“You did that on purpose.”

  And then my beautiful wife grinned at me and took off running. “Last one to the pitch is a rotten egg and forfeits.”

  "What the fuck?" I bolted after her.

  She was giggling and howling like a loon. Mum and Darcy ran in from the opposite end of the pitch, also laughing because they’d known what was going to happen. But sadly for Emma, I was faster.

  “You’re a dead woman.”

  “Ah, I almost had you if your legs weren’t so stupidly long.”

  "You are so dead.” And she could see it in my eyes. I was coming for her.

  She took off with a squeal, and I chased her. And all I could hear was Darcy screaming a warpath to my left as she came for me.

  Mum was holding her side, laughing like the loon that she was at the spectacle we were all making. Darcy got me good, throwing her whole body at me. I automatically swerved to protect her. But then she attacked with the tickles.

  I hated being tickled. The laugh was out of me before I could control it. And Darcy showed no mercy, planting her legs on either side of me and digging in with her fingers.

  Emma came jogging back. “Oh, you’re ticklish.”

  I narrowed my gaze at my wife even as I howled with laughter. “Don’t you dare.”

  But after all, this was Emma. So of course, she dared. And I vowed right then that I was going to make the both of them pay, Mum too because all she did to help was stand there and laugh.

  But even as I rolled Darcy off me, retaliating, and reached over to get Emma involved too, I knew that moment was a perfect point. I wasn’t going to think about anything that thirty meant, the inheritance, my father, none of it. Today, was a perfect day.

  Chapter Thirty

  Emma

  For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel that anxiousness that followed me around as my constant companion these days. I was worried about Bridge. But after everything we’d set in motion, this had to work.

  All we had to do was get our hands on proof or wait for a mistake. And given we'd backed Middleton into a corner, he would make one soon.

  We’d all gathered around at Ben and Liv’s. I couldn't help a longing glance down toward Bridge's house. We hadn't been back in over two months now. I knew he had people cleaning it and the house was secure, but still, I longed for some sense of normalcy with him.

  Telly parked down next to me on the couch, her tiny frame tucking into me like she was a child. With a grumble, she repositioned herself back onto her knees so that she sat higher. “God, what are you? An Amazon?”

  “Telly, I’m five-seven.”

  “Well, I’m five feet. I feel like Tinkerbell." She eyed me closely. "You look happier."

  “Mostly, I'm resigned. We've done everything we can do. I'm still a little tense after what Bridge did on television."

  Telly grinned. "I hacked so many news streams to get the news out there. It’s been amazing. Even people who don’t give a shit are basically swooning over how hot he is. That’s really all that matters, that beautiful face and that winning smile, when he does smile. Also, he has this serial killer vibe that makes him really fit. So whatever he’s doing works for him, and women on the internet agree. They don’t even know who Middleton Communications is, but they are all tuning in for business news now.”

  I laughed. “You are diabolical.”

  “Please, I have eyeballs. I might not crave the devil’s eggplant but my eyeballs are still functioning. I can tell those three men are fine. Drew’s not bad either, but he has that like overly slick look to him. Like he rolled out of your father’s Crooks Brothers catalog.”

  “Did you say Crooks Brothers?” I laughed at that scarily accurate depiction. She was also right. There was just a slight edge to Ben, and East, and Bridge. Not for nothing, the four of them looked like they belonged in high-end magazines. But Drew’s look was very put-together. The other three were in essence perfume models. Especially my husband with the scruff on his jaw. Almost as if he could feel me watching him, he lifted his gaze from where he sat talking to Bryna.

  His gaze narrowed imperceptibly, and I watched as his tongue peeked out to moisten his bottom lip and I couldn’t help but shift in my seat. I knew that look. It was the I’ve already thought of forty-seven ways to debauch you look. That was classic Bridge. But of course, he kept talking to Bryna as if nothing had happened even though so much had happened in that quick glance. And now I was too hot.

