Anything for Her(86)


Allie didn’t want to turn her gaze from his face—no, not handsome, but compelling and capable of such kindness. She made herself look at her mother, though, and saw deep hurt.

“I love my daughter. But I cannot say I’m happy that she felt she had to reveal a past to you that was meant to stay shrouded.” Her eyes fixed on him with blazing intensity. “She says you promised never to tell anyone.”

“I did, and I meant it.”

“My life might depend on you keeping your word. You do understand that.”

Allie stood by, watching the two people she loved most in the world stare at each other as if no one else existed. She hated her sense of helplessness.

“I do,” Nolan said in his deep, slow way. “Of course I do.” He looked at Allie and reached out a hand to her. The expression in his eyes let her know that she’d been wrong; he hadn’t forgotten for a second that she was there.

She let his big hand engulf hers. The gentle squeeze he gave was as comforting as he meant it to be.

“Why don’t we have lunch?” he suggested. “We’ve got plenty of food, and if we don’t eat now Allie will end up being interrupted.”

“Well...I suppose...” Mom turned blindly back to the table. Allie doubted either of them had any appetite, but a pretense had to be made.

He took bowls of soup from one of his bags and said, “Feel free to help yourself, either of you.” When no one made a move, he shrugged, pried the top off one of the bowls and picked up a spoon.

Allie’s mother nibbled at her croissant. Allie did the same.

The silence grew uncomfortable. Nolan glanced from one to the other of them. Finally he looked at Allie’s mom. “You must miss your son very much.”

Her breath hitched. “Yes. We are able to exchange letters. He doesn’t write often— Well, I don’t suppose you write your parents often, either, do you?”

He laughed. “You’ve got me there.”

“He sounds like he’s doing well. He’s a successful businessman. And I’m wondering if he might be serious about the woman he’s been dating. Don’t you think, Allie?”

Dumbfounded to realize that the worst was over—at least until Mom got her alone again—Allie thought back to her brother’s most recent letters, few and short though they were. She had noticed a slightly different tone to his occasional mentions of his current girlfriend. “I kind of had that feeling, too,” she agreed.

Mom told Nolan how handsome Jason had always been and mentioned that she’d told him all she wanted for Christmas from him was a new photo. “I do hate the thought of him someday having children and me never being able to see them.” Her voice faltered.

Nolan nodded. His compassion had never been more apparent. Allie had seen the fury on his face when she talked about the pressure her mother had been applying on her. No trace of that was in his voice or expression now.

“That would be really hard,” he said. “I don’t have a great relationship with my parents, but I try to get home to Chicago at least once a year anyway. We’re still family.”

“Yes,” Mom said softly. “Family.” She had eaten only about half her croissant and not touched the fruit salad or cookie, but she made a point of glancing at her watch. “Oh, dear. I need to get back to work. Allie, perhaps we can talk another time.”

“At least take the rest of your sandwich. And the cookie,” Allie said, wrapping it in the napkin and holding it out. “You can eat it at your desk.”

There was a glint of what might have been tears in Mom’s eyes. She gave a shaky smile. “Thanks, sweetie. I love you.”

Allie rushed around the table to hug her. “I love you, too. You know that, don’t you?”

“Yes.” Her arms finally loosened. She aimed an uncertain smile past Allie. “Goodbye, Nolan.”

He had politely risen to his feet. “Cheryl.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Allie offered, but her mother shook her head.

“Don’t be silly. Enjoy your lunch while you can.” She slung her purse over her shoulder and walked quickly away. Barely a moment later, the bell rang and the shop was completely silent.

“My timing sucks,” Nolan said with a rueful half smile.

“No, actually your timing is brilliant.” Allie felt like laughing and twirling. “It’s done. I told her. She’s bound to be reproachful later, but the shock will pass. And I think she does like you. Oh, Nolan.” She took the couple of steps necessary to allow her to throw her arms around his neck and rise on tiptoe to kiss him. “You were so nice. You said all the right things.” Her voice thickened. “Thank you.”

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