Chapter 149

Almara’s Pov

Arthur and I retreat back up to our bedroom with Grace. I have her sprawled out on the king-sized mattress while I lie my side next to her. “I’m sorry about my parents.” I tell him absent-mindedly as I stroke small circles on Grace’s pudgy belly.

“Nothing for you to be sorry for,” Arthur calls out in reply from the walk-in closet. “Can’t say I really blame them. I mean, does it sting? Sure, but there coming from a caring place.” Arthur returns down the hall with two designer suitcases in his hands.

“I appreciate you being so calm about this.” I tell him and mean it. I hate to compare, but I think of how Robert would have responded and Arthur doesn’t even take it personally. Grace brings her knees to her chest and focuses with all her might to grab her feet. She begins making silly sounds as she strains her arms to reach her heels.

After a moment of silence, I look up and am greeted by a doe-eyed look from Arthur. “I could watch you look at her all day.” He says and then with a smirk adds, “I think you look at her with more love than me.” I tilt my head back and laugh.

“Are you jealous of your own daughter?” I tease. Arthur slides on to the bed next to Grace.

“I think I might be.” He says biting his lower lip. “Of course, I think I might love her more too.” He says and I laugh in disbelief. I backhand his chest and Arthur makes a face as if I really hurt him.

“I never said I loved her more!” I look back at Grace and my heart swells, “It’s just different.”

“She is pretty special, isn’t she?”

“Special enough to cause strife between families.” I say with an eyeroll, I hate that I’m still hung up on that but it’s bothering me. Of all the things Arthur and I have been through, our families fighting should not be one of them.

Arthur is right though, Grace is special. I know every parent says this, but she’s really smart. I think she’s growing and learning faster than a usual baby her age.

“So, I was thinking we go back to the forest where we found you.” I say, wanting to change the subject. Besides, now that I think about it- Grace in that forest would really determine how advanced she is. I just wonder how the great outdoors with trigger her wolf instincts.

Arthur lets out a laugh and rolls off the bed. “Yeah, I’d rather not go back there for a long time.” He must see the disappointment in my face because he’s quick to add, “Don’t worry, I have something better planned.”

While I don’t doubt whatever Arthur has will be grand, what could be better for a true sweet escape than mountainous air, lush rolling hills, fresh lake water, and wide-open space covered by a canopy of stars at night.

“We’ll leave by tonight, I just have some phone calls to make. Pack a bathing suit.” Arthur says and disappears back into the walk-in closet. It’s the last piece of information that he says that makes me shoot up from the bed. A bathing suit? I still have my post-partum body. I don’t want to show that off.

Remember you’re with Arthur, not Robert. Lily says and I know she’s right, still insectary gnaws at me. Arthur might be the one of glam and celebrity appearance, but Robert was always more focused on surface-level aspects of life than Arthur is.

Just then, I hear Roman and Robert walk through the front door. They we’re gone for a while. I scoop Grace into my arms and head downstairs and let Arthur make the arrangements.

I hesitantly turn the corner at the bottom of the stairs, weary of running into any more drama. Though, when I walk into the living room I see Roman mixing some scotch in two glasses with a content smile on his face. I guess it’s five o’clock somewhere.

I see Robert sitting on the couch with his leg crossed and his arms spread out on the cushions, looking as if he could get used to a kind of life where lounging and drinking occur daily at eleven in the morning. I clear my throat to announce my presence seeing that no one has noticed me yet.

“Ah, Almara.” Roman says giving a half turn on his head and finishes plunking two ice cubes in each class. “We we’re just having a toast.”

“To what?” I ask tentatively.

“To new beginnings.” Robert finishes for Roman and reaches out grab his drink. They clink their glasses and sip on the dark liquid. I get the shivers just watching them. The last time I had a strong drink, I ended up chained to a bed with a vampire leering over me.

“We were able to come to an agreement and Robert is going to take ownership of a small villa I own outside of town.” Roman says. “It’s just been sitting there neglected for years, so might as well make some use of it.”

I don’t mention it, but it sounds like the villa and Robert already have a lot in common. “So, you’ll be living there as a mortal.” Is what I say instead.

Robert tilts his head to the side. “For now. I don’t think I’m quite ready to leave wolf-territory yet, but the villa is remote enough that I won’t be in anyone’s way.” A secluded, rich villa sounds like a dream to me, but I can’t picture Robert enjoying it. He’s always been rather outgoing.

I guess I’m in the habit of wearing my thoughts because Robert looks at me and gives a chuckle. “I know what you’re thinking, but honestly Almara I think time alone now will do me good.” Robert then holds his finger up, “Then again, Cathy will be making the occasional visits, so I won’t be totally alone.”

Roman finishes off his drink and sets his glass down. “I don’t want to know about it.” He says and waves Robert off. Watching Roman and Rober have playful banter is something I thought I’d never see and despite it’s oddity, I still harbor some longing sensation in my chest.

“Well, thanks for all your help lately Robert.” I say, not knowing how else to express whatever this is that I’m feeling.

“Well, you couldn’t have done it without me.” Robert says and immediately any feelings I have of gratitude are gone. He then nods towards Grace, “She’s welcome to visit any time also.” I look down at Grace with a smile.

“I think she’s going to spend some time with just mom and dad for a while.” I say and Robert nods like he understands.

With that, I take Grace and head back upstairs. I can’t help but notice the irony. One part of the family is coming together, while the other is falling apart.

At least someone is getting a happy ending. But does it have to be Robert? Lily asks and I laugh because I completely empathize with her dissatisfaction. Though, one look at Grace and I’m reminded that no matter what I also have my happy ending.