Page 98 of Possessed By You

They’re trying. That’s what matters, I guess.

Benjamin ushers him inside. “Come in.”

I see the blond hair first, such a contrast from his adopted brother’s black tresses. Alexander sees Daniel and me by the kitchen and stills. We usually steer clear of one another, particularly because we never resolved the misunderstandings between us, and lack the will to do so in respect of Benjamin. Stiff politeness will have to do. I cannot avoid him anymore, not now that he’s working for his brother again.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were busy.”

“It’s all right. You have the documents?” Benjamin asks. Alexander hands him the documents, his gaze fixated on Daniel, who is trying to get his attention.

Alexander bends, brushing his hand through Daniel’s hair. “God, he really does look more like Ben every day.”

“That’s what I say.” I cross my arms over my chest, glancing at Benjamin, who sets the work on his desk.

“When do you leave?” Alexander asks me, a notable hitch to his voice. He’s being cautious, but his eyes dart away from me.

“Now, actually,” Benjamin answers, appearing by my side, sliding a possessive hand across my waist.

Alexander is quick to retreat, smiling apologetically. “I’ll get out of your hair then.”

“We’ll be back in a week. We’ll have drinks, yeah?”

Surprised at the invitation, Alexander nods. “Sounds good. Bye, Daniel.” He looks at me, for only a moment. “Bye, Darcy. Have a good time.”

“Thank you.”

He lets himself out, and Benjamin chuckles, shaking his head. “I need to find him a wife, set him up with someone.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s clearly still hung up on you.”

“You’re becoming green,” I murmur to him, repeating the words he once told me, throwing my arms around his neck.

His smirk warms considerably. “Damn right I am.”

“I like that you still get jealous over me.”

“I know you do.”

“Let’s go,” I whisper against him excitedly.

“Hell yes. Let’s go.”

I pick Daniel up, waiting for Benjamin to shut down. He moves fluidly around the office, at ease with his surroundings. I recall first setting sights on him, tumbling over useless words he could easily see through and navigate.

Somewhere inside of me, even then, I hoped. I dreamed.

But how could I have imagined this?

This man is myhusband. The baby in my arms is ours. Benjamin catches me staring, and the smile he flashes me knows my thoughts.

No doubt he can read them clearly on my face.

I hide nothing from him. Why would I when he’s looking at me like this?

***

By the time the jet lands on the tarmac, the sky is dark, the sun having set over the horizon hours ago. The moon is almost full, a beam glowing on the ocean surface. Benjamin’s eyes are closed, his head laid back, looking identical to the child tucked in his large arms.