Chapter 12 #2
Leaning over, he tucked the napkin into the bosom of her robe and poured honey into the tea. "I don't want her bringing her virus in here. You're pregnant and we need to try and avoid getting you sick."
"Are you going to feed me too?" She asked, eyes glittering dangerously.
"I figured you can manage on your own." He wisely put the honey down and stepped away. "I'm just going to grab some files from the office." He scanned the recently decorated room in approval. "I'll just work from the desk there and try not to disturb you."
He was gone before she could think of an appropriate response.
The man was impossible! She fumed. He had started being protective from the hospital and when they came home, it had only gotten worse.
Last night, he had barely touched her and this morning he was staying home.
Telling the housekeeper not to come in because she had a touch of the flu was going too far.
They had a dinner.
"What about the dinner tomorrow?" She demanded as soon as he came back in. "Who's going to be doing the cooking?"
"I already called a caterer." He dumped files onto the desk and pulled out the chair.
"Without discussing it with me?"
"You've started eating. The tea is getting cold."
"It will keep." She folded her hands over her breasts, expression militant. "Is this how it's going to be?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"I am pregnant, so suddenly, I cannot think or act on my own? I'm not going to tolerate you treating me like a fragile piece of glass, Kyle, and I mean it."
"I'm treating you like a woman who was just involved in an accident, one who happens to be pregnant. Eat your breakfast."
"Don't tell me what to do."
He merely sent her a patient, longsuffering look that fired her temper even more.
"I'm looking out for you."
"I'm perfectly capable of looking out for myself."
"You're hormonal. That's expected."
"Want to see hormonal?" Her soft tone did not fool him one bit and he peered at her cautiously.
"Darling."
"Don't!"
Sighing softly, he realized he wasn't going to get anything done and she was determined to have an argument.
"All right." Closing the file, he rose and approached the bed cautiously. "I apologize for not consulting you when I told the housekeeper not to bother coming in."
She continued to glare at him, and he figured it was prudent for him to stay a few inches away from her.
"I'm not going to apologize for wanting to take care of you. It's my job to do so."
When she continued to stare at him without saying anything, he shifted slightly. "Dammit! You almost died."
"A fender bender."
"It could have been worse." He blew out a breath. "It might seem that I'm being unreasonable and a little overprotective." He paused at the lifting of her brow. "A lot overprotective, but I was damned scared." He took a few more steps. "I love you so much and I am scared of losing you."
Her expression softened as he hoped it would. With a sigh, she crumpled. Holding out a hand, she gripped his and tugged him down.
"You're lucky you're so pretty."
"I'm not." He muttered.
"You really don't want to disagree with me now.
" Lifting a hand to his face, she leaned forward and kissed him.
"I will eat the breakfast you so lovingly prepared and endure you watching over me for one day.
Nuh-Uh." She shook her head when he opened his mouth to speak.
"One day Kyle. I will stay in bed and allow you to pamper me for twenty-four hours.
And we're calling the housekeeper back to tell her to come in tomorrow. And cancel the caterer."
"She has the flu."
"A touch." She kissed him again. "Now leave me to my breakfast."
He did so reluctantly and after taking a deep breath, she tackled the breakfast he had prepared. Not even minding that the eggs were runny and the toast slightly burned.
It was a labor of love, and she was going to enjoy it. Polishing off the meal, she kept glancing over to where he was seated, eyes trained on the documents in front of him.
Between bites, she frowned at the stack of papers he was working through, curiosity getting the better of her. "What's so important that it couldn't wait until after breakfast?" she teased, her tone gentler now.
Kyle glanced up, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Just some contracts. Nothing that matters more than you."
Relenting, she let herself relax, feeling the familiar warmth of their banter fill the room.
*****
The house sparkled and glittered with Christmas lights. He had no idea until now that his wife was a holiday junkie. She went overboard with the decorations and their elegant apartment just leaned slightly away from being gaudy.
She had them prop a giant Santa complete with a bag of fake gifts on the roof. All around said roof, red, white and green lights glimmered, vying against the midnight blue sky dotted with what seemed like millions of stars.
