Christmas Baby for the Billionaire (South Shore Billionaires 1)

He grinned. “Surprise.” Then he leaned over and kissed Tori’s cheek. “It wasn’t quite what we planned on happening, but life doesn’t always go according to plan.”

They chatted a while longer and Tori started to relax. Once everyone was seated at dinner, she let out a long breath. “Okay. I think I’m doing okay.”

“You are. I told you not to pay any attention to my mom. Everyone else loves you.”

Well, everyone except Jeremy’s stepdad. The best that could be said of him was that he was utterly ambivalent.

Tori and Jeremy sat together during the meal, which included foods that Tori had never even seen before but bravely tried. She avoided the pâté and soft cheese, but enjoyed whatever the poultry dish was—perhaps duck?—and some sort of fancy potato. And the dessert was delightful, a tarte tatin with cream. Not too exotic, but extra special. Something she’d love to have at the Sandpiper...

Except she wasn’t going to be there anymore, was she? Her heart gave a little pang at the thought. Saying goodbye was going to be so very hard. She’d put her heart and soul into the resort.

As the sounds of clinking silverware and crystal glasses slowed, she wondered if this kind of thing would become her life. It was nice for a visit, but she wouldn’t want to live like this. Then again, Jeremy didn’t live like this. His place was extravagant but his mood was relaxed, his tastes plainer. Like eating casserole two hours late, or ordering in a pizza from his favorite pizza joint. Cheesecake at ten o’clock at night.

She understood now why he’d wanted her to come. This was where he’d come from, but it wasn’t where he wanted to be. He’d always be connected to his family, but this wasn’t the life he had chosen for himself.

Or for his child.

She leaned over. “This was delicious, but I think I get it now.”

“Get what?”

“What you said about me needing to see it. Promise me we won’t end up like this. I want backyard

barbecues and kitchen parties and people feeling welcomed.”

He looked into her eyes. “Of course you do. It’s what you’ve always known.”

“I’m sorry you haven’t.”

“I survived.” He flashed her a smile. “Come on, let’s go back to the drawing room, as Mother likes to call it. It makes her feel aristocratic.”

She laughed and they rose from the table. Now that dinner was over, the mood was even more relaxed in the large room. More wine was poured, and brandy. Tori realized that Jeremy had had his cocktail upon entering and one glass of wine at dinner, but that was it. When she mentioned as much, he shrugged. “I know we said we’d stay the night and go back tomorrow morning, but now I’m thinking we can drive back tonight. If that’s okay with you.”

She had no desire to stay any longer than she had to. She was a fish out of water here. “Whatever you want to do.”

“I’m going to find Mom and let her know. We don’t have to stay much longer if you’re tired.”

He left her with Sarah, who was definitely staying as she’d now switched to gin and tonic. “I know, I shouldn’t,” she said. “But I am staying the night, and it’s the only way these parties are bearable.”

“Then why come?” Tori asked. She’d given up club soda and was now drinking straight-up water.

“I don’t know. Because it’s expected. Because we get the ‘you only visit your mother twice a year’ guilt trip. And because we can’t stand each other, but a few times a year we pretend to and it makes us feel better about our stupid dysfunctional family.”

Tori snorted. Sarah didn’t have much of a filter after a few drinks.

“But you and Jeremy...you get along okay.”

“We muddle through. Out of the whole family, we’re probably the closest.”

“I’m glad. He talks about you a lot.”

Sarah looked pleased at that. “I think you’re good for him, if tonight hasn’t scared you off.”

“We’re trying to figure it out.” She put her hand on her stomach and sighed. “Can you tell me where the powder room is? I haven’t gone all night and the baby’s sitting right in a good spot.” She smiled at Sarah.

“Outside the door, go right, down the hall. There’s a door on the left just across from Bruce’s office.” She turned up her nose. “He likes to go in there for a cigar after dinner. Gross.”

“Thanks. If Jeremy comes back, tell him I won’t be long.”