Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
He did the same. “I’m glad you were free.”
She smiled. “I’ve always said, nothing is more important than my kids.”
That right there. Her huge heart was why his father loved her. Why most of his siblings that weren’t biologically hers called her Mom.
And why he was here with her now. He had a couple of reasons he wanted to meet her and he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous. He’d put together huge acquisitions to make the Dirty Dare brand the competitor in the marketplace it was today, yet facing this delicate woman had his insides trembling.
“Can we talk?” he asked.
She nodded. “Of course. But do not apologize for what you said one more time, because it’s over and done with.”
He felt heat rise to his cheeks, as it did any time he thought of that outburst. “Okay, then let me just say I did you a disservice all these years. As the oldest, I was the one who remembered having Audrey around. And accepting you as my mother felt disloyal.” He shook his head. “I was wrong. She was my mother in name and by blood and she suffered with mental illness, but even when she was around, you were the one who raised us. Made sure we got to school. Took us clothing shopping. You deserved better from me.”
Asher didn’t just realize it after what he’d said to her on the island but from how Nikki’s parents treated her. He could have been nicer to Serenity over the years. Kinder. Warmer.
“Asher, please. You don’t have to do this. But thank you for saying it anyway. And thanks for always looking out for the family. It hasn’t gone unnoticed how you step up.”
He let out a relieved breath, glad the hardest part of today was over.
“You said there were a couple of things you needed to talk to me about?” Serenity asked.
A waiter walked over and Asher shook his head. “A few more minutes, please.” He paused until the man walked away and glanced at Serenity. “After we finish eating, would you be available to go ring shopping with me?”
She clapped her hands in glee, then looked around to make sure she hadn’t caused a scene, laughed, and placed her hands in her lap. “Of course! I’m so honored you asked me.”
Having Serenity join him made sense. As a woman, she’d have an idea of what he should buy, but more importantly, it was a step toward bridging the gap he’d caused between them.
“I figured you’d be a bigger help than Harrison or Zach,” he said with a wry laugh.
She chuckled and took a sip of the water from the goblet on the table. “I’m so glad you got past whatever was holding you back.”
He blew out a breath. “Well, the age thing, taking a step back and thinking about you and Dad over the years helped. Plus, I’m not going to push her to rush into anything. She needs time to figure out all the parts of her life.”
Serenity nodded. “That makes sense.”
“As for the other issue, her brother, Derek, is my close friend, and he sent me to the island with Nikki to look out for her. I’m pretty sure there will be fireworks before we come to terms. Or rather before he accepts us as a couple.” Asher shrugged. “I’ll take the punch if that’s what I need to do.”
Her eyes opened wide. “He wouldn’t.” She waved a hand in front of him. “Never mind. I don’t want to know. Men,” she muttered, picking up the menu. “Now, let’s eat so we can get to the fun part and go jewelry shopping.”
Asher leaned back in his chair and smiled. He was looking forward to it, as well. What was he dreading? The conversation he intended to have with Derek immediately after.
* * *
Ring in his pocket, Asher gave the doorman his name. He’d texted Derek and let him know he was stopping by and made sure his friend was home.
Asher took the elevator to the top floor to find Derek waiting with his door open.
“I was surprised you wanted to come over. What’s up?” Derek stepped aside for Asher to walk by and, once he did, shut the door behind them.
“I needed to talk to you, face-to-face.”
Derek gestured to the living room. They walked into what Asher joked was the man-cave and sat down on the sofa. The television was on. Derek picked up the remote and hit the off button, placing the control back onto the table.
He turned toward Asher. “I need to thank you for pulling Zach in on Nikki’s situation. He knew exactly how to get the information to figure out who was tormenting her and I’m grateful.” He slapped Asher on the back. “I owe you one.”
Asher was about to call in that marker and hopefully save himself a black eye. “I’m always here to help you, but I’d do anything for your sister.”