Imma take care of everything, honey. Don’t you worry. Daddy’s on it.”
She exploded with laughter—full throated, tearing up, rocking back and forth laughter. “Daddy, is it?” Her snorts of laughter filled the air.
He never felt such happiness. Not ever. It was extraordinary.
With her blood pumping again and some color in her cheeks, he relaxed a bit. At least she was no longer nearly catatonic.
Communicating tasks, expectations, and desired outcomes, he told her what was going to happen.
“The only thing I want you to do is relax and take care of you and the baby. I’m counting on you, though, not to keep your mouth shut. Say whatever pops into your mind. You’re in charge.”
“In charge of what, may I ask?”
“Well, for starters, we need to get the ball rolling and pack some bags for you and Ari. The sooner we get you two settled at The Peninsula, the sooner you can catch your breath.”
“And then what? After I catch my breath.”
She wanted him to spell it out, so he did. The drip-drip-drip method was never going to work with her.
“We’ll be going to Santa Barbara for a few weeks.”
“Er, uh, what?” she stammered. “But I thought …”
Knowing what she thought, he cut her off and set the record straight. As far as he was concerned, they weren’t leaving California until she was ready, and he knew what steps were needed to get her there.
“Santa Barbara is where we began, and it’s where we need to be now. You, me, Arianne. It’s also where my grandfather calls home. He’s in Montecito. I would like to introduce my family to him. Properly.”
Awareness flashed in her expression. “Oh.”
He was going to do a hell of a lot more than just introduce her to his granddad, but one thing at a time.
While he had her full attention—even if she was still fuzzy—he gave her the rest of it and held his breath as he waited for a reaction.
“Summer. Last night. Making love to you was out of line. It was the right moment at the wrong time. I don’t regret what we did, but it was stupid.” He kissed one of her hands. “You deserved better.”
She swallowed, and her cheeks flushed.
“Baby, we have things to say. I know you have questions, and I promise you, everything is on the table. Whatever you need to know, just ask. Okay? But we’re going to take our time and not rush things. I’m ready to commit right now, but you need space and time to make sure this is what you want.”
“What I want? Huh?”
Her confusion was adorable. He touched her cheek.
“You have to use your words.”
“Ohh,” she murmured as understanding dawned. “Dottie says Arianne is an heiress. How’s that for using a word?”
He rolled his eyes. It was a reflex, but when Summer chuckled, he was glad for the moment of unvarnished truth.
In a dry, semi-sarcastic tone reminiscent of his grandfather, he pointed out a not-to-be-overlooked factoid. “Arianne’s parents have more money than a small country, but she’s got nothing, nada, zilch,” he said with a bite, “unless we say so. Inherited wealth isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Girl gotta earn her way.”
His words held a not-so-hidden message. When she chewed her lip, Arnie knew she was considering what he meant by pointing out the baby’s parents were rich, and this was exactly why she needed to find her way and feel comfortable with what life could be like.
“My boobs ache,” she mumbled.
He was startled by the sudden change of subject.
Summer looked at the baby. “I’m surprised she’s not complaining.”
“Maybe she knows Mommy and Daddy have to talk.”
He had the wheel and continued to move them forward. “While you nurse her, how about I help pack your clothes? Do you have suitcases?”
“Not really.” She shook her head. “Just one.”
“Watch this,” he told her with a cocky smirk. Putting two fingers in his mouth, he sent out a shrill whistle. Five seconds later, Stan came bounding through the door like an eager puppy with one paw in a sling.
“What’s up, guys?”
“We need some suitcases. Several sets and quickly. Make it happen.” He issued his demand and turned to wink at Summer. “Master Troubleshooter.”
Stan laughed. “Having money to throw around makes it fun.”
Arnie watched Summer carefully. She was still wobbly but wasn’t quite as close to the ledge. He didn’t care for her washed-out pallor, though. He knew what it was like to force his feet to keep moving—mind over matter.