Stay(58)

Rebecca nods solemnly. “And when is the surgery?”

“Ahh… Next Tuesday.”

“That’s perfect. The party is set for the following Friday, almost two weeks later!” She smiles reassuringly. “He’ll be just fine by then. Still, if it will make you feel better, I will have my personal physician recommend a nurse to sit with Eli while you attend. It will be my gift to you.”

“Your gift…” Emmy’s voice trails off.

“And the boathouse is so close, you’ll be no more than a minute from Stephen’s townhome at any given time.”

“We should have these coconut chips at our house!” Eli’s voice is a loud interruption. He holds up a chip grinning, oblivious to his mother’s discomfort. “Think Ted can make us some?”

“I’m sure he’ll try.” I pop a chip in my mouth. “Let’s ask him tomorrow.”

My aunt is satisfied the topic is resolved. We finish dinner and retire to the sitting room for cognac, whiskey, or tea for Emmy.

Bex asks about her work at Miss Con-Cleaneality—which she thinks is simply fabulous. She was so happy with the repairs to her dance dress, and have we ever considered taking ballroom dancing? It’s fantastic exercise. Bex asks about Eli’s progress in school, and no surprise, she also thinks homeschooling is the absolute best way to educate him.

“You are very wise, Emmy.” She nods at my bride. “There’s so much padding in the grades. I’m sure he’s leaps and bounds ahead of where he’d be otherwise.”

Eli is asleep on my shoulder when we finally say goodnight and head out the door for home.

“It’s such a beautiful evening, I’d almost suggest walking.” If I didn’t have this funny little guy knocked out on my shoulder. Little cock-blocker. I’m starting to understand why Emmy called him her best friend. Eli’s great.

Emmy walks beside me in silence. I’m sure she’s exhausted. “We don’t have to walk. My car is right up at the corner.”

Finally, my lady speaks. “Your aunt is something else… I don’t know if I love her or if I want to kill her.”

“It’s a common problem.”

“And you were no help at all. I did everything in my power to talk her out of this ridiculous party, and you’re sharing pirate kebabs and coconut chips with Eli.”

“They were delicious. I’ll have to get that menu for Ted.”

She does a little growl, and I wait as she climbs into the car before passing her sleeping kiddo across. “You were supposed to help me change her mind.”

“Emmy, look at me.” She turns her head, looking over Eli’s sleeping noggin. “You’re one of the most stubborn people I’ve ever met, but you are nothing compared to my aunt.”

Her eyes narrow, and she turns to the window. “You’re somehow able to convince me to do things against my better judgment. You don’t want to tell her no or you would have.”

Sliding my hand across the seat, I cover hers with mine. “Perhaps you’re right. After my mother died, Bex was the only female presence in my life.” My chest aches at the memory. “She and our housekeeper Ximena.”

“Ximena?” Her blue eyes meet mine, and I guess she sees the pain there.

It’s not until Eli is tucked soundly in his bed, and we’re sitting facing each other in mine that I tell her the story. When I finish, her eyes are downcast, sad.

“I guess I understand your dad feeling angry about the watch…” Her voice is thoughtful. “He probably felt betrayed.”

“He was a pompous ass. He should have given her the money she needed.”

“You’re right. But… Did he even know she was sick?”

“He knew.” Years-old fury burns in my throat at the memory of what happened. “After he discovered what Ramon did, he wanted to send a message. I’m actually surprised you don’t know. Your father mediated the case in his office at your house.”

She blinks up and shakes her head. “He never shared his work with us kids. I think he didn’t want to talk about it.”

“He was probably bound by nondisclosure agreements.” Releasing a sigh, I rotate so my back is against the headboard. “I took care of her until I left for the Navy. I’d just told her goodbye the night of that party.”

“Ethan’s party?”

I reach out and slide my finger down her cheek. “Yeah. I’m sorry I took my anger out on you.”

“Oh, Stephen. I had no idea.” Concern lines her face. “Is this why you want to help us now? Is what happened to Ximena why it’s so important to you?”

Is it? I hadn’t thought of it that way. “I told you, I like Eli. I want him to have a normal life, and I have the means to make it happen.”

She scoots across the mattress, climbing onto my lap in a straddle, and places her hands on the sides of my neck. “You couldn’t help Ximena, so you’re helping him.”

Our eyes lock, and so much emotion flows between us. “I’m helping you both.”

Leaning forward, she wraps her arms around my torso, pressing her cheek to the top of my chest. I wrap my arms around her just as fast. It feels so good to hold her this way. She’s so soft, yet firm, and she smells like heaven. It reminds me of what I’ve been thinking about all day.