One More for Christmas(19)

And that would matter to him, of course, because Michael had lost both his parents when he was in his twenties. Ella picked up a photo of them laughing with Michael and felt a tug of envy. It was a perfect family scene. They’d been older parents and he’d been an unexpected but welcome surprise. Love shone out of that photo. “I know how long we’ve been together. And I’m grateful for every minute.” She put the photo back. “It’s also been five years since I saw my mother so it’s not as easy as you make it sound.”

“I know.” He folded her close. “And I know how much that upsets you. But I don’t need to be protected from the situation.”

She squeezed her eyes shut, guilt making her feel a little sick. Why hadn’t she just been honest right from the start? But she hadn’t, and now she didn’t know how to tell the truth. “The priority is to keep everything as normal as possible for Tab. I want her in a warm, secure environment with someone she loves. And I won’t be doing this alone. Sam will be there.”

“Where are you going, Mommy?” Tab was back by her side and Ella caught her hand.

“Mommy has to go on a trip to see Aunty Sam. But I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Is Aunty Sam in the hospital? Did she have a heart attack?”

Tab missed nothing.

“She’s not in the hospital. No one had a heart attack.”

“Then who is in the hospital? Someone is in the hospital. You said ‘which hospital.’”

“I—” Ella glanced at Michael and he shrugged. She knew he thought she should tell the truth, but Ella didn’t want to. How would she begin to explain her relationship with her mother to her daughter? She couldn’t even explain it to herself. “Someone we know—”

“What’s her name?”

“Gayle.” Ella swallowed. “Her name is Gayle.”

Michael gave a slow shake of his head and walked toward the fridge.

The answer wasn’t enough for Tab. “Is she your friend?”

“She—I—she’s someone—we know—”

The fridge door closed with a thump.

Ella didn’t look at Michael.

Tab wrinkled her nose, apparently enjoying this game of “detective.” “Is she Daddy’s friend, then?”

“No—he—” She wasn’t going there, she absolutely wasn’t. “Tab, I need to pack a bag.”

“Shall I make her a card? People who are sick like cards. I want to come. I want to see Aunty Sam.”

“You can’t, baby. Not this time. We’ll see her soon, I promise.”

“Christmas.”

“Definitely Christmas.”

“Twenty-four more sleeps. Santa and Aunty Sam.” Tab danced across the room, and Michael strolled back to Ella.

“I don’t want to stop you going if that’s what you want, honey, but I’m not going to pretend I’m happy about it.”

Tab reappeared. “I want to go with Mommy and meet her friend.”

First her husband and now her daughter. How had her life ever gotten this complicated?

Michael kissed Ella and then dropped to his haunches so he was eye to eye with his daughter. “If you go with Mommy, who will watch movies and eat popcorn with me?”

Tab wavered. “Popcorn?”

“We could make it together. If you were here.”

“Which movie?”

Michael laughed and flashed Ella a smile. “Do you hear that? My little negotiator. Maybe she’s going to be a lawyer like her dad.”

“Don’t put that pressure on her! Maybe she’ll decide to work in an animal shelter, or join a ballet company, or even teach kindergarten.” She saw Michael’s eyebrows lift. “Sorry. Ignore me. Sensitive subject.”

“Of course Tab should do any job that makes her happy and fulfilled.” He gave Tab’s shoulder a squeeze and rose to his feet. “You and I are going to have a fun evening, Tabitha Melody Gray.”

“Can we play princesses before the movie?”

Michael’s expression didn’t falter. “Sure.” He thrust his hands in his pockets and looked at Tab. “I confess I don’t know how to play princesses. Am I the prince in this scenario? Do I rescue you from peril?”

Tab gave him a look. “No, I rescue you. You’re scared of the dragon because he’s a lot bigger than you expected, and I chop his head off to save you. There’s lots of blood. You faint.”

Michael raised his eyebrows. “I’m not coming out of this well, am I? And neither is the dragon. A violent end. I obviously have a lot to learn about this game. You’ll have to teach me. It’s not my area of expertise.”

Tab was forgiving. “You can’t be good at everything.”

“Are you saying I’m not good at everything?” Michael growled and then chased Tab around the house, hands outstretched to tickle her. Listening to Tab’s delighted squeals, Ella’s heart melted. She fell in love with Michael at least five times a day, and today was no exception.

She picked up her purse. “I’ll meet my sister at the hospital. I’m sorry you had to come home early.”

“I’m not. I get to see my beautiful wife and play dragons with my warrior princess.” Michael caught Tab again, tickling her as she rolled and wriggled.