Page 79 of Merry Fake Bride

“Mom.”

“What?”

“It’s not that important. It’s just a business deal. There’s more to life than destroying a simple family-owned business that brings so much love and warmth to so many people, just to build another block of replica apartments. We have eighteen blocks of them already.”

“Your father would be ashamed of you,” Mom snarls.

“Good.” I end the call and immediately dial my lawyer’s number. I don’t trust the board on this. He answers on the third ring.

“Mr. Sycamore. How can I help you?”

“I’m sure you already know what’s going on,” I say as I step out into the frozen New York street.

“Yes, sir.”

“Don’t fight it.”

“Excuse me?”

“We both know they’re in the right. I don’t want to fight this. Silver Canopy isn’t going to fight this. Are we clear?”

My lawyer coughs softly. “You’re seeking to ruffle a few dangerous feathers here, Kairo.”

“I know. Do I have your understanding?”

“You pay my bills, Kairo. I do your bidding. Silver Canopy will not fight this attempt.”

20

DEVON

“Kairo! You’re here!”

He stands on my doorstep with a soft, light smile on his face and snow dusting the tips of his hair.

A silver wrapped gift tucks under one arm and he slowly unbuttons his coat while Martin stomps his feet and puffs out his cheeks against the cold.

“I hope we’re not too late,” Kairo says. “The traffic was a nightmare.”

“You’re actually just in time. Come in, come in!” I motion them both in with a wave of my hand and step back, allowing them to pass, then I close the door. “Can I take your coats?”

Martin’s coat comes first after he shakes the snow from its shoulders, then he’s immediately whisked deeper into the house by a call from my mother.

Kairo remains in the hallway with me and slowly removes his coat, revealing a dark blue shirt underneath that strains slightly over his muscles as he frees his arms from the woolen sleeves.

“Thank you,” he says as I take the coat from his arms. His warmth lingers within the material as I hug it and scan the coat rack for a good spot that won’t affect the visibly expensive material.

“It’s no problem. I’m glad you could make it. Last we spoke, you sounded like things were getting really busy at work.”

“It’s been a hectic few days,” he confirms. “But no one is contesting your land bid, correct?”

Hanging his coat on the last peg, I nod as I turn to face him. “Not a soul. My lawyer keeps warning me that it’s unprecedented and we can’t take these things for granted, but I’m hopeful. If we win, Christmas might not be a disaster this year. I need something good to come out of this.”

“How is your arm?” His eyes dip down to my cast, and I show off the new blue emblazoned with silver and gold stars. “What happened?”

“Nothing terrible!” My other hand clasps his forearm before I think it through. “I spilled some water and it soaked into the cast. Visiting the hospital seemed easiest so I went to get it checked and they offered to change my cast. I hope it isn’t going to cost you.”

“I wouldn’t care if it did,” Kairo replies. “The blue is nice.”