Chapter 42
CHAPTER 42
LEAH
I hear her before I see her. Gentle sobs coming from an old playhouse in the corner of the garden.
I wipe my eyes, making my way towards the sound. I knock on the door of the old structure. The crying stops as if the person inside is holding their breath.
“Lottie?” I ask, knowing I’ve uncovered where Elijah’s daughter has excused herself.
“I’m fine,” she says, her voice catching on the last part.
“Says everyone who isn’t fine ,” I say. “Can I come in?”
“Sure.” she humphs, and I smile. She has been raised to respect her adults, even when she wants to tell them to get lost.
I open the door, and it groans fiercely on its hinges.
“It’s safe,” comes a voice from inside.
“I’ll take your word for it,” I say dryly as I crouch down and make my way inside.
“Dad built this for me when I was little. We lived here where I was first born, with Granny and Pops.”
“It’s amazing,” I say, taking a seat on an old, plastic child’s chair. “I always wanted a house like this. ”
Lottie gives me a watery smile. “Dad did lots of things for me here. He always has done.”
Her eyes well up. “I’m sorry about the things my dad said to you.”
“It’s not your place to apologise,” I say, leaning forward and squeezing her hand.
“No, but it’s my fault he is the way he is.”
I look up and lock gazes with the young girl in front of me.
“I don’t think—” It’s clear Elijah loves his daughter.
Where has she got this notion from?
“It is. He wouldn’t have married my mum if I’d never been born.”
“I don’t know what goes on between your mum and dad, but Lottie, it’s clear how much your dad loves you,” I say.
Lottie nods, biting her bottom lip.
“I love my mum, but I wish he’d divorce her as he’s never happy,” she suddenly spits out. “They constantly argue.” I move in front of her only to have her wrap her arms around my neck, her wracking sobs shaking her body.
“Have you spoken to your dad about it?” I ask, not wanting to get between Elijah, Darra or their daughter.
Having yet to meet Darra, I can’t make a judgement.
“I have, but he tells me it’s complicated, and I’m too young to understand.”
“Adult relationships are complicated,” I say.
“Like yours and Uncle Gabriel’s?” she asks, pulling back and staring at me.
“Especially mine and your Uncle Gabriel’s.”
I sigh, giving her a small smile.
“Are you really having a baby?”
I stare at her in surprise. She’d left by the time I mentioned I was pregnant .
“I was outside the door. I heard what you said.” Her cheeks ablaze with colour.
I smile and pat her hand. “It’s very early days. Too early really to have told anyone... but yes. I’m pregnant.”
A smile breaks out on Lottie’s face. “I’m going to have a cousin,” she says excitedly.
“I suppose you are.” I smile at her.
“Can I babysit?” Her sudden excitement is palpable. The tears of a few moments ago are forgotten.
“That would be wonderful,” I say. “I know I’ll appreciate all the help I can get.”
“Lottie?” A voice comes out of nowhere.
“I’m here, Dad,” Lottie calls, wiping her face on her sleeve.
“You look fine,” I reassure her.
“Thank you,” she says, moving to the door. “You can stay here as long as you want.”
“Thank you, Lottie. And if you ever want someone to talk to...” I know I’m playing with fire, I’m not exactly on her father’s most popular list.
“Lottie?” The voice is getting closer, so she nods and pushes her way out of the door.
“I’m here, Dad,” Lottie’s voice gets quieter as she moves towards him.
“There you are. I was worried.”
I hear the covered panic in Elijah’s voice and my heart softens towards him. The mountain of a man is a soft teddy bear where his daughter is concerned.
“Sorry Dad,” she says.
Their voices fade as they walk further away. I wait until I can no longer hear them before I venture out. Elijah is the last person I want to come face-to-face with.
I take the long way around before heading back to the house. I’m halfway up the large wooden staircase before I’m spotted .
“Leah?” I pause at the sound of Francesca’s voice.