Inside, the Douglas Pine scented the air and was overburdened by tinsels and bulbs. A huge star sat proudly on top and on one branch alone, angels, cherubs, gnomes, elves and fairies danced.
The mantel had giant stockings with names etched on the white fur. Beneath the tree, gifts piled high. The spiral staircase was encased in red, green and white tinsels. The scent of baking permeated the air, and he had to admit that it had been a good idea to get the housekeeper to come back.
The woman was as fit as a fiddle and eager to work.
And he watched her like a hawk. She was not allowed to do anything. The doctors had ordered rest and relaxation and that was exactly what she would be doing. He was making sure of it.
She pouted and argued, but he would not budge. She was allowed to take calls from her assistant, but nothing more strenuous. He was determined to see to it that she takes it easy.
He also wondered if it was a good idea to have his and her relatives over.
"I thought you would just invite your brother and Andre over. Not your parents." He was worried the tension would stress her out.
"I think it's time some fences are mended."
"And you think that inviting them over and not telling them about Andre is going to do the trick?
" Moving up behind her, he took the clasp of the ruby necklace and fastened it.
His fingers lingered on her skin, his eyes meeting hers in the mirror.
She looked rested, he noticed with relief. And he intended to keep it that way.
"Do they even know about Andre?"
"No." She shook her head when he narrowed his eyes. "I just want them to see what kind of person he is."
"That's not your call."
"If it's left up to Matthew, he won't budge." She turned to face him, fussing with the collar of his burgundy shirt. "I'm tired of seeing him so unhappy. It's time they deal with who he is. I love him and cannot bear to see him hurting."
He reflected briefly on his sister and wondered if he should be doing the same.
"What you're doing is called interfering and I hope to God it doesn't backfire on you." He warned.
She met his gaze, her expression resolute.
"I'm willing to take that risk. Things can't stay the way they are forever.
This is the push they all need." There was a moment of silence as the weight of her words settled between them, the soft glow of the Christmas lights casting shifting patterns on the walls.
He sighed, knowing her mind was made up, and silently hoped that the holiday spirit would help bridge the gaps that had lingered too long.
"So?" She stepped back, determined not to spoil the Christmas spirit. "How do I look?"
"Like the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
" He said sincerely. The plum-colored blousy dress gathered at the collar and swirled in a whirl of pleats from the neck down to her knees.
She had decided to leave her hair loose and the thick coils tumbled around her shoulders, the fire red tips gleaming in the overhead light.
She had put on a little makeup, highlighting her flawless complexion.
Her lips were the same exact shade of the dress.
"Ready?" He asked her softly.
Taking a deep breath, she nodded and hesitated briefly.
"What is it?"
"It just occurred to me that I will be seeing my mother for the first time since the wedding. What the hell was I thinking?"
"Too late." Taking her hand, he tucked it through his and led the way out, just as the doorbell chimed.
"It's not her. Iona likes to make an entrance. It has to be Matthew." Her fingers tightened on his arm. "I'm going to have to tell Matthew that they're coming and hope that he understands."
Saying nothing, Kyle led her down the stairs and towards the front doors. Greeting her brother with a warm embrace, she ushered them in.
Before she could have a quiet word with him, the bell chimed again. Kyle opened it and her mother sailed in with her date. She had brought a date. My God, Ingrid thought in acute despair and anger, the woman was impossible.
"Kyle darling." Shrugging off the ermine wrap, she dangled it from the tips of her fingers and beamed at him. "You must know Anthony. He's the latest Broadway rave. The poor thing was going to be alone for the holidays." She swiveled to look at her daughter. "I hope you don't mind having him over."
"Dad will be here any minute." Ingrid was seething.
"Oh, he won't mind." She wandered into the living room and stopped short on seeing her son and the man standing next to him.
When they just stood there staring at each other, Ingrid took the initiative and made the introductions.
"Well!" Turning to Kyle, she offered a hand. "I really do need a drink, darling. How about you pour me one?"