“Oh, that’ll go over well.” I snorted. Meredith was not going to let someone come in and just run rampant. “Good luck with that.”

“She’s stubborn, huh?”

“As stubborn as you.” I wasn’t surprised when she laughed.

“That’s rough. You’ll have your work cut out for you.” She paused, and I could see her rub her belly out of the corner of my eye. “How is Marty?”

“He’s coping.” The thought of him in that big house with his grandfather made me ill. “Is she bringing him to the speech?”

“I don’t think so.” She frowned. “Not really a great place for a little one.”

“Good.” I stood up. “I thought I might go take him fishing.”

“Fishing?” She looked at me with surprised eyes. “You’re going to go take a little boy fishing. Heh.”

“Stop it. I told him I’d take him. His great-grandfather used to take him all the time.” Plus it would get him out of the house with his grandfather. Not that I was going to tell Sam that. She might show up with the cavalry if she thought there was a little one in danger. I was sure that Meredith had left him with someone who would watch out for him, but still. It would make me feel better if I was there. I could leave as soon as she got back and still feel like I had done my duty.

It would also alleviate my guilt at not being there for Meredith while she made a difficult public appearance.

I would leave as soon as she got there. I wouldn’t hang around hoping for another kiss, like a lovesick schoolboy. Nope. Not going to happen. I’d hang out with Marty and then come home. So what if it was a two-hour drive? It didn’t matter in the long run. What else was I going to do today? Plus it would mean that I could avoid the media.

I stood up. “I’m going to go change.”

“Okay.” Sam held her hand out to me and I helped pull her to her feet. She wobbled for a minute and I steadied her with an arm around her shoulders. Leaning down, I kissed her on her head.

“What was that for?” She looked up at me with a smile.

“Just because.” I looked down at her for a minute. Alex had been extremely lucky when he found her. Or had she found him? The only thing that mattered was that they were happy.

“Well, don’t think I’m going to name the baby after you just because you helped me stand up.” She laughed.

“Oh, I know I’m at the bottom of the list.” I winked at her. To be fair, I was pretty sure I wasn’t on the list. They hadn’t told anyone if they were having a boy or girl and had kept their name choices to themselves. If I was a betting man, I’d put money on her father’s name and my father’s name for a boy. Or I would if anyone would actually bet me. They all assumed I already knew the answer.

After changing, I called for my car, and headed toward Thysmer Manor. My ever-present bodyguard, Charles, was in a car behind me. It seemed silly, but being able to drive in a car by myself was one of the things I refused to give up. There was no uncomfortable need to make small talk. Though Charles wasn’t exactly the type for long, drawn-out conversation. It was one of the reasons I’d chosen to keep him around.

I timed it just right and saw Meredith pass me on her way to town. I barely caught a glimpse of her red hair in the back of a black sedan. She didn’t see me, which was perfect. It probably would have upset her, or made her worry, which was the opposite of what I wanted to accomplish.

I pulled up in front of the house and parked off to the side so that I wouldn’t be blocking anyone else. The front door was thrown open and Marty came running out, followed by a woman with an armful of toys.

“Max!” The little guy stopped just before he got to me and I could tell he was trying to decide whether to hug me or play it cool.

I held out my fist instead. “What’s up?”

He bumped my fist with his tiny one and smiled at me. “I was building a fort in the front room, but saw your car coming up the drive.”

I looked over at the woman standing in the doorway. She bobbed her head quickly before marching down to where Max was standing.

“You can’t just run out like that, Marty.” She knelt down and looked him in the eyes. “It’s dangerous.”

“But it’s Max!” The little guy turned around and bumped his shoulder into my hip.

“Yes, but other people drive that type of car.” Her voice was patient and it became apparent why Meredith felt confident leaving Marty in her care. There was an undercurrent of love in her words.

“Yes, ma’am.” He frowned. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again, Ms. Katie.”

“Thank you.” She stood up and smiled at me. “You just missed Lady Meredith. She’s on her way to the township.”

“I passed her on my way here. I’m actually here to see Master Marty.” I smiled down at the boy and put my hand on his shoulder.

“Oh, she must have forgotten to tell me that you were coming.” The nanny looked confused.

“Well, I hadn’t really planned on it.” I hoped I didn’t look guilty. “I just decided to go fishing and remembered that Marty liked to fish. So I thought I’d come see if he wanted to throw the rod a little. If that’s okay?”

“Yeah!” Marty pumped his fist. “Can I?”

“You’re going to stay here at Thysmer?” Katie looked from Marty to me.