Page 60

“Hi, Merritt. This is Genevieve Willis. I’m Sebastian Schultz’s fiancée, which I guess makes me your soon-to-be sister-in-law.”
“Oh, right. Hello.”
“I’ve been meaning to call to wish you and Gus our congratulations, but things have been crazy around here with work and all the wedding planning.”
“Thank you. Congratulations to you too.”
“Thanks.”
“You work at a horse rescue, right?” Merritt asked.
“I do.”
“So, are all the horses injured?”
“Injured, abandoned, mistreated. People can be so cruel, and it’s such rewarding work, taking care of these beautiful creatures.”
“Sounds like you really love your job.”
“I do. So much.” Merritt could almost hear the smile in Genevieve’s voice. “I hear you own your own cosmetics company.”
“That’s right.”
“I bet Ephraim loves you already. He has huge respect for young entrepreneurs.”
“I gathered that when he asked about my financials within the first five minutes of meeting me.”
Genevieve laughed. “Sounds like him.”
“He was wonderful to talk to, though. I didn’t mind sharing business details with him. I know I can learn so much from his experience.”
“He’s definitely a plethora of knowledge.”
She nodded, even though Genevieve couldn’t see her.
“Harriet says you’re planning to send your RSVP this week.”
“I’m so sorry it hasn’t been sent already.”
“That’s all right. I just wanted to make sure to officially invite you to come early to our place on the sixteenth for a week of pre-wedding activities and family bonding, which I think is so needed right now.”
“Yes, Harriet did mention that to us. I hope you don’t mind me saying this, because I’m new to the family and still learning about all of you, but I was under the impression that maybe Sebastian might not want Gus there.”
“Why would you think that?”
“Gus said it was the first he’d heard of it, and something about his tone made me think there might be some bad blood there.”
“That couldn’t be further from the truth. They’re really close, and Sebastian wants his brother here to celebrate with us.” She paused for a moment. “I think he might be a little hurt that you and Gus tied the knot without him knowing about it, though.”
“Oh.”
“He hasn’t said as much. It’s just a feeling I get. Maybe don’t mention it to Gus, though. They can talk when you guys get here. That is if you’re coming.”
“We’d love to,” she answered as Gus emerged down the hallway in a T-shirt and athletic shorts.
His eyes narrowed. “Who?” he whispered.
“Wonderful,” Genevieve replied. “We’ll see you then.”