London Loves - Book 3 - Love's Great Adventure Series Read Online Free PDF Page A

back. I love you.”
    He pulled Tess into his arms and hugged her tight. “Thank you, darling,” he whispered in her ear. “You’re right. She can’t hurt us. I won’t let her.”
    Tess looked at her wrist watch. “I’ve got to be getting back. We can talk more tonight, I promise.”
    Sebastian picked up the rubbish and placed it in the brown paper bag. “Mattie, come on. It’s time to go,” he called out to this daughter.

Chapter 5 - Into My Life
    Sebastian and Mattie walked Tess back to work, giving her hugs and kisses before they headed for the Tube. “Daddy, can we stop in and see Aunt Penny?”
    “Mattie, you saw her a few days ago,” Sebastian reasoned.
    “But I want to hear about the ball!” she protested.
    Sebastian checked the time. “Well, I reckon we can pop in and see if she’s home.”
    “Yay!” Mattie exclaimed, jumping up and down.
    They rode to Kensington High Street Station and walked to Penny’s townhouse. Mattie rushed up the front steps and was knocking on the red door before Sebastian had a chance to ring the doorbell.
    Penny opened the door, wearing a navy dress and heels, her long blonde hair gently falling over her shoulders. She looked as if she were ready to go on a date. “Well, hello. This is an unexpected visit,” Penny greeted.
    Sebastian leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Sorry to pop in unannounced, but someone was eager to hear about the ball.”
    Penny crouched down to Mattie’s level and gave her a hug. “Come in—I was just about to have tea.”
    The trio walked into the parlor. A tall man in a bespoke gray suit stood by the window, his attention focused on something outside. Sebastian recognized him immediately. The man turned to face them with a smile.
    “Maxwell,” Sebastian said, shocked to see his brother standing in front of him.
    “Sebastian, it’s been too long. It is good to see you again,” Max said, extending his hand.
    They shook hands and Sebastian looked at Penny, hoping to get a glimpse of what was going on, but he couldn’t read her expression.
    “And who do we have here?” Max inquired, looking down at Mattie.
    “I’m Mattie Irons,” she announced, holding out her small hand to Max.
    “Hello, Mattie. I’m your Uncle Max.”
    “Are you Aunt Penny’s boyfriend?” the brazen four-year-old asked without shame.
    “Martha, that’s not a polite question to ask someone you’ve just met,” Sebastian chided.
    Thankfully, Penny jumped into the conversation. “Mattie, will you help me get the tea from the kitchen and bring it in here so we can enjoy some refreshments?”
    The girls left the room, leaving Sebastian and Maxwell alone. Sebastian hadn’t seen Max in six or seven years. He couldn’t actually recall how long it had been. “I’m sorry, I’m surprised to see you here.” Sebastian walked over the sideboard and poured himself a finger of scotch. He motioned to Max, who declined the drink.
    “I ran into Penny at the ball the other evening. She invited me to stop by for tea,” Max explained. “I’m sorry about everything that transpired between you and mother. I just wanted you to know that it doesn’t matter to me. I’m still your brother.”
    Sebastian let out the breath he’d been holding in. “Thank you, Max. That means a lot to me.”
    “Sigourney kept me abreast of what’s been happening in your life. A wife and a child—who would have thunk?”
    Sebastian chuckled. “Life can be unexpected at times.”
    “You look very happy. I’m glad things worked out for you.”
    Penny and Mattie walked back into the room pushing a tea trolley. “Okay, you two sit down. Tea is served,” Penny said.
    The four of them sat around the coffee table, sipping tea and eating finger sandwiches. Life could certainly be unexpected , Sebastian thought to himself as Penny and Max regaled Mattie with stories from the charity ball they had attended.
    “So I’m standing at the podium ready to make my speech, when I reach into my suit