She had given up everything for this family, and now that he had a girlfriend, Allie’s sacrifice didn’t matter. She’d had to make the hard decisions while he dealt with his grief. But apparently, his grieving time was over and he’d replaced Allie’s mom so fast it was a slap in the face.

He scrubbed his hands over his cheeks and then stuck them in the pockets of his faded jeans. “I know I haven’t been acting like much of a father lately. I’ve put too much on you, Al. Parentalizing you, Karen calls it, making you the parent instead of me. I’m sorry about that.”

She shook her head and pressed her lips together. It was like looking at a stranger. What was wrong with him? “So, you’re talking about our family to your new girlfriend?” She pivoted on her heel and began moving from the fridge to the back door. She had gone all in and lost. Her dad was moving on, Monica was a disaster, and Brynn would be subjected to a woman she couldn’t stand. Allie’d made this deal with Trevor—for what? None of it mattered.

She turned to her father. “Brynn doesn’t want this. Don’t you care about that? Think about how she’s going to feel with a new woman around here, telling her what to do, psychoanalyzing everything she does. You barely paid her any attention in the last six months, now all of your attention is going to be on this Karen.” She was panting and her throat felt tight.

He sighed and shook his head. “Brynn will come around. Karen’s a nice lady, and I really like her. She makes me happy.”

Allie laughed bitterly. “Happy? Who’s fucking happy?” Tears filled her eyes, and she couldn’t seem to catch her breath. “You know what? You’re selfish—”

“I’m selfish? How the hell am I selfish, Allison?” He unpocketed his hands, thrust them toward her. “I watched the woman I love die. Slowly, painfully. For five long years.” Tears began rolling from his bloodshot eyes. “I can only hope and pray that Monica comes to her senses, but I can’t force her to come home. I know I’ve been unfair to you, burdening you, and all right, that was selfish. But wanting to move on with my life? Wanting to find love again?”

Allie wiped the back of her hand across her nose. “No, you need to care about your family for once. Maybe focus on your daughters for a change. But you only care about your sex life and that makes you worse than selfish, Dad. And Brynn can stay with me as long as she likes, since I’m the only one who gives a damn.” She ran out of the house, slamming the door behind her.

Chapter 13

“What do you think of Allie’s dress, dearest?” Mags sauntered into the office.

Trevor glanced up from the computer screen. “Sorry?”

Mags held a dress by the hanger. “Allie’s dress? For the wedding?”

“She’s wearing white? I thought that was the bride’s prerogative. Look, I’m very busy. I don’t have time for this right now.”

She held the dress in front of her and examined it. “I’m tired of white. I’m wearing red this time. Plus, Allie looks stunning in it.”

“Mmm hmm.” Trevor dismissed her and the wedding from his mind and returned to the stock analysis.

“Although, I think Allie would make a lovely bride.”

There was always the risk in buying a stock on its way down. Most likely it would go lower still, but Trevor always trusted his gut and his gut told him to buy.

“I want to be a grandmother.”

He bought a few hundred shares, sat back, and smiled. He didn’t care for gambling in the casinos that much, but he loved gambling in the market. It was a rush to prove the experts wrong.

“How many do you think you’ll have?” she asked.

What was she on about? Oh yes, Allie’s dress. “What does Allie think?”

Mags glided into a chair. “How would I know, darling?”

“Well, didn’t you have her try it on?”

With her head tilted to one side, Mags smiled. “You haven’t been listening to a word I’ve said, have you? Just like your father.”

He pierced her with a look. “I’m nothing like him.”

“Oh, darling, why can’t you forgive him?”

“I don’t wish to discuss this. As I’ve said, I’m busy.” He clicked his mouse, shifted to another monitor, and looked at the cost projections for a design team that wanted to borrow money. Didn’t seem like a good fit.

“He’s made mistakes. But he’s sorry. Do make up with him.”

“He married Anna. I’m not likely to forgive that any time soon.”

Mags flicked her fingers. “I’m not thrilled with his choice either, but you and Anna had broken up.”

“Yes, that was kind of him to wait. Would have been damned awkward if she and I had still been fucking.”

She took a deep breath, her lip pursed. “He’s changed, Trevor darling. I promise.”

Trevor assumed a neutral expression. “I don’t really care one way or the other. When are the two of you leaving, by the way?”

He picked up his phone and texted Allie, wondering how the talk had gone with her father. Probably a disaster—much like the conversation he was having right now. Parents were nothing but a pain in the ass.

“Not until after the wedding.”

“Mother please, we both know there’s not going to be a wedding. Go back to England or, better yet, Italy. You’ve not had an Italian yet, and you do love the warm weather.” He picked up his cup and took a sip of coffee.

“I think you and Allie should have a Christmas wedding. Think of how much fun that would be. She could wear a white dress trimmed in fur.” Mags clapped her hands.

Trevor choked, coughing for a full minute. “How did we get from your marrying an Italian to my marrying Allie? Which is never going to happen, by the way.” He set his cup down with a little more force than was necessary.

“Why not? She’s a lovely girl. She’s caring and kind. She’ll give me beautiful grandchildren.”

Trevor eyed her with irritation. “You were a dreadful mother. What makes you think you’d be a better grandmother?”

Mags winced, almost imperceptibly, but Trevor saw it. He’d hurt her. Too bad. She’d never given a damn about him. He rubbed at his sternum and pulled a roll of antacids from the desk drawer, popping a couple in his mouth. This fucking ache in the middle of his chest was growing tiresome. “I need to get back to work.”

“Yes, of course, darling.” She rose from the chair and grabbed the dress before she exited the office.

Trevor watched her go and pushed any guilt he was feeling to the side. What did he have to feel guilty for? After all, he hadn’t abandoned her.

His phone vibrated. He glanced at the brief text from Allie. Things hadn’t gone well with her father. He wasn’t surprised. No man liked to be told whom he should date.

***

Allie’s mind went over her father’s words. He wanted to be happy. Of course he did. But at what price? Brynn had two and a half more years at home. She shouldn’t have to spend it with her dad’s girlfriend. Seeing the woman at school and home? Every kid’s nightmare. Why couldn’t her dad understand that? His newfound happiness came at the expense of his daughters.

Allie rubbed her forehead as she drove. She still needed to find out Brad’s last name and where Monica was staying. Trevor had hired a detective. Maybe he had some information by now.

When Allie arrived at the mansion, she met Frances in the foyer. “Did Mags want to go shopping today?” Aside from the actual shopping, Allie enjoyed spending time with Trevor’s mom. She was funny and charming, despite the constant wedding talk.

“Mrs. Mags is in the garden.”

“Thank you.” Allie wandered outside and found Mags sitting on a bench under an arbor covered with bright pink flowers. This early in the morning, the temperature was mild and the sun felt good on her skin. “These are pretty.” Allie touched a whisper-soft, cone-shaped petal.

“It’s a pink trumpet vine,” Mags said. She seemed distracted as she stared blindly at the tinkling fountain in front of her.