Chapter 30

**Brad’s POV**

By the time we came to agreements and deals were finalized it was well into midnight. I was non-committed to working that night. Only one thing, rather person, occupied my senses. I sat in impatience. Scott shot me amused glances ever so often and if any one heard the incessant tapping of my feet against the floor or my fingers against the desk, they gave no indication.

When I pulled up in our drive way the house was quiet. There was no sign of any life and I knew both Angela and Harvey would be asleep. I ventured into the kitchen and sat at the table. I was never in a hurry to go off to bed.

The images always plagued me.

I propped my face over the table with the palm of my hands and closed my eyes, drinking in the silence.

“I hardly think the dining table would provide more comfort than your bed.”

My eyes snapped up and Angela materialized within my line of sight. The flimsy night gown doing nothing for my longing body. I made out the swell of her breasts and I instantly wanted to claim them. I dragged my gaze to her eyes. The most startling of her features and the one part of her that always betrayed her. Her eyes were honest and no matter her façade her reality could be discovered by those whisky coloured globes.

“Hardly.” I stared at her and saw realization flood her. She understood. If I went off the bed I would be captured and drowned in the turmoil trapped in my mind.

“If you are very tried yo-” She began.

“I wished I wasn’t.” I let my gaze travel over her lazily ensuring my intentions were clear. I captured a slight infusion of colour rise to her cheeks.

She stayed silent for what felt like years. “There’s food for you if you’re hungry. I am going to bed.” She whispered.

“Why are you up this late?” I questioned before I could check the words in my mind.

Staring at me, I got the feeling that she was trying to conjure up an appropriate answer. Tracing her gaze away from me she replied. “I got lost reading.”

I studied her.

“Good night.” She stated abruptly and lengthened the distance between us. “Good night.” I whispered to the wind.

**Angela’s POV**

I steeled myself and I assumed Harvey did the same. I paused a second and then my finger applied uncertain pressure on the doorbell. Mrs Regal appeared, her kind features softened to compliance as I came into her view.

“Oh thank heavens! I was anticipating your arrival.” She pulled me into her arms and I returned her caress awkwardly. Releasing me she glanced at Harvey and her eyes shined with wonder, much like the first time she met him.

“I hope you don’t mind.” I indicated Harvey even though I was certain she seemed relieved by his presence. The reason I brought him sparking in my mind. I had not the slightest idea how I was going to tell her the news.

“Mind? Dear I was hoping you would bring him!” She declared and pulled Harvey into a comforting hug. He shot me an unsettled look and I smiled. He eased into her touch and she finally let him go.

“Come in, dears.” She led us in, out of the night. On our way here the sun descended, casting shadows engulfing all visible to the eye in waves and swirls of oranges and red. With one savouring glance at the atmosphere outside, I entered and the door shut behind us.

We were led to the veranda at the back of the house. I hadn’t expected us to have dinner in the crisp, magical atmosphere. I saw three plate settings, Mrs Regal wasn’t kidding when she said she hoped that I would bring Harvey.

I peered at her and she shrugged. My mind whirled. That was keenly accurate to the manner in which Brad did that and suddenly my blood heated. I rarely saw him today. Breakfast was the only face time we got today and then he was off to work. I was pretty sure he was still at the office.

Dinner came easily to an end. I updated Mrs Regal of Brad’s recent business ventures, all of which he accomplished effortlessly. She told me how her time was occupied and of all the projects she undertook. She was much like her son ambition drove her, her compassion given sufficient encouragement to organise social events and recently catered to the uprising of her own foundation. One that dealt with aiding abused single mothers.

When she spoke I saw Harvey stiffen. He was reliving his own past, his abuse and his mother’s taking homage in his mind.

“Know that I have told you all about my doings, what’s new with you?” She questioned and I knew I could pass up this perfectly set up opportunity to tell her what needed to be said.

“Since you asked.” I paused feeling my pulse hitch, “Brad an—we are now the legal parents of Harvey.” The words were a rush and for a moment I wasn’t sure off her reaction. She sat still, perfectly set features revealing nothing and then she smiled. A smile so engaging and warming that the chill air increased a few degrees.

“That’s amazing dear!” she turned her gaze to Harvey. “I believe you need to call me grandmother from now on.” She smiled. Harvey peered at her and I couldn’t decipher his expression. Wonder perhaps? The thought of her accepting him whole heartedly was not something he expected and I think he felt relieved and even a bit excited.

“Congratulations! Now I can see our family being complete. Now I have someone to bring some more joy to my life! This calls for some wine.” She rose steadily and hurried off into the kitchen.

“That’s not how I expected that to turn out,” Harvey confirmed my conclusion from his earlier response.

I smiled. “I know. It was way better than I predicted.”