Simply Sexy (Simply 5)

She wagged her wrinkled finger at Rina. “That’s where you’re wrong. It’s the person you are with, not your surroundings that matters. Now get inside. Your brother wants to make a toast.”

And then he’d head over to the hospital, Colin thought, uncertain of whether to dread or look forward to the meeting. As they stepped inside, Jake tapped a knife against a glass and the talking dwindled. “I’d just like to say a few words. First, I don’t know most of you, but thanks for taking care of my sister since she’s moved here.”

Colin squeezed Rina’s hand tight.

“Second, I want to toast her determination to make a new life and her success in going after what she’s always wanted. My sister is now a newspaper columnist and happier than I’ve ever seen her. Here’s to health and happiness, Ri.”

Rina blushed, an adorable shade of pink. But with every one of Jake’s words, Colin’s gut twisted tighter. Because he knew he was heading over to the hospital to finally discuss the paper’s financial situation and future with Joe. A future that might not include Rina.

She wanted to continue her column and live life on her own terms the way her ex-husband had never allowed her to do. Could Colin destroy her dreams just so he could achieve his own goals? January 1 was around the corner, and even if Colin managed an extension, it would only delay the inevitable. Unless he came up with another solution or performed magic. Neither seemed likely.

“And lastly,” Jake said, bringing Colin back to the other man’s toast, “I want to let all of you in on the fact that my beautiful wife and I are officially expecting a baby, something I just discovered myself. So cheers, everyone, and Merry Christmas.” He raised his glass and everyone toasted, clicking glasses and murmuring good wishes.

Colin glanced at Rina’s wide smile. “You don’t seem surprised by this news. You weren’t fishing when you sent your brother out of the room earlier?”

She shrugged, looking like the proverbial cat who ate the canary. “I had a very strong hunch. I’m just glad to be right. I’m going to be an aunt!” Her voice rose in excitement as she glanced back at her brother and Brianne.

“You like kids, huh?” Now, where the hell had that come from?

“Is this a trick question?” She met his gaze, a wry smile on her lips. “I say no, you think I’m a witch? I say yes, you run for cover before I can con you into having one? It is every single man’s worst fear realized, right?”

He brushed his knuckles over her cheek. “Until he meets the right woman.” And then before things could get too serious, he said, “I have to get going.”

She nodded. “I know talking to Joe won’t be easy, but you need to do what I said. You need to be true to yourself.”

His heart constricted at her serious words and earnest gaze. She cared so much and gave even more. But she had no idea just what her advice would cost her.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

RINA LOVED the holidays. The music, the festive cheer, the people surrounding her. She just wished she’d been able to help Colin more, but maybe meeting with Joe would do the trick.

Emma tapped her foot impatiently against the floor and Rina realized she was being chastised. She also knew what for. “What would you like me to do?” she asked, meeting the older woman’s annoyed gaze. “I can’t just take off after Colin.”

Much as she’d like to. She didn’t want him to be alone when dealing with Joe, in case the older man’s explanation provided more hurt than solution.

“Why can’t you leave? It’s not like someone here can’t hol

d down the fort while you’re gone.” Emma shot her a pointed glare.

“You of all people understand etiquette. I can’t walk out on my own party. It’s rude.”

“I beg to differ. Catherine’s a caterer and she’d be happy to keep the hors d’oeuvres hot until you get back. Wouldn’t you?” Emma grasped Catherine’s sleeve as she walked by.

“Wouldn’t I what?” the pretty blonde asked.

“Hold down the food, I mean fort, while Rina goes to the hospital to be by Colin’s side.”

“Of course.” Cat waved a hand in dismissal. “You go on and don’t worry about a thing here.”

“But…”

“And while Catherine handles the food, Francesca doesn’t mind serving as hostess, do you, dear?” The older woman had to hustle, but she managed to poke Frankie in the back as she passed. “I’d play hostess myself but I’m being paged,” Emma said.

To Rina’s shock, Emma turned and blew a kiss Stan’s way.

“I’ll be right there,” she called to the man who sat in the corner, patting the arm of the chair as if he wanted Emma to join him.

Frankie chuckled. “I can handle things here,” she assured Emma and Rina.