  Next to me, Telly laughed. “Oh my God. I might crave the devil’s eggplant after all. I’ve got to get Carmen to start looking at me like that.”

  I laughed. “Carmen looks at you like that. I’ve seen you two.”

  “No, Carmen looks at me with love eyes. And I love love eyes. They’re so much better than let’s fuck eyes because I always seemed to find the crazy train ones. I’ve yet to meet a single one of those women who is sane and would stick around that didn't have mommy issues.”

  "Dating sucks all around.”

  "Amen, sister." She clinked her glass with mine. “But honestly, you’re okay though?”

  I nodded. “I don’t really have a choice, do I? When I came back to London, I wanted one thing. And it was all I could think about, you know? And now, I have been given so much more than that one thing, and I can’t help but worry that it’s all going to get ripped from my hands."

  She nodded and took a small sip of her wine. “I get it. Look, we’re almost at the finish line, okay? Middleton has nowhere to go. Once we go through those medical records, we’ll call DI Strickland. You know it’s always bothered him that he wasn’t able to solve Toby’s case. That they tried to make it seem as if it was natural causes. He’s like a dog with a bone. He won't let it go. This is almost over. I'm telling you.”

  “There’s a chance that Middleton could walk.”

  She fumed. “I promise you he will not walk.”

  I nodded. "Bridge has promised me the same. I just have to have faith. Which is hard to have sometimes. I like to be in control of everything.”

  Telly snorted. “Tell me about it. Between you and your McHotty husband, I’m not sure which of you is worse.”

  I scoffed. “Bridge, definitely.”

  She laughed. “Something tells me he would say the same about you.”

  I rolled my eyes. “He’s way worse."

  “Sure, whatever you say.”

  As the get together ran on, Bridge and I checked the clock. We were headed back to the mansion tonight. We wanted to give Darcy one more night of just family before we took her to school tomorrow.

  Even as I checked my watch, I scanned the room for Bridge, but he’d gone somewhere.

  “Looking for me?”

  I startled. “Bridge Edgerton, don’t you dare."

  His chuckle was low and warm and sent heat straight to my core. “Someone’s jumpy. Come on we’ve got to get back to Darcy.”

  “Yeah, I was just thinking that. Did you pick up her going away present?”

  He nodded. “Are you sure a fancy makeup box is what she wants? And not like a tennis bracelet or something?”

  I rolled my eyes. "Christ, Bridge, she’s a teenage girl. She doesn’t have many opportunities to rock fancy jewelry. You can give that bracelet to her at any time. Her birthday party even.”

  He sighed. “I’m glad I have you. I’ve been giving her bullshit gifts for years.”

  “Look, I’m sure she loves the diamond earrings, and the designer bags, and all that stuff, but honey, she’s twelve.”

  He sagged, defeated. “I know. Mina told me that's what girls liked.”

  “That’s what Mina liked. Darcy is still a kid. Makeup. She'd be happy with makeup.” I loved the brand called Bad and Boujee. They had a subscription box, mostly for the sample sizes of things. I helped Bridge pick out Darcy’s coloring so she would get some shades and things that worked for her. As I stood, Livy groaned. “Oh no, you’re not leaving, are you?”

  I nodded. “We have to take Darcy back to school tomorrow.”

  Sebastian laughed in the corner where Penny sat on his lap. Their daughter, Cara, pulled at her father’s hair. He remained unbothered. “Yeah? Are you going to explain the fact that you have a kid?”

  Bridge shook his head. “I don’t have a kid. She’s my sister.”

  Sebastian’s brows drew up even more. “Kid, sister, whatever, no explanation?”

  Everyone just laughed. East, Bridge, and Ben just muttered. “Long story.”

  “I’ll fill you in.” Telly offered.

  We said our goodbyes. I watched as Bridge went to shake Sebastian’s hand, but Cara took hold of his fingers instead and proceeded to shove them in her mouth. Penny tried to stop her because little teeth and all, but Bridge didn't mind, and he picked her up.

