Chapter 10
They all came downstairs to see her off.
Cade had no idea what to expect when he drove into the cobbled driveway leading to the comfortable-looking house with its neat blue and white trim.
But it wasn't to find the entire family waiting for him in the wide foyer the next morning.
Thanksgiving Day was proving to be bitterly cold and windy. And his family was eagerly waiting.
He had received the text at a quarter to nine and was ready to go ten minutes later.
Abigail opened the door. His heart took a slow dive at the look of her.
He was so used to seeing her trim and professional that he was taken aback by her appearance.
She was wearing black leggings and a black and white oversized sweater.
Her thick mane of hair tumbled around her shoulders and she had socks on, thick ones.
"Please come in."
He was about to say something, when he spotted his daughter. Zoe streaked across the room and hurled herself against him.
Laughing, he bent to pull her into his arms, giving her back a gentle rub before easing back to stare into her animated face. She was wearing pink as usual, a soft sweater over black tights and a pink and blue jacket. Her hair was tamed and in two long braids, which bounced when she did.
"Hey squirt. Ready to go?"
She nodded eagerly. Taking his hand, she tugged him up and dragged him towards the older couple. He took one look at the woman and saw an older Abigail. The man had chocolate skin and a quiet expression. Low-cut dark hair was streaked liberally with gray.
"These are my grandparents."
"Peter and Arlene Blake. Nice to meet you."
The man's greeting was affable, while the woman's was polite. He supposed they suspected him of trying to take away their granddaughter.
"Thanks for sharing her with me." He told them quietly, expression sincere. He saw the woman bend slightly and offer a small smile.
Bending down, Arlene hugged the little girl. "Have fun baby."
Next her grandfather lifted her up and gave her a smacking kiss that had her giggling. "Be a good girl."
"I'll see you out." Abigail grabbed her jacket from the coat tree and followed them outside.
As if sensing her mother's sadness, Zoe put her hand in hers as they made their way to the black sedan.
"Mama, I'll miss you."
Crouching down, she passed her hands over her daughter's face and kissed her on both cheeks.
"I'll miss you back." Pasting on a bright smile, she led her to the car, where Cade had the door open. He secured her in the brand new top of the line car seat, pink and green, she noticed. He secured the belt. Kissing her again, she rubbed the little girl's arm before stepping back.
"She likes to sleep with her elephant and bear." She told him as he shut the door.
"I'll remember that." He wanted so much to touch her, to just take her in his arms and hold her.
"Abigail--"
"She likes the classics."
"Talk to me."
She lifted her head to look at him and wondered if he was always so tall. She was wearing her slingback Uggs and did not reach his shoulders.
"There's nothing to say."
"There's a hell of a lot to say, but the timing is bad." He gave her a frustrated look. "We need to talk."
"Take care of her." She stepped back, forcing him to do the same. He had already stowed her case in the trunk. Opening his door, he got in and turned to look at the little girl, holding her stuffed toys.
"Ready?"
She nodded.
"All right, let's go." Pressing the start button, he circled the driveway.
Abby watched, lifting her hand in a wave as Zoe pressed her face against the glass to wave at her. She stayed there long after the taillights had disappeared.
As the quiet settled over the driveway, Abigail felt the ache of parting linger, sharper than she expected.
The house behind her seemed unusually still, echoing with the absence of laughter and tiny footsteps.
She pulled her jacket tighter around her shoulders, the evening air cool and gentle, and took a deep breath, determined to hold herself together until she was safely inside.
Yet, even as she moved toward the door, she found herself glancing down the empty street, hoping for just one more glimpse of her daughter's smiling face.
Her parents were there waiting to wrap their arms around her. The scent of turkey roasting, sweet potato pie baking would have normally had her heading towards the kitchen. This time was different. The house felt empty and lifeless without Zoe.
"He loves her." Her father wrapped his arm around her, and she tipped her head to his shoulder.
"Yes." She had to acknowledge that.
"How about some hot chocolate?" Arlene guided them into the warmth of the kitchen.
Their housekeeper, Gladys, had gone for two days to visit her sister in Boston, but had half prepared the Thanksgiving meal.
"Sit, baby."
Peter nudged her into a chair and pressed his hands on her shoulders.
"She'll be fine." He kissed the top of her head before taking his seat next to her.
