Unexpected Eva (Triple Trouble #3)(99)

She doesn’t need the daily reminder of the old ones being thrown at her.

No one deserves that.

Ewan was charged with common assault. However, as this is his first serious offense, it looks like the courts will decide to fine him. He deserves harsher consequences.

On the plus side, he has all visitation rights to Hamish and Archie withdrawn. I feel sad for those wee dudes who’ve captured my heart. They need a dad. But one that is fit to parent, and right now, Ewan isn’t in any position to do that.

I can’t understand why Ewan would jeopardize his time with them.

Veronica pushed for a quick divorce. She threatened no visitation rights, no future hope, and finally Ewan signed the divorce papers.

His parents forced him. I know this because I was there when Ewan’s parents called Eva to apologize for the upset he has caused in her life.

They are trying desperately to get him a place in rehab but are struggling due to him being reluctant and the lack of vacant spaces in any of the county run facilities. He’s been allocated a waiting list position, but that’s the best they can do.

In sixteen weeks. Springtime. That’s when my girl will be free from him.

Finally.

With the turning of the seasons, I have plans for change too. Big plans. I can’t wait to tell her.

With each passing day, I fall more in love with her and her boys—more deeply, more madly.

I’m crazy in love and I want to shout it from the rooftops.

But I can’t.

Not yet.

Just a couple more days.

It’s exciting.

I stop and have a quick chat with my mom and dad. They love what we did. My dad informed me I had created a hotel not even he could have imagined. When I told him about my plans to win us a six-star title, he tried to hide his emotion, but I could see it. He’s proud.

I’ll die a happy man knowing that.

Everything feels like it’s falling into alignment.

I reach for a glass of fizzy champagne from one of the waiters and as if by magic, the crowd in front of me parts and there in all her golden glory is the most beautiful woman on planet Earth.

Eva.

She’s changed me. For the better.

I feel lighter, brighter. Happier.

She’s surrounded by her family. I slowly take her in as I walk to her.

Wrapped in pale-lemon-yellow chiffon, her one-shoulder dress drapes across the floor behind her.

The sparkling lights above bounce off her two simple gold accessories; a Grecian style gold leaf hair band and my bangle.

Both private messages meant only for me.

Simply beautiful.

Approaching her tight family circle, I greet her parents first.

“Charlie.” He shakes my outstretched hand. “Edith, you look beautiful this evening.” I kiss her cheek hello.

“Thank you.” She flushes. “I found this old thing at the back of the wardrobe.” She fans out her black silk evening gown.

“Along with all the others with labels on, no doubt,” Charlie mutters. That triggers their own private teasing conversation.

“Evening, everyone. You all look very dashing.” I eye the circle of beautiful people. The Wallace sisters and their partners are arguably the poster children for attractive and distinguishable families.

I welcome everyone except Eva, wishing them all a great evening.

As they are all distracted by the entertainment around, I eventually bow a nod in Eva’s direction.

In return, she teases me, “Good evening, Mr. Black.”

“Eva.”

“No date for this evening?”

“Oh, she’s around. And yourself?”

“Stood up.”

“Fool.”

“I know.”

“What fool would stand you up?”

I look at her across my glass as I take a sip.

“An old one.”

I move to stand beside her. “Very good.”

I turn my back to everyone, pretending to look around the room. “You look beautiful,” I say quietly.

“Thank you for my dress.” Looking up at me, she bats her eyelashes.

“You’re welcome.” I lean down and kiss her cheek as if saying goodbye, but I whisper in her ear, “To replace the one I ripped off of you the first time I licked your pretty pussy.” She sucks in a breath.

I turn around. “Have a great night, guys.” I wave and leave her family circle I desperately want to be a part of.

I would love to stay but it’s time to work the room and her simply being here soothes my bones. Plus, she’s staying at my place tonight, so I will see her later, anyway.

Hunter’s parents are here on a visit from America and are looking after Eden and Hunter’s sons, as well as Hamish and Archie, this evening.

It all worked out perfectly.





On her way back from the restrooms, quickly checking no one is around, I grab her by the hand and pull her into the empty photo booth.

She lets out a little yelp as she thumps into my chest.

I close the floor-length black curtain, shielding us from passersby.

“Hello.” I look down at her.

“You almost gave me a heart attack,” she pants.

“Sorry. Everyone is watching the fire-eaters. They’re distracted. I wanted to steal a kiss.”