Chapter 145

Dorothea drifted off for a second, but then Latham’s deep voice snapped her back. “Don’t get the wrong idea. My dad’s getting up there, and the minute we got married, he started nagging us about having kids. We just need to put his mind at ease, you know p>

She forced a smile. “Yeah, right p>

Still, as she clutched her pink phone case, her fingers felt oddly warm.

So, it’s all just for show.

Dorothea didn’t think about it too much. When they walked through the door, a little visitor was already waiting for them.

The moment they came in, Garth’s eyes lit up. “Aunt Dorothea! Grandpa has to travel, so he said I could stay here for a few days p>

Dorothea smiled softly. “Of course, Garth. You can stay as long as you want p>

“Aunt Dorothea, I want the same room as last time p>

Dorothea hesitated for a split second, then nodded with a smile. “Okay p>

She packed up her things and gave Garth the room.

Meanwhile, Garth whipped out his smartwatch. “Uncle, you promised me, remember? Hurry up or Aunt Dorothea’s going to find out p>

Latham didn’t even hesitate. He scanned the code, transferred the money, and— miraculously gave Garth a rare compliment. “Nicely done. Keep it up p>

Garth rolled his eyes in his head. Whatever. His uncle always made fun of his dad, but honestly, he thought both of them were hopeless losers when it came to women. He was definitely better off than the two of them.

Still, he kept a straight face. “Alright. Pleasure doing business. I’m outta here p>

Moments later, Dorothea showed up in the study. “I’ll sleep in the master bedroom tonight. With Garth here, it’s not a good idea to switch rooms p>

Latham arched a brow and gave her that knowing smile. “You’re the princess here. Whatever you say goes p>

Dorothea turned on her heel and left. She knew better than to stick around for more of Latham’s teasing.

Just to be safe—and considering Latham’s track record when he was lying next to her-Dorothea reminded him, “I have to take Carmen to try on her bridesmaid dress tomorrow morning, so I need to get up early p>

Latham leaned on his elbow, voice low and tempting. “Dorothea, you keep stressing about getting up early. Are you worried I’ll try something p>

Dorothea rolled over, yanking the sheet halfway over her face. “I’m going to sleep p>

Latham inched closer, his tone soft

and amused. With his cool, slender fingers, he gently pulled the sheet down from her face. “Alright, sleep well. Goodnight p>

She heard him settle in beside her, quiet and calm.

Thank goodness, he really didn’t try anything.

Exhaustion washed over her, and she drifted off, her breathing slow and even.

The next morning, Garth had art class. Dorothea couldn’t take him, so she sent Latham instead.

She headed to the bridal shop.

“Dorothea, I’m picking this one. Makes my neck look so much longer,” Carmen said, admiring herself.

The soft lavender bridesmaid dress lit up her complexion but wasn’t too flashy. The more Carmen looked, the more she loved it.

“I’m your best friend, and your only bridesmaid. It’s perfect p>

“So, has Latham picked his groomsmen yet p>

Dorothea hadn’t actually checked. “It’s probably Mr. Gates p>

But she wasn’t totally sure. Would Latham really ask Wade to be his groomsman?

Suddenly, Carmen blurted out, “Dorothea, is there any way to move your wedding up p>

The wedding was set for the end of next month. That felt so far away.

Dorothea shook her head. “I don’t think so. Ladd picked the date himself. It wouldn’t really be right to change it now. Carmen, do you have something going on at the end of the month

If Carmen was busy, she’d have to find a new bridesmaid.

Carmen drooped, looking totally defeated. “It’s not that I’m busy, it’s just p>

She let out a sigh. “Alright, I’ll just say it. Albert and Carola are moving their wedding up. It’s in two weeks? Albert even gave me an invitation for you. I know you’re not going, and I wasn’t going to bring it up but honesty Albert’s being a total jerk about this p>