Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 23007 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23007 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
“The Debauched Duchess. Are you okay with that? This will be her first role that will require nudity,” Renee says.
“As I have every intention of being the duke in that movie, it will be fine.”
“You act and play rugby?” This from Roger.
“Not since I was in high school and I think I was knight, it doesn’t matter.”
“What makes you think you’ll get the part? Rita asks.
“The power of persuasion. It’s not unheard of that an athlete try a different field.”
“True, but are you any good?”
“This might sound crazy or controlling, but I’ll be the best damn duke on the planet if it keeps her from making that movie with some other man.”
“A little controlling, but I like it. I like you, Logan,” Rita says smiling. “What did I say, Renee. I knew going to the club would change her life.”
“You did say that, Mama,” Patience says coming back into the room carrying a small overnight bag.
“That’s all you’re bringing?”
“It’s all I need for now. I’m technically on vacation. I don’t plan on doing much of anything.”
“She has been working non-stop since last August.”
“Really?” I say.
“Yes. Oh, you’ll come to my premiers right?”
“Of course,” I say.
“Sit down, Patience. You’ll stay for dinner,” Rita says.
“Toad in the Hole?”
“Of course,” Rita says, smiling. “It’s been a long time since I made it for you.”
“It has.” Patience drops her bag on the floor and moves to Rita and pulls her into a hug. “Too long. I think we’ve missed out on a lot.”
“Your Mum keep us informed and we saw you on the big screen.”
“It wasn’t the same. Please Mum don’t misunderstand me, but I missed all these hugs. That’s important too.”
“Patience, there’s no jealousy here. There’s no room for it. I’m glad that you feel this way. We should have told you; we know that now. Rita is just as much your mother as I am, make up that lost time with her however you see fit. Don’t worry about my feelings.
“So this is my family,” Patience says, smiling.
“I’m happy to be joining it. I have six brothers and a sister-in-law who love to stir things up here.”
“No parents?” Roger asks.
“No. They passed away a long time ago,” I say. There is no way I can explain it again today. Not without crying like a fucking baby.
“I’m sorry, dear. Well, There’s enough of us here.”
“I see that. Thank you.”
Sometime later, after dinner, we decided to stay the night here. I couldn’t believe how at home I felt with these people. Their kindness warmed my heart.
ten
PATIENCE
ONE WEEK LATER
We have been alternating staying at his apartment and my house all week. I can’t bear to be away from for too long. He’s already at the stadium, getting ready for the first game of the semi-finals. It’s home game and I’m excited to take my dad’s to see it. The Lions have never been in the semi-finals before, so the excitement is triple fold. I pull on my jeans and pull on the jersey that Logan gave me this morning. It’s his jersey from last season. It’s three sizes too big, but I tie in down at the bottom. I smooth on some makeup and pull on my trainers before heading downstairs.
“You guys ready?” I ask, and wait while they all hug and kiss. Mum and Mama are heading into Central London for a spa day.
“Ready, Pum Pum,” Dad says. I hired a car for the day, so we can drink some pints and not have to worry about getting home.
“Ready,” Da chimes in.
“Miss Winters. I’m Giles. I’ll be driving you today.”
“Good afternoon Giles. We are going to the Lion’s stadium.”
“Of course,” he says, opening the back door for us. I slide in first. We get to the stadium and naturally the press is camped outside the entrance. Surprisingly, it’s been a pretty quiet week where they have been concerned, but I know that can change at any second. I plaster on a huge smile and get out of the car. As soon as I do, I am bombarded by questions.
“Patience, have you and Logan set a date yet?”
“We have,” I tell them.
“When.”
“The eleventh of February,” I tell them.
“where?”
“My church, with private reception to follow.”
“That’s all for now,” Dad says, leading me further into the stadium and away from the press.
“Thanks Dad.”
“That could have gone on all damn day. I need a cold pint.”
“Right. Everything upstairs in the box is for us to use.”
“Great. This is really amazing Pum Pum.”
“I’m so excited. Let’s kick some Weasel arse!” I shout as we get into the lift that will take us directly to the owner’s box.
We take our seats just as the match is about to begin. The press delayed us longer than I thought especially after we ran into some traffic on the way.
I watch, in awe, as Logan takes the field. He looks up at the box and our eyes meet. He bows to me like the duke of my heart would at the Pinnacle. I blow him a kiss, which he catches. How adorable is he? I can’t. I know we’re crazy. Crazy in love, so it’s to be expected.