She shrugged and smiled. “The next best thing.”
“Ah, Gracie.” He shook his head. “Of course she’d say that. He’s her husband.”
Ella clutched Rhett’s arm. She loved being a part of the Worth family, even if she wasn’t officially a Worth—yet. Not that anyone discouraged her from becoming one, oh no. The entire family had rallied around her, the women taking her in, the brothers trying their best to convince Rhett to do the honorable thing and ask her to marry him.
But they weren’t ones to rush into anything, especially Rhett. She was secure in the knowledge that Rhett belonged to her and no other. He was a devoted and loving partner in all aspects. Someday, he would make her the perfect husband—and further, a most excellent father.
For now, he was her Rhett. Her best friend, her partner at work, her lover at home…it was perfect.
Besides, it was best that he focus on reestablishing his relationship with Hunter. After much convincing on her part, Rhett had finally gone to Hunter with a tentative peace offering, which Hunter had gladly accepted. It helped that Gracie was such a sweetheart and so fond of Rhett. She fully encouraged her husband to be more understanding of his younger brother.
The family was healing, the rift between the brothers almost forgotten. Much of it was thanks to the women in their lives. And they knew it, too.
“Mr. Worth, Miss Durand, can we have a few photos?” Photographers suddenly appeared, their giant cameras at the ready, hopeful expressions on their faces.
Ella laced her arm through Rhett’s, cocking her head and offering a smile. “Of course.”
“Just a few, gentlemen,” Rhett cautioned, always protecting her. She loved that about him. His watching out for her made her feel cherished.
They posed, Rhett gorgeous in his tux, Ella feeling like a princess in her daring red dress. The party was formal, on the rooftop of the Worth Building, elegantly decorated and filled to the very brim with a crush of people, an endless supply of alcohol and the most delicious appetizers Ella had had the fortune to taste.
Everyone in attendance would leave with a gift bag featuring a sample of the Worth It fragrance—they wanted everyone to have a chance to try it.
“Don’t you two look cozy?” came a teasing female voice after the paparazzi had left them.
Ella turned to find Tessa and Alex standing before them, smiles on their faces. Tessa was ripe with their second child, her face rounded and glowing, Alex looking as proud and dashing as ever.
“You’re beautiful,” Ella murmured, wrapping Tessa into a friendly hug. Reaching between them, she rested her hand on Tessa’s belly. “Is he active this evening?”
Tessa beamed. “Active as ever. I’m in trouble, aren’t I, bringing another Worth boy into the world.”
“The second of a new generation,” Alex offered. “Michael leading the way, and all.” He referred to Hunter and Gracie’s son.
“Don’t you dare discount Charlotte,” Ella chastised. “That girl will take Worth places and you know it.”
“If she’s as determined as her mother, I don’t doubt that for a second.” Alex gazed down at his wife with love.
“Ugh, all this romance is going to make me sick,” Rhett said good-naturedly. “Let’s cruise the party. See who we can mingle with.”
“Rhett, that was rude,” Ella accused as soon as they were out of earshot. “Why didn’t you want to stay and talk to your brother and Tessa?”
“Oh, they’re all moony at each other right now, blissed out over the baby. Not that I can blame them, but next thing you know, they’re going to ask when we’re going to get married and have fifteen babies. I don’t want to hear it.” He looked absolutely miserable.
Ella laughed. “Fifteen? I don’t plan on starting an army, you know.”
He sobered. “How many children do you want?”
“I thought you didn’t want to talk about such things,” she teased.
“Well, when it’s coming from everyone else, no, I don’t. But when it’s just me and you, I like to dream about our future.” Reaching out, he drew his fingers down her cheek, his touch whisper soft.
She shivered. “I’ve not given it much thought.”
“Liar,” he said softly. “How many babies do you want me to give you, Gabriella?”
Oh, she did like the way that sounded, especially when he phrased it like that. “Two?”
“That’s it?” He smiled, cupped her cheek. “I’m getting off easy.”