Chapter 19
Erica continued to be full of surprises. A week after they visited the bank together so Allison could be a signatory on a checking account with a balance of exactly five thousand dollars, she brought her boyfriend home for dinner.
Mara was the first one to tell her. The older woman had spent a couple of hours with Jackson every morning. They played, and Mara read to him and used a large set of letters to start teaching him the alphabet. This had started on Allison’s second morning in the house. Mara had committed to four mornings a week for “toddler detail” as she’d laughingly called it, giving Allison time to run errands or shower without worrying about Jackson.
Now in the second week with Erica and her family, Allison had a routine. She was sleeping a little better, feeling stronger. The worry still dodged her, but she was getting good at not thinking about all the bad things that could yet happen. For now she and her kids were safe. Even her doctor’s appointment that morning had gone better. Her weight was up, her blood pressure was down and her sugars were normal.
“Killion’s coming over for dinner,” Mara announced as she walked into the kitchen Thursday morning. “Usually she goes to his house or they go out to dinner, so this is a big deal.”
Jackson shrieked and ran toward her. Mara scooped him up and nuzzled his face. “How’s my little man? You look good. It’s sunny outside. I thought we’d play in the yard for a bit.”
Allison continued to load the dishwasher. “Killion is her boyfriend?”
“In a manner of speaking. They have an arrangement.”
“I don’t know what that means.”
Mara smiled as she set down Jackson. “You know, I don’t, either. They go out, sometimes she spends the night. They’re more at his place than here, but Summer and I have both met him.” She lowered her voice. “He’s very handsome and charming. I’ve heard he’s a shark in business but around us, he couldn’t be sweeter.”
Allison wasn’t sure what to say. “I’ll keep Jackson busy upstairs.” Or maybe they could go out for dinner. A fast food place wouldn’t be very expensive.
“Don’t be silly. It’s a family dinner. Killion will want to meet you.”
“Why?” Not only wasn’t she family, but the whole evening had the potential to be awkward.
“He’s that kind of person. Plus, he’s a wonderful dinner companion. You must be there. Erica’s making her famous shrimp scampi. Summer and I have worked out the rest of the menu. We’ll start with homemade bruschetta and a roasted beet salad. We’ll have mac and cheese for Jackson. I’m going to that lovely French bakery in Kirkland for a decadent dessert. There will be wine and—”
Mara wrinkled her nose. “Sorry about the wine mention. Summer’s been researching mocktails. I’ll make sure there’s enough for two. We’re meeting at six.”
The statement sounded more like an order than a suggestion. Allison couldn’t think of a gracious way to refuse. And to be honest, she was curious about the man who had claimed Erica’s heart. She didn’t know the other woman well, but from what she could tell, Erica kept herself a little apart from nearly everyone. She was friendly and kind and knowledgeable, but all with a slightly standoffish quality.
Which was why Allison found herself in the big kitchen at five, helping Summer wash mint and cut cucumbers for their drinks.
“I just throw a few chunks of cucumber into the blender,” Summer said, peeling a three-inch section. “The fresh juice is way better. I read online that ginger beer helps an upset stomach more than commercial ginger ale, which is mostly sugar.”
Mara breezed in from the formal dining room they would be using that night. She held up two tablecloths, one pure white, the other pale yellow.
“I’m using the stoneware from Italy,” she said. “It’s heavy but so pretty, and those flat pasta bowls work with the scampi.”
“I don’t know what the plates look like,” Allison admitted. “Summer, which one goes better?”
“The yellow,” Erica said firmly, walking in from the mudroom.
She crossed to her daughter and hugged her, then kissed her mother. She smiled at Allison. “You’re looking more rested. How do you feel?”
“Good. I saw my doctor and she’s happy with how I’m doing.”
Summer spun to face her. “Is your weight up?”
“I weigh two pigs now instead of one and a half.”
Everyone laughed. Erica set her bag on the counter and reached for Jackson, who was playing in his playpen, where he could be in the center of the kitchen and not underfoot.
“Rika!”
“Jackson!” Erica lifted him into her arms and snuggled with him. “How are you? Growing? You seem bigger and much, much smarter. Did you have a good day?”
Keeping him on her hip, Erica faced the three of them. “Thanks for all your help with this. Tell me where we are with the meal?”
“The French tart is in the refrigerator until exactly five thirty,” Mara said. “Then it comes out to warm to room temperature. I’m about to set the table. The beets are prepped and ready for the oven.”
“I’m making the mix for Allison and my drinks,” Summer told her. “Then we’re going to start on the bruschetta.”