I drop my head, not needing this right now. I want time to build some walls. My hormones are raw, my emotions too close to the surface.
“Francesca,” I say, turning to face her.
“Gabriel has been looking for you. Are you not coming to join us?” she asks, concern written all over her face.
I heard Gabriel calling, but I needed time to get my head together. That had probably been unfair of me.
“I thought I’d have an early night,” I say, knowing it’s a ridiculous statement as it’s only seven o’clock.
She raises an eyebrow, her expression so similar to Gabriel’s it takes my breath away.
“I want to tell you, my son... well, I probably don’t need to tell you, do I?” She sighs. “I’ve seen you two together. Please Leah, come and celebrate. You’ve just given me the most amazing birthday present.”
Her eyes drop to my flat stomach.
I hold my jaw tight as I watch her eyes fill with tears.
“I really don’t care how —” she adds, her voice cracking.
I make my way down the stairs towards her.
“I’m going to apologise for Elijah. His behaviour is unforgivable. He’s gone for the evening.”
When I reach her side, she takes my hand in hers and squeezes. I purse my lips and smile.
“Okay.” I let her lead me by the hand into the Drawing Room where the others are sitting.
Gabriel gets to his feet as soon as his mother and I enter.
“Where were you?” Concern is clear in his tone.
Guilt at ignoring his call weighs heavily on my chest.
“I was walking. I’m sorry if I worried you,” I say, making my way towards him, suddenly needing to be close to him. We need to talk, but I think we have already aired enough dirty laundry tonight. I notice Caleb open his mouth, but I shoot him a look, giving a slight shake of my head. He acknowledges me with a nod and sits back. Gabriel pulls me down into the seat next to him, our thighs and arms touching.
“Leah, a baby,” Harper says. “When are you due?”
I turn towards Gabriel’s baby sister. She’s sitting in one of the large armchairs, her leg dangling over the arm. Her thick makeup, unable to hide her natural beauty.
“It’s still very early. I’m about eight weeks,” I say.
“I’m pleased for you,” she says, before adding, “I’ll look forward to being an aunt again.”
I smile at her, thankful she’s broken the silence.
Her gaze never wavers, and it’s then I realise there’s more to Harper Frazer than the girl who likes the spotlight.
“Are you suffering from morning sickness? If you are, I grow fresh ginger. I can give you some.”
My eyes flash to Kat’s. Apart from our initial introduction earlier, she is almost as quiet, if not quieter, than Gabriel.
“Thank you,” I say, turning to face her. “I’ve been suffering a little nausea, but it’s more a feeling than an actual event.”
“Lucky you,” comes a voice from the doorway. “I was barfing my guts up when I was pregnant with Lottie. Not to mention the stretch marks. I’m Darra, Elijah’s wife and resident pariah.”
“Darra, you made it,” Francesca says, getting up and moving towards the door. “Elijah has already left.”
Darra lets out a harsh laugh. “No surprise there,” she says. “Don’t worry. I won’t intrude. I’ll find my daughter and loving husband.”
Kat’s breath hisses on the sofa next to me.
“Congratulations,” she says, turning towards me and motioning towards Gabriel. “Make sure you tie him down.”
She turns tail before anyone can respond. My gaze shoots to Gabriel’s and I see the concern in his eyes. He places his hand over mine and squeezes. Could this get any worse? We’ve still got a party to survive tomorrow.
I observe Francesca, whose eyes follow the retreating form of her daughter-in-law, her expression reflects her sadness.
She pauses before turning her attention back to the room, plastering a smile on her face that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Caleb, set up, we need to get this party started.”
Gabriel leans towards me, his voice low. “It’s tradition. Every year we play Monopoly as a family.”
“We see who can win the most money.” Caleb chuckles and I can see the irony. A room full of billionaires, playing to outdo each other with paper money.
“I’m in,” I say.
“Good,” says Francesca, shooting me a grateful look.