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“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.