Her mother nodded. “Good. The pesto-and-radish one and the classic diced tomato—”
“With basil and onion.” Summer rolled her eyes. “Mom, I know. No soft cheese, no processed meat. I get Allison’s pregnant.”
Erica smiled at her daughter. “Well, as long as you get it.”
She passed Jackson to Mara. “I owe you all. Let me go change and I’ll be down to help. Killion’s due at six and we all know what that means.”
“That he’ll be here at five-fifty-eight,” Mara and Summer said together.
“Exactly.”
Erica hurried toward the stairs. Allison turned to Mara. “How can I help?”
Mara put Jackson back in his playpen and handed him his stuffed caterpillar. “Let’s set the table. Once that’s done, we can figure out kitchen duty.”
The next hour passed in a blur of activity. When the roasted beets had cooled, Allison thinly sliced them and segmented the oranges. Erica passed her the recipe for the dressing and told her where to find the ingredients.
Erica prepped for the scampi while Mara and Summer made the toppings for the bruschetta, and the sliced French loaf toasted in the oven. The tart came out of the refrigerator to warm up and the white wine Erica had chosen was put in an ice bucket.
Allison was surprised to find herself enjoying her time in the kitchen. There was a sense of community as they worked together at the island. The other women talked about their days. Summer complained about her friend Avery’s father, who wouldn’t allow his daughter to get help in calculus. Mara mentioned a client with beautiful white hair who had insisted on a dark green streak.
“I tried to tell her the color wasn’t good for her. Try blue or purple, but she insisted on green, for her granddaughter’s high school colors, and now she’s unhappy.”
“What are you going to do?” Allison asked.
“Nothing for now. It will wash out gradually over time. Once it’s less bright, I can try to work with it.”
“Green’s tough,” Erica said from her end of the island. “It goes muddy so easily. Once it’s lighter, you can add blue and end up with teal.”
“I think that’s the plan. She wants to have the green streak for the weekend at least. There’s a family get-together. Then she can start washing it out.”
Allison had been worried about what to wear for the dinner, but Mara had assured her that dress was casual. Sure enough, everyone was in jeans and sweaters. She’d pulled on her nicest maternity pants and a clean, long-sleeved shirt. She was having trouble finding things that fit over her belly. She was much bigger with Bethany than she had been with Jackson. Her doctor had warned her getting bigger faster with a second child was common, but Allison hadn’t expected so much of a difference.
She was refastening one of the lower buttons for the eighth time when the doorbell rang.
“It’s Killion!” Summer shrieked. “I’ll get it.”
Allison watched her dance away. “She really likes him.”
“He brings presents,” Erica said dryly. “I’m not saying she isn’t a fan, but there’s also the thrill of the gift.”
Erica and Mara both walked toward the front door. Allison stayed behind with Jackson. She felt shy and awkward, wondering if her presence would have to be explained or if he already knew about her husband and what had happened.
Seconds later, the four of them returned, Mara and Summer each claiming an arm while Erica carried in several gift bags.
Allison felt her eyes widen in surprise. Mara had said that he was handsome but somehow that word didn’t come close. He was tall and fit, with dark hair, but what really caught her attention were his deep green eyes and strong jaw. He was attractive enough to draw attention wherever he went, she thought, aware of her massive belly and too-long hair. She had the sudden thought that she should have put on makeup or something—an idea so ridiculous as to make her laugh. Why did she care how she looked?
Another form of power, she thought, remembering her conversation with Erica.
Erica set the bags on the counter. “Killion, this is Allison, Peter’s wife, and her son, Jackson. Allison, Killion Haugen, my, ah—” She paused, flushing slightly.
“Boy toy?” Killion offered with a grin.
“Oh, please.” Erica looked at Allison. “My friend.”
“Boyfriend, Mom.” Summer smiled. “You can say it. No one will judge. Boy. Friend.”
“Whatever.” But her tone was more happy than annoyed.
Killion closed the distance to shake Allison’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“You, too.”
He released her hand, then bent down to smile at Jackson. “Nice you meet you, too.”
Jackson offered him a toothy grin and waved his arms. “Up!”
“Yes, sir.”
Allison eyed his expensive-looking shirt and tailored jeans. She wasn’t sure those clothes were toddler friendly but before she could say anything, Killion already had Jackson in his arms.
“How are you settling in?” he asked. “Is Erica taking good care of you two?”
“Of course.” Allison glanced toward Erica, then back at him. “Everyone’s been great. I was worried Jackson wouldn’t like the change, but he’s loving all the attention.” She smiled.
