we’re making our way to the door, Kendall says, “Hold on a second.”

She runs back to the table and grabs two of the unopened syrup packages and slips them into her purse with a wink.

“Got them!” she announces.

“You’re the best, cupcake,” I tell her when I pull her to me and kiss the top of her head.

Kendall really is perfect for me. Deep down, I’ve known it for years, but was too stubborn to admit it to myself.

We’ve always worked well together. Now I know that she understands and accepts every part of me, like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

I want to know all the parts of her too.

And I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives learning everything there is to know about her.

The End