Chapter 169: Her Mother's Love, Part 11, Son-In-Law

MICHAEL

I stand, resisting the blow-out on my belly. "Shall we go?" I gesture to the door, then trying not to be obvious about it, let out my belt a notch.

Too many pancakes...

Mitch rises. Charlotte too, but James snags her by the elbow. "Help me with the clearing up please, Charlotte."

"But Mas..."

"You can load up the dishwasher."

I lead Mitch out. She follows but twists back, looking to the house. "Where are we going?"

"To the hotel. It's just a short walk."

"Hotel? James said something about that."

"It's a spa and leisure centre. You know, gym, pool, pamper days, beauty treatments."

"It's yours?"

"Yes, but not just mine. Come on, I'll introduce you to the staff, then you can use any of the facilities you like." I cast an eye over her; beautiful, but she looks so tired. "I'd say you could use some pampering."

She shifts under my gaze. "What are you looking at?"

"You." Her head inclines. "They used to say before you marry a woman, take a look at the mother."