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“Do you think I’m trying too hard?” If she doesn’t think I’m a good guy, she won’t lift a finger.

“I don’t know. Haven’t decided.”

“I want to give her a sense of security—and the unshakable belief she’s always number one in my life. She’s pregnant with my baby.”

Bea’s eyes narrow. “Okay. And?”

“I want to marry her and have a family with her. And if she’s willing, I’d like to have another child. I think about how amazing it’d be to spend the rest of my life with her and our children.”

“You mean you want an heir?” she says softly.

“For what? This isn’t some dynasty.”

“Yeah, but the way you dress, the way you hold yourself—they say you’re a man who’s got considerable wealth and influence.”

“What does that have to do with how I feel about her? I could become penniless tomorrow, and nothing would change.”

“Except you’d be poor.”

I shrug. “I could just start over, no big deal, as long as I had her by my side. I built my fortune on my own.”

She squints at me for a moment. “I like your confidence.”

“Thank you.”

“For someone with money, you seem pretty genuine. And you’re the first one to come all the way out here to ask me about Anna’s cheeseburger recipe.”

“Because it matters to her,” I say, holding her icy eyes. “It reminds her of one of the most beautiful memories of her life. I want her to experience that joy over and over again.”

She studies me, her mouth pursed. I maintain the eye contact, willing her to see the truth of my words.

She grunts and finishes her coffee. “All right. I’ll help you.”

I sag with relief. “Thank you.”

“I know the secret sauce. But I won’t go easy on you, city boy.”

Chapter Forty-Seven

Max

It feels so weird to live without Rhys around. It isn’t the first time I’ve been alone. But with previous breakups I always moved on very quickly, almost like I didn’t even miss the guy that much.

Does it feel different because Rhys and I aren’t actually broken up? Because he’s just…not here?

The bed feels wrong. It’s too big and cold. Every time I turn over, Rhys isn’t there for me to wrap myself around.

It’s the same in the morning. The coffee machine automatically makes a fresh cup, and Frederich brings food periodically and stocks the fridge. The staff cleans the house as usual. Angelo drives me back and forth from home and the office. My tasks at work go on, although with more downtime. But instead of feeling happy that I can work at a slower pace, a gust of chilly wind seems to whip through a gaping hole in my heart.

“Hey, where’s Rhys?” The corners of Sacker’s mouth are downturned. He’s probably depressed he can’t spend hours regaling Rhys with…stuff.

“Out of town. He has some business.”

Sacker’s eyes widen. “And he left you here?”

That’s exactly how I feel!“Apparently.”

“Interesting. Very interesting.”