  Her massive, curly afro tickled his nose, and he laughed as he cuddled her close. Something inside me broke. I was not ready to be anyone’s mother. I was far too selfish, way too impetuous. But watching my husband with a baby, dear God, even my ovaries could not withstand the cuteness. And Cara was chubby. She was mostly cheeks honestly. Every time she talked, we all had to look at Sebastian and Penny to decipher what she said, but it was the cutest thing you’d ever see in your life. Her light to medium brown skin just glowed. She looked like she was one of those babies that belonged on Instagram. I’m sure more than one person had asked her to be a baby model. But oh no, she was far better than some kind of baby model. She was a full-fledged princess. And everyone doted on her as such. She had her mother’s independence and her father’s full-on audacity.

  I loved her already. When Bridge said goodbye, she clung on for dear life. “I understand the feeling, kid.” I muttered.

  She looked at me and squealed and said. “Em.” I couldn’t help but smile at that. Everything inside of me turned into goo. “Goodbye, Cara. Be good. I’ll come visit tomorrow, okay?”

  She nodded and clapped her little chubby hands, and the sight of the little dimples on her knuckles made me turn into a melted puddle. I had to turn away before I demanded I wanted one of my very own.

  Bridge took my hand and escorted me out. He looked down at me. “I saw how you were looking at Cara. You had that baby look in your eyes.”

  “I am not looking at that baby in any way. I am twenty-three years old. Well okay, in two months I’ll be twenty-four. But the point is, she was just very cute.”

  He laughed. “Yes, she is. We’re in no hurry.”

  I smiled up at him. “But you are very good with children.”

  He shrugged. “Well, I helped raise Darcy. You seem more relaxed today.”

  “I am. Thank you. Maybe it’s the look you were giving me earlier.”

  He chuckled as he led me around the house to the garage. “Which one do you want to borrow?”

  “What do you mean? We’re taking one of Ben’s cars?”

  He nodded. “I told him I wanted to impress you.”

  “Oh God. Are you going to take something flashy and ridiculous?”

  “Yes. And a little bit sexy. We can drive all the way back instead of taking the helicopter.”

  “Tempting, but come on, we promised Darcy.”

  “Fine,” he said, pouting a little.

  “How about when we get back to the mansion, you can impress me in your office before we go see Darcy?”

  His grin was quick, and I could see it. The glimpse of the man he once was under all the brooding, all the tension, under all the control. My Bridge. “You’re on.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Bridge

  “Oi, Emma, get a crack on.”

  Funny enough, Mum was the first one down the stairs. It was usually her I was screaming for. Darcy had gone back up because she forgot something in one of the guest rooms. I told her that she could just pick it up at the weekend, but oh no, she needed to take it with her to her new school.

  Emma had bought her a whole new wardrobe. Which really was a bit shocking because she was wearing a uniform, so how many suitcases full of clothes did she need?

  And this is why you have a wife. Someone to help you with these things, because Mum is great, but Darcy needs someone young who can relate to her.

  And Emma had been right about the gift for Darcy. When the two of them finally came down the stairs, they were giggling. Darcy was beaming up at Emma like she hung the moon. And in fact, she did, as well as the stars.

  Mum nudged me in the ribs. “Yeah, you did well.”

  I smiled down at her. “Yeah, I know. Ladies, can we please get a fucking move on?”

  My mother whacked me on the arse with her magazine. “Goddammit. Watch your fucking mouth, Bridge. You’d think I didn’t raise you right.”

  She chuckled away and headed for the door. “Darcy, come on love, can’t have you being late. I have to put on my good mum persona.”

  I scowled at my mother. “Did you see what she did?”

  Emma coughed a laugh behind her hand. “Nope. I saw nothing. I worship the ground your mother walks on, and I hope I’m like her as a mum.”

  I grumbled under my breath. “Did you hear her curse at me?”

  Emma laughed. “I hope you don’t think that I’ll be the kind of mum who never curses and always has afternoon tea ready. Afternoon tea will probably include a shot of bourbon for my nerves.”

