Strictly Baby Business Book 2

Everything is set.

Sasha is safely with her grandparents, the house sitter has been briefed on the watering schedule for the plants, their luggage is packed to the brim, and the flights are booked.

Yet, Peyton can’t shake the feeling that she’s forgetting something.

Her stomach churns with unease until Sebastian’s hand lands on her knee, stilling her jittery leg. She looks up to find amusement dancing in his eyes and rolls her own in response.

“You seem to be enjoying my anxiety,” she comments.

Sebastian grins wider, about to retort when his phone interrupts him. He pulls it out of his pocket and answers without a glance at the caller ID.

“Sebastian,” he greets, his attention still on Peyton.

His affection for her hasn’t waned since the day they met. Allister’s voice on the other end of the line only broadens his smile.

“You didn’t mention you two were going on a trip.”

Sebastian nearly rolls his eyes at his best friend’s comment. “Peyton needs a break. Her parents’ passing provides the perfect excuse,” he replies.

Allister hums thoughtfully before asking, “Oh, they finally kicked the bucket? How’d it happen? And why together?”

“They were both under the care of their nurse. Turns out her dad crashed the car.”

Allister’s interest is piqued. “Ouch, did they die on the spot or suffer a bit?”

“They say it was instant.”

“That’s a bummer,” Allister responds.

Sebastian shakes his head at his friend’s words. “Why’d you call?”

“Trying to ditch me now?”

Allister’s words don’t surprise Sebastian. Instead of engaging in a pointless argument, he cuts to the chase. “Yes. Now, what do you want?”

Allister gasps dramatically on the other end, but Sebastian ignores it, waiting for him to get to the point.

“I need you to bail me out of jail, but you’re useless now.”

Sebastian rolls his eyes, deciding to stir the pot a little. “I’ll send the money to Amanda. Call her.” He ends the call despite Allister’s protests, shoots a text to his sister, and transfers her the money.

Allister and Amanda have a tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship.

Currently, they’re off.

“How much for bail?” Peyton asks, already knowing what Allister needs. They gather their carry-ons and head to the boarding gate as first-class passengers are called.

Sebastian chuckles, handing his boarding pass to the attendant. “I just sent a random amount and told him to call Amanda.” His words draw a laugh from Peyton as they board the plane and settle into their couple’s cubicle.

“Why aren’t we on the family plane?” Peyton asks once they’re buckled in.

Sebastian shrugs. “Uncle Carl needed it or something.”

Peyton rolls her eyes at her husband’s nonchalance.

They’re about to leave their only child for more than a week—the longest they’ve been apart since her birth. Yet, Sebastian seems unbothered by the details.

He insists that his parents have everything under control and that it’s normal for grandparents to look after their grandchildren while the parents are away.

“Can I get you anything for the flight?” the flight attendant, Melissa, asks.

Peyton shakes her head with a polite smile. “No, thank you.” But Sebastian orders a scotch.

Typical.

“Okay, what’s the game plan?” Sebastian turns to Peyton, his hand resting on her knee.

“Well, I spoke to Mikayla. She’s helped me arrange everything for the memorial. I just approved the payments. So that’s taken care of.” Peyton mentally checks off a task from her list.

“Mikayla will meet us at the airport and take us to the estate. We’ll have to start sorting through everything and getting rid of stuff so we can put the house on the market. It won’t be easy to sell because they had expensive tastes,” Peyton explains, reflecting on her parents’ wealth.

Sebastian has no idea what he’s in for. Living in a small town makes it even easier to be the wealthiest people there, let alone buy everyone out.

“Okay, but we’ll still have time to sightsee, right?” Sebastian asks.

Peyton rolls her eyes. Everywhere they’ve ever traveled, Sebastian insists on seeing every sight and experiencing everything available. He’s dragged her bungee jumping and cliff swinging. Money is no object to him, and he makes that clear. Peyton, however, draws the line at Sasha. She doesn’t participate in these activities. She gets to have a normal vacation.

It’s even worse when the entire family tags along.

“We’re not going on vacation,” she reminds him, shaking her head as the flight attendant returns with Sebastian’s scotch and announces that they’ll be taking off soon.

Once she leaves, Peyton gives Sebastian a look. He shrugs, sipping his drink.

“It’s a small town called Yander, and you want to sightsee?” she asks.

Sebastian nods eagerly. “Absolutely. I’ve never seen Christmas lights in a small town or experienced a cozy bakery with snow outside. Give me a chance, Silver.” He uses his pet name for her, referring to the silver color of her eyes. She rolls them at him.

“There isn’t much to do,” she warns.

Sebastian snorts. “Haven’t you seen those movies? There’s always some festival or event to participate in.”

The thought of facing everyone again, especially after so long, ties Peyton’s stomach in knots.

She doesn’t respond, leaning back in her seat and mentally running through her to-do list. Then it hits her.

The thing she was forgetting. “It’s Christmas in two weeks.”