Meanwhile, I have a lot of things to tie up, more to plan out.”
“The family base in Mayo’s close. I’ll come visit.”
“I’m counting on it.” Darlie gripped Cate’s hand. “I’m seriously counting on it.”
“When do you leave?”
“I’ll go back to L.A. day after tomorrow, sew some things up. I’m going to get sloppy on you about that later, but right now I’m going to take this guy upstairs, change him, slather him with sunscreen like a good if obsessive mother, so we can take that walk on your beach.”
She turned to Dillon. “Medium rare.”
“Got it.”
“I’ll see you later. Say bye-bye.”
Luke said bye-bye, waved over Darlie’s shoulder as she carried him upstairs.
“You’re going to miss her. And the kid.”
“Like crazy. It’s such a good move for her though. It’s a smart one on so many levels.” She moved to him, wrapped around him. “I wish you could take that walk.”
“So do I.” When he rubbed her arms, the way he rubbed them, she drew back.
“There’s something else.”
“I think we should keep tonight a celebration, so I’m going to tell you now, get it over. Sparks was attacked a couple days ago in prison.”
She felt nothing, nothing at all. “Is he dead?”
“No, the shank missed vital stuff. He’s hurting, from what Red said, but he’ll make it.”
When she let feeling come, all she had was mild anxiety and speculation.
“That’s four now,” she murmured. “I don’t know what to think, Dillon. Who would do this? If it’s my mother, she’s not just selfish, greedy, and an all-out shit of a human being. She’s crazy.”
“I’ve got some thoughts on it. So does Red. We’ll talk about it. You should enjoy your last couple days with your friend.” He pulled her back. “I’ll be back tonight.” He kissed her, drew her up to her toes, deepened it. “I’ll give you tomorrow night for a good farewell.” Tugged her head back, changed angles, went deep again. “After that, you’ll have to get used to being with me.”
“It’s been over a week, but I haven’t gotten used to not being with you.”
“Good.” He started to the door, around the toys. “Darlie put the cookies my ladies sent in the fridge with the butter.”
On a laugh, Cate walked over to rescue them.
Before she put them in a lidded jar, she took one.
Not her mother, she thought again. And not because she thought Charlotte wasn’t capable of causing great harm, even for inexplicable reasons. But there had to be an upside for her to make the effort.
Nothing to gain by this, because if the publicity broke, it wouldn’t flatter Charlotte. More likely, she’d become a suspect, which would only highlight the past in a harsh light.
She wasn’t one to seek the harsh light.
Then again, maybe she hadn’t thought about that.
“And I have to now,” she admitted.
Because coincidence could only stretch so far. With this last attack, that band snapped.
She heard Darlie coming down, put it aside. She wouldn’t mar her friend’s last two days with worries and wondering.
Two days later, she stood with Hugh, watching Darlie drive away.
Hugh gave Cate a one-armed hug. “She’ll be fine. More than fine.”
“I know. She’s already hired someone to look for houses in Ireland. She’s going to give herself a month there before she’s due on set to acclimate, to hire a nanny. She said she wanted to clone Julia. Someone kind and loving, who’d already raised a child well. She and her publicist worked on a statement about the divorce.”
“Get out in front of it.” Hugh nodded. “The smart way.”
“Maybe I think it lets that bastard off too easy, but it’s what’s right for her and Luke. Anyway, I’m glad I had this time with her. I’m glad you had a couple days, too.”
“That baby’s a pistol. I’ll miss having that energy around. We need to have a family bash when Lily gets home.”
“We do.”
“But for now, it’s just you and me. Do you have time to sit by the pool with an old man for a bit?”
“No old man around I see, but I’ve got time to sit by the pool with my dashing grandfather. But tomorrow?” She poked a finger in his belly. “It’s back to the gym for both of us.”
“Slave driver.”
She walked over with him, crossing the lawn, then over the stone path. She sat with the sun dancing light over the blue water of the pool, stretched out her legs. Barely had time to say ahhh before Consuela walked down from the bridge with lemonade.
“What? You’re psychic