If I Only Knew(73)

I sit here, feeling a million things, but the one that keeps rising to the surface is longing.

I just don’t know if I’m strong enough to act on it.

“Act on what?” Callum enters the room.

“The fact that you’re an asshole who sent your brother to London, leaving my best friend broken hearted.” Nicole crosses her legs and arms, staring at him with disdain.

Sometimes, I’m really happy Nicole is on my side. She’s a little scary.

“I didn’t send my brother away to hurt anyone,” he sighs. “I hate that you’re hurting. I hate that he’s miserable. He’s my brother and I love the bastard, but it was an impossible situation,” Callum defends.

“Why wasn’t Milo always your Vice President? Why offer him the job now?” I ask.

Callum sits beside Nicole, who gives the word frigid a whole new meaning. “Milo took off, no notice, just left for a month to go spend time in France. Then, another time he decided to rent a yacht for two weeks during the company’s end of year review. Let’s not forget the last time when we had no idea where he was when he found out I was going to move to America, and my wedding.” He touches Nicole’s hand and she doesn’t move. “Milo hasn’t been a consistent contributing member of this company until he came on as your assistant, Danielle. There was no way I could hand him the London office when there was no trust. But he’s changed, and I thank you for giving him whatever he was lacking.”

“I didn’t do anything but love him,” I tell him.

Callum smiles. “Well, you gave him something that neither my mum nor I could provide. He does love you, that much is clear. He’s made it known each time we’ve spoken that he has no intentions of staying in London so I should find a replacement.”

My heart swells knowing he’s said this to his brother. It’s one thing when he tells me, because I know our hearts are aching for each other. However, the fact that he’s not afraid to let Callum know, makes me smile.

Callum continues, “I’m well aware that he’s only there because of our mum. If she wasn’t sick, he would’ve quit. Hell, he tried to already.”

“He did?”

“Yes, I wouldn’t let him, but he did. Because he is in love with you. Don’t doubt that.”

Callum’s right. Milo’s love is the one thing about this I’m completely clear about.

“We both love each other,” I say.

He sighs and then turns to his wife. “I know you’re angry with me, darling, but you weren’t Team Milo a year ago.”

She softens slightly. “That was before he fell in love.”

“I hate that you’re both struggling. I really do, and I want to offer something to you.” Callum clears his throat. “If you’re willing to hear me out?”

“Me?” I ask. “I’m not angry with you, Callum. I’m truly not. I understand because the truth is that he’s there to care for your mom. I can’t be angry about that.”

“I appreciate that,” he says. “Here’s my offer, if you want to go to London, you can have any position in the company you want. Hell, I’ll make one for you. I’ll cover all your expenses to move and whatever else you need. If you want Parker and Ava in private school, I’ll cover it. If you want a new home, we’ll handle it. I promise, separating you both wasn’t something I enjoyed doing, and if it’s money holding you apart . . . that’s not the case now. I want my brother to have the life he deserves, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to give him all that he cares about . . . you.”





Chapter Thirty-Three





Danielle





“Flight attendants, prepare for landing.”

I’m doing this. I’m really doing this.

I’m going to be landing in London in a few minutes and I’m going to get my man.

After my talk with Nicole and Callum, I couldn’t stop thinking about what they said. I was choosing to let him go. He didn’t have the options, and as much as I didn’t think I did, I do.

So, I arranged for Parker and Ava to stay with Heather, and I’m here.

The plane lands I turn my phone on. Immediately, it starts pinging.



* * *



Ava: I can’t wait to hear what happens.





* * *



Ava: Did you land?





* * *



Ava: Were you too cheap to buy the wifi on the plane?





* * *



I roll my eyes and fire her back a message.



* * *



Me: I’m fine. Just landed. No reason to buy wifi when you’re going to sleep through it. I’m not cheap, I’m smart. You’re still sure about this? You really want to move?





* * *



She’s probably asleep but she was the one that packed my bag and practically threw me out the door. My kids were both very excited about moving to London. Ava wants a fresh start and Parker wants to have an accent like Milo.

I was sure they’d pitch a fit, but they didn’t.