“How can we help ourselves?” Mara asked with a laugh.
“Killion,” Summer said, tugging on his sleeve. “You brought presents.”
“I did. They’re labeled. Help yourselves.”
Summer lunged for the gift bags, caught her mother watching her, then drew back a little. “Why don’t I pass them out?” she murmured, turning over a tag. “Grandma, this is for you.”
Mara took it. “Oh, Killion, you shouldn’t have. I’m glad you did, but you shouldn’t have.”
Summer gave a bag to her mom, put one in front of where she’d been working, then handed two to Allison, one of which was very large.
She looked at him, startled by his thoughtfulness. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’m going first.”
Mara removed the tissue paper, then pulled out an eight-by-eight box. Inside were several brightly colored round balls. Allison stared at them, wondering what they were. They didn’t look edible or—
“Bath bombs,” Mara said happily. “Thank you, Killion. You know I love a long soak.”
“Alone or with friends,” he teased.
Mara laughed. “There is that.”
Summer danced from foot to foot. “May I go next?”
Erica nodded.
The teen practically tore open her bag, then started to laugh. “I love it. Where did you find it?” She held up the package inside. “It’s a gummy bear nightlight. I can’t stand how cute it is.”
She rushed Killion, throwing her arms around him and kissing his cheek. “You’re the best. Thank you.”
“Anytime.”
Erica looked at Allison. “You have two to open.”
Allison nodded, feeling everyone looking at her. “I’ll go next, then. Thank you.” The first gift bag contained a beautiful receiving blanket and a matching onesie with the phrase Mommy’s Best Girl embroidered on the front.
“It’s beautiful,” she told Killion. “You’re very kind.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” he said with a grin.
She pulled out a brightly colored drum with two sticks. Around the bottom of the drum were buttons.
“Those are different songs,” Killion told her. “He can try to play along or do his own thing.” He flashed her a smile. “You probably want to limit how much time he has on the drum. It can get loud.”
Jackson squirmed to get down and walked over to the drum. Summer knelt next to him and took the toy from Allison before setting it on the floor. She showed him how to hold the sticks and touched one to the drum. Jackson’s eyes widened at the sound. He grinned brightly, plopped to his butt and began banging away.
“Evil, evil man,” Mara said, her tone filled with affection. “What were you thinking?”
“I was getting on his good side.”
“What about the rest of us?” Erica asked, seeming more amused than annoyed.
“I have other plans for that.”
Their gazes locked in a moment of intimacy—the kind well-established couples had. Allison had to look away to get control of her feelings. Of course she was happy Erica had someone in her life, but seeing them together made her miss Peter even more.
“Look,” Summer said, settling next to Jackson. “These play songs.”
She pushed one of the buttons and a catchy marching tune began. Jackson babbled his excitement and began banging along. His beats were enthusiastic and totally out of rhythm.
“Let’s have cocktails in the living room,” Erica said, over the din. “We can put Jackson in his playpen at one end. The noise won’t be so bad and we can still keep an eye on him.”
“Good idea. And when he’s in bed, we’ll take the drums to the basement.” Mara looked pointedly at Killion. “Where they’ll stay.”
“Why are you giving me stink eye?” he asked with a grin. “None of this is my fault.”
“It’s all your fault,” Erica told him.
Allison wasn’t sure if they were kidding or not. “I can hide the drum. Either now or after he goes to bed. He’ll forget about it in a few days.”
Mara touched her arm. “No, no. We’re giving Killion a hard time. He likes it. I agree downstairs is the right place for it, but for tonight, we’ll think of it as dinner music.”
Killion and Summer moved the playpen into the living room while Mara got Jackson settled—drum and all. When they were all back in the kitchen, Killion held out the last gift bag.
“Did you think I forgot you?”
Erica flushed slightly. “I would never think that.” She drew out a simple white silk robe. The fabric puddled in her hand as she touched it, then flowed to the floor like water.
“It’s beautiful,” she said. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Once again their eyes locked. Summer and Mara didn’t seem to notice, but Allison was acutely aware of the other couple, mostly because she desperately missed what they had.
Until he’d been arrested and taken from her, Peter and she had shared the same kind of communication. They could be in a crowd, separated by a dozen people, but if they were able to look at each other, they knew what the other was thinking. At least that was how she’d always assumed it was. Maybe she was wrong—after all, the man had a whole secret life she hadn’t known anything about.
“You all right?” Summer asked.
“Fine.” Allison offered what she hoped was a big happy smile. “Shall we get the cocktails and appetizers together?”
