Saved by the Cross (Cross 3)

44 - Blessing

With his hand on Doyle's hip, he smiled. "Good turnout, right?"

"Very good. Are you set for your interview tomorrow?" His agent said.

"Yeah. Talk about the book. Don't sound like a fool."

"You're not a fool." Doyle smiled up at him.

With the signing over, he couldn't avoid facing their evening plans. For a year, Mrs. Kane had been pretending he didn't exist. She had to acknowledge him when he sat in her dining room for the first time.

It wasn't Doyle's mother who scared him. Philip Kane had set the rules, and he followed them. Feeling proud, he had a title - author. When he stood by Doyle's side at boring events, he told himself he belonged. With the money Monty saved for him, he could buy her gowns.

Doyle's siblings promised to support him. They had accepted them as a couple. Baxter still had the look of an older brother. Gray understood the need to protect her. When Kasper wasn't traveling, he was a third wheel, except for the times the twin bond made Gray the outsider. Tate had no choice but to embrace him, since her husband had played cupid. The cross was the real cupid, Jimmy just gave them a shove.

Monty's new driver picked them up at the Newbury Street bookstore and drove them to Walnut Street. Gray felt awkward in the backseat.

"I loved watching you work. I took pictures for your accounts."

Social media was necessary for success and Doyle had become a mini publicist. The publisher supported advertising and some promotions, and Oliver assured him it was more than most first-time authors received.

"Can we just go home? I think I'm getting an ulcer."

Her laughter touched his heart. "You are not. No one is as healthy as you."

"Does she know I don't drink?"

Doyle shrugged. "Everyone else does. You and Ivy can stick together."

At eight months pregnant, Ivy looked huge, but radiant. She had quit her job to work as a consultant on labor issues and provide free legal services. Baxter smiled with pride, but it was mostly because she was carrying twin boys. Unlike Doyle and Kasper, they were identical.

Percy greeted them at the door. Unfortunately, they were early so only Doyle's parents were in the parlor.

Doyle didn't waver as she stood with her arm looped around his. "Mother, you remember Gray."

Doyle forced Amelia Kane to look at him. "The chauffeur."

Doyle tightened her arm. "Gray was never just a driver, but he is an author."

Philip said, "Do you work for Whitby at all?"

He shook his head. Although he would continue some of his work, technically, it was for Trista Montgomery. "Monty and I will continue to travel as friends like we always have." He cleared his throat and reached into his messenger bag. "This is for you."

Philip took the signed copy of his book. He opened it to read the handwritten words. Thank you for the most important year of my life.

Once he understood the cross, Gray knew he and Doyle would still want to be together after the twelve month waiting period. He worried about being worthy, but he had come through. Thanks to his friends who supported him.

"Gray bought a condo. I'm moving in with him."

Amelia's eyes narrowed, but Philip preempted her. "I think Gray and I need to speak privately."

"Fine. I'll go find Kasper."

Gray nodded. Who was he to say she shouldn't be alone with her mother, but he felt relieved she wouldn't be?