Confessions of a Millionaire's Mistress. Robyn Grady

his throat then rubbed the back of his neck. ‘Celeste, Benton, you both know Mrs Simmons.’

      Ben anticipated Celeste’s reaction. He stepped closer, surreptitiously steadying her before her legs gave way. Ben nodded a greeting at the couple. Celeste couldn’t manage the same courtesy. Who could blame her? This must be a shock.

      Her voice was threadbare. ‘What’s going on?’

      With her eyes on Ben and Celeste, Suzanne Simmons touched her beau’s arm. Reassuring her, Rodney patted her hand, then walked up to his dazed daughter. ‘Suzanne and I are going to be married, Celeste. We’re very happy. Really looking forward to kicking back and having a family.’

      Celeste’s long lashes fluttered several times as she took it in. ‘Dad, you’re sixty-five.’

      His jowls pinked up. ‘Suzanne’s having a baby. She’s a fair way along with your little brother or sister. She had a scare last night but we’ve been to the doctor and everything appears to be fine.’ He looked back at his bride-to-be and sent a smile. ‘Just fine.’

      While Ben felt Celeste’s disbelief to his bones, he did what was expected. He put out his hand. ‘Congratulations, Rodney.’ He finished shaking and nodded towards Suzanne. ‘I’m sure you’ll be very happy.’

      Another empty phrase, but this time, no doubt, appreciated. Ben believed in love wholeheartedly. It was the happily ever afters a man could never count on.

      Suzanne’s expression was kind and concerned as she came forward and took both Celeste’s hands in hers. ‘I’m sorry. This must be a huge surprise. We wanted to tell you tonight over a quiet family dinner.’ The widow’s gaze dropped to her rounded belly, then found Celeste’s eyes again. ‘I hope we can be friends.’

      Ben’s heart went out to Celeste as her slender throat bobbed up and down. Then she seemed to find some inner strength and somehow smiled. ‘I’m… very happy…for you both.’

      Suzanne addressed Ben. ‘This buyout has come at the right time. We want to enjoy each other and the baby without the worry of a big business hanging over our heads.’ She spoke to Celeste. ‘Your dad tells me you’d like to buy another shop. That’s so exciting. Bet you can’t wait to get out there and start looking.’

      Celeste’s eyes glistened with a different kind of emotion as she looked to her father, who only looked away.

      The circumstances were hardly the same and yet Ben felt Celeste’s pain as if it were his own. It was a similar stab in the gut he’d experienced at age ten when he’d stepped one way, fate had stepped another, and suddenly he hadn’t had that home any more. Guess the hurt of being pared off was no different no matter your age or position. Today at least he could do something to help.

      Ben moved forward. ‘I didn’t expect to see you so soon, Rodney. I’ve invited your daughter out for the day. We were about to head off to grab something to eat.’

      Rodney’s expression jostled. ‘Denise has a banquet on its way out.’

      ‘And with my appetite—’ Suzanne’s settling hand found her fiancé’s arm again ‘—I’m sure I could eat at least half of it. You two run along,’ she encouraged Ben and Celeste. ‘We’ll see you both back here later.’

      Five minutes on, Ben and the still stunned Celeste were seated in his SLK Mercedes, heading into town. She didn’t protest; he’d bet she could barely talk. Her last twelve hours had been one kick in the gut after another. Yet she’d been so strong.

      He was definitely no expert in fixing family woes; today he was an outsider, as always. He shouldn’t feel responsible. This wasn’t his doing. And yet what would it cost him to see his vixen smile again?

      He planted his foot.

      He knew just where to start.