Page 88 of Sweet Wicked Vows
“Delightful as ever,” Elliott rolled his eyes with a timid smile. “Welcome to the family, Evelyn.”
The third Dade brother was a complete mystery. Elliott, much like his brothers, had dark hair and the same envious bonestructure. Small circular ringed glasses perched on his nose and highlighted his sharp hazel eyes. Yet, he appeared completely separate from the rest.
He wasn’t as cheerful and sunny as Olivier, nor was he as cold and unforgiving as Frederic. Where Jaxon was constant scowls, Elliott was reserved smiles.
“Everybody sit down.” Florence limped back in and ushered us to the table. “Tuck in before any of it gets cold. Evelyn, my dear, don’t be polite and wait until you’re offered, just grab whatever you want. Otherwise, these boys will eat it all.”
Jaxon pulled a seat out for me and took the one next to it.
“Where’s Freddie?” Olivier asked between mouthfuls of food.
“Sorting out Penny.” Florence poured herself a cup of coffee. “He said not to bother waiting for them, as it’ll probably be Christmas morning by the time Penny is finished in the bath.”
I smiled as Jaxon poured a cup of coffee with three sugar cubes and milk before sliding it in my direction.
It was strange how the smallest of his gestures made my cheeks burn.
Four years with Laurence and he never bothered to learn how I took my coffee.
“Yourpapawill be joining us later,” Florence said.
“Why?” Jaxon grunted.
“Stop that,” Olivier said quietly.
“I’m simply asking why he is coming.” Jaxon’s eyes narrowed. “Seems out of character that he wants to spend any time with his sons, unless there is free drink involved.”
“Jaxon,” Elliot warned. “Now isn’t the time.”
“He is coming because it’s Christmas.” Florence wagged a finger at Jaxon. “And before any of you start acting the fool, the man is still your family. I won’t listen to your gripes about it this year. Not when we have company.”
Tension rolled through the table like storm clouds.
None of them said anything, though the subtle change in Elliott and Jaxon’s facial expressions spoke more than words could.
Olivier swiftly changed the topic, once again bringing temporary ease to the table.
Florence was in her element surrounded by her grandsons. She didn’t speak much else during the breakfast, just happy listening to them talk and reminisce about old times.
Even Jaxon loosened up.
Any uncertainty or nerves that remained from the car ride were long gone.
After breakfast, I helped Florence clean up while the others took to wrapping up Penny’s Christmas presents.
“You really don’t have to do that.” Florence tried to wave me off.
I shook my head, submerging another dish in soapy water. “Please, it is the least I can do.”
She tried a couple more times before giving up and letting me.
“Jaxon told me about your ownpapa,” she said. “I am sorry you are having to live through that. Watching parents succumb to sickness, it is not easy. I shall keep him in my prayers.”
“That’s very kind of you.”
“You know, I used to pray every night that someday Jaxon would find a good woman. Someone who can handle him. Someone who didn’t just see his money, but who could truly love him. God answered my prayers with you.”
A weight fell through the depths.