  I laughed at that. Because I knew she would be that kind of mum. Her mum had been sort of like that. And Emma would probably be a compilation of both of our mothers. After seeing Cara and Ethan, Sebastian and Penny’s children, I got the big deal. I'd never really considered having children before because I’d helped do so much with Darcy. I already felt like a dad. But that look Emma had gotten on her face, all soft-eyed as she watched me hold Cara. I wanted her to look at me like that all the time.

  Once I had everyone in the car, Jacob approached, ready to drive, but I shook my head. “No mate. Just hang in the follow car. I’ll drive them. It’s kind of a big day.”

  He nodded. “Yup, understood. I’ll be with Ryan in the follow car.”

  I nodded my thanks. “Appreciate it, mate.”

  Once in the SUV, I glanced back at Darcy and Emma chattering away, whispering, sharing secrets.

  Mum smacked me on the knee. “Oi, get a move on. We’ll be late.”

  I always laughed at how she always got a little bit Irish when she wanted to get me to move. She’d only spent her very young years in Ireland, and that was only by location, not by either of her parents actually being Irish, as they were both English. I just rolled my eyes.

  The drive to Darcy’s new school didn’t take long. It was just west of London. Beautiful, sprawling lawn, great curriculum, and close by. Darcy could take the train from school straight into the city. She could come home for a night and go back. She was a bit young to do it on her own just yet, and with everything else going on, I wanted her to have a chaperone at all times. But when she was ready in a couple of years, it would be easy.

  Because what do you know about the needs of a twelve-year-old girl?

  Indeed, what did I know? I just came in to scowl at her and said fatherly things like no boys. No makeup. But I knew that wasn’t fair. She was growing up. She wasn’t that little girl who liked to play with ribbons and bubbles. I couldn’t just buy her something that was unicorn-embossed and call it a day. Emma caught me looking in the rearview, and she grinned at me and winked.

  The warmth that spread from my chest bloomed and grew as the smile spread over my lips. God, I loved her so much. She was already part of my family. My mother adored her, and Darcy clearly idolized her. All of us had been bitten by the Emma Varma bug.

  As we approached the main building for check-in, I watched Darcy's eyes go wide as she looked around. The campus was gorgeous, but what I liked most was the science center. The building was brand-new. Built by one of the Elite. I knew his son. He was in one of the younger classes, Tyson, something like that. Bit of a ne’er do well but generally all right, not really problematic. He was known for his partying though. I only personally knew his grandfather.

  The old man used to really give it to the Van Linsteds during every single meeting, insisting they modernize, update, and change the ways and parameters. And I'd never forget when he once went into an hour-long speech during one of the initiations about somehow we had never picked an initiate of color. I winced as I thought about Toby. He would have been the first South-Asian member of the Elite. Some members had been distinctly uncomfortable, saying we had our ways for a reason. And then I remembered he'd said, “Oh yes, racist reasons.”

  I'd had to work hard not to laugh my arse off.

  East had outright laughed. It was epic.

  I was glad to see some of his legacy lived on. At the time he’d also pushed to have female members of the Elite. It hadn’t happened then, but it was something that Ben was pushing for now.

  I glanced at my wife in the rearview. She should’ve been Elite. She cultivated the skill set outside of the Elite all on her own, and she was formidable as hell. Not bad in hand-to-hand, excellent in strategy, if a little impetuous. I wondered what specialty she would’ve chosen.

  When I pulled to the front circular drive, several other parents were dropping off for the week ahead. The headmistress approached with a smile. “Mr. Edgerton, Mrs. Edgerton. Welcome. And Darcy, we are so happy to have you.”

  Darcy gave her a shy smile. “Hi.”

  “Don’t be shy, love. You're at home here. You can call me Miss Anna. I know you were with the sisters in Austria. We don’t stand on ceremony here. We are close to the city, so we have some looser restrictions about coming and going. But you must be signed in and out.”