With the bread already crispy, it only took a few minutes to assemble the bruschetta. While Allison carried the trays into the living room, Summer made their mocktails. Mara and Killion put together the cocktails.
“A Tom Collins,” Killion said with approval. “Classic and unexpected.”
“It was her idea,” Erica told him. “I’ve never heard of them.”
“I’m sure one of her gentleman friends introduced her to the drink,” Killion murmured.
“Gentleman friend. Is that what we’re calling the string of men you—”
“Erica, that’s enough.”
Mara’s tone was friendly, but Erica immediately pressed her lips together. Seconds later, she laughed. “How do you still have that power over me? I’m an adult with a grown child of my own.”
“Years of training,” Mara told her with a wink.
Once they were all seated, with Jackson banging in the background, Killion held up his glass.
“To an evening with beautiful women. Thank you for including me in your company.”
Mara smiled at Allison. “He’s very smooth.”
“So I see.”
She tried the mocktail Summer had put together for them. The combination of flavors was refreshing without being too tart.
“This is good,” she said, holding up her glass.
“I’m glad you like it.”
Killion asked about Summer’s softball schedule.
“It’s still two games a week.”
“Unless it’s three,” Erica told him, then smiled at her daughter. “Don’t forgot about the invitationals.”
“Yes, but on most invitational weeks, those are the only games we play.”
“I wonder if Jackson would enjoy watching you play,” Mara mused. She turned to Allison. “Do you ever go to the games?”
“I haven’t.” Going by herself felt weird, plus she was always working. Or she had been. Should she start going now? “Peter and I went last season when the team made the finals.”
“Erica doesn’t miss a game,” Killion said. “Rain or shine.”
Erica brushed off his comment. “If it rains, the game is canceled. If we’re lucky, they’ve played their five innings and the score is final.”
Summer grinned at Allison. “Mom lives in fear of makeup games.” She stretched out her hand and patted her mother’s arm. “You’re very faithful. Thank you for that.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’m not sure you could manage Jackson and the bleachers,” Summer said, glancing at Allison. “Not with how pregnant you are. By the time Bethany is born and can go out with people, the season will be pretty much over.”
“Next year,” Mara said firmly. “We’ll all go.”
“I’ll be a senior,” Summer said happily. “Hmm, by this time next year, I’ll be accepted at my first-choice college and Bethany will be almost a year old.”
“Hard to imagine.” Allison was having enough trouble just getting through the days. She couldn’t imagine thinking a year ahead.
On the sofa across from hers, Killion lightly touched Erica’s thigh. It was a silly thing—his hand settled on her leg for just a moment. Connection maybe. Reassurance? Like the look and the easy conversation, this was yet more proof they were a couple. Before the ache of missing her husband could overtake her, Allison searched for a distraction.
“How did you two meet?” she asked.
Erica glanced from Killion to her. “At a charity luncheon. It was what? Late last fall? I can’t remember the event. We were seated next to each other.” She smiled. “He charmed me.”
Killion picked up her free hand and kissed her knuckles. “That is not how we met.”
“What?” Erica pulled her hand free and angled toward him. “It was! I was there.”
He ignored her and leaned toward Allison. “We met at a business connections event two months earlier. I don’t remember anything about it except across the room was this stunning woman and I knew I had to meet her.”
Erica stared at him. “You’re making this up.”
He made an X on his heart.
“But I don’t remember meeting you.”
“That’s because you were one of the speakers and everyone wanted to get your attention. I didn’t do much more than shake your hand.”
She sipped her drink. “It never happened.”
“It did.” He smiled at Allison. “I was instantly smitten so I looked into her. Erica has a reputation for being an excellent businesswoman but standoffish. Several men had already made passes at her only to be politely shut down.”
“Mom! You go, girl. Way to keep them guessing.”
Erica shook her head. “He’s making this more than it is.”
“Shh,” her mother said. “I want to hear the story. Go on, Killion.”
“I found out what I could about her and bided my time. When I learned we were both going to be at a charity lunch, I made a generous contribution on the condition I was seated next to her.” His smile broadened. “I made sure the man on her other side was a known jerk.” He shrugged. “I didn’t want any competition.”
Erica looked bewildered. “I remember the lunch and you’re right about the other man. He kept talking about my ‘girlie business’ and how much happier I’d be if I had a man running it. Asshole.”
“And you won the day,” Allison said. “You won your lady love.”
“In a manner of speaking,” Killion said. “I asked her out, she said yes and here we are.”
“I honestly don’t know what to say,” Erica admitted.
“You were wooed,” her mother told her. “Revel in it. Now I’m starved. Let’s go eat dinner.”