Abigail let herself be comforted, the familiar touch of her parents grounding her amid the swirling emotions.
She tried to focus on the warmth of the kitchen, the soft glow of the lights, and the sounds that belonged to every holiday she'd ever known.
But the quiet moments between words seemed heavier, and she caught herself listening for the pitter-patter of Zoe's feet, half expecting her daughter to burst in with laughter and stories from her day.
"She was so eager to leave." She made the comment without thinking.
"And you feel betrayed." Arlene handed her a cup of the hot beverage, the scent of cinnamon hitting the air.
Wrapping her hands around the cup, she took a deep breath and let it out again.
"Yes. It sounds ridiculous. I know Zoe loves me--"
"It sounds human." Arlene patted her arm. "You've had her to yourself for four years and she belongs to you. Now you're going to have to share her." She glanced at her husband who was there giving his silent support. Peter was a man of few words, but his presence was solid.
"I'm betting even now, she's going to call as soon as she reaches."
"No." Abby took another deep breath. "I have to give her space. He's her dad and they deserve to spend some time together." Her hands fluttered. "It's just that--"
"You're afraid our baby will see the other side, one where people live in mansions and decide she wants to stay there."
She turned her head to stare at her father. His intuitiveness should not amaze her; she had lived with it for years. And he always knew what she was thinking.
"Do you think she will?"
Peter folded his arms around her. "Not a chance. Drink up. We'll sit in your mother's salon and await her call."
*****
They were all waiting for her in the main hall. As soon as he came through the front door, Kat met them in the hallway.
"You're my Aunt Kat, like the kitty cat."
Looking pleased that she remembered, Kat crouched down to her level and embraced her.
"Welcome."
"It looks like a castle." The little girl murmured in a hushed voice.
Cade, who had taken the place for granted, saw the lush and grand beauty through the eyes of his daughter. She had leaned forward as soon as they entered the sweeping driveway and exclaimed at the lights surrounding the towering building.
"And you'd be the princess." Kat lifted her up and swept along the hallway into the large room where four people waited eagerly to see her.
"My dear." Eloise had a hard time keeping her composure as she got her first look at her granddaughter. "How absolutely beautiful you are."
"You look like my daddy and Aunt Kat."
Eloise blew out a breath and opened her arms. Without hesitation they were filled with the small child. "I'm your grandmother. It's so wonderful to see you."
The introductions were made and very soon, Zoe settled in as if she had known them all her life. Refreshments were served and then it was time for her to go upstairs to see her room.
"We understand your favorite color is pink and lavender."
Zoe nodded at her grandmother, before turning to her father. "Daddy."
"Yes pumpkin?"
"I want to call mama. She looked sad when I was leaving."
"Of course." Taking his phone out, he dialed her number. It was answered instantly.
"Is she okay?" Her voice sounded rushed as if she had been anticipating the call.
"She's fine. She wants to talk to you." He handed her the phone.
"Hi mama."
"Oh baby, how are you?"
"I'm fine. I met my grandparents. Grandma El and Grandpa Ken. Also, Uncle Kevin and Aunt Sara-Jane. They live in a castle." She smiled at the people staring at her. "Daddy says it's not a castle, but it looks like one. You should see it mama."
"One day I will. You're really okay?"
"Yes. May I speak to Grams and Grandpa?"
"Of course. Let me take the phone to them. Have fun baby."
*****
The women stood just inside the room, staring in indulgent delight as the little girl flitted from one corner to the next. In just one day, Eloise had set the maids to work, rearranging things and ordering a princess four-poster bed with a gauzy pink material draping all around it.
"Do you like your room?" Kat asked as Zoe picked up a huge stuffed pink and white bear and hugged it to her chest.
"I love it." She exclaimed. "There are books."
"Your dad said you love to read. He loves to read as well."
"He told me."
"Are you tired honey?" Eloise could not stop looking at her.
"No. Daddy said I could tour the castle."
"Then that's what we'll do." Eloise reached out and the child came instantly, tucking her small hand in hers.
"We're so happy you're here." Sarah-Jane told her softly as they headed out of the room.
*****
"How does it feel?" Kevin asked quietly, handing his brother a glass of wine.
The morning had slipped away into afternoon, with Zoe being entertained by members of the family.
She had gone through the place with all three women and was delighted that her suite of rooms were right next to her daddy's.