“We needed to have control of the location because Jude is going to stay for the duration of the meeting,” Duncan added. “If the meeting had been in her suite, she might have kicked him out.”
“And we don’t want that,” Jude said.
Duncan set down his coffee mug with a slight clink. "Remember, Angelica, you're in control of this situation. If you need a break, take one. If you want to leave, you leave. There's no pressure to make this work if it doesn't feel right."
"What if she asks about Annie?" Angela's question was directed at Duncan. "What should I say?"
"Tell her the truth—that Annie wasn't ready for this meeting yet," Duncan replied. "You don't owe her any explanation beyond that."
Kiara reached over and squeezed Angela's hand. "And I'll be right there with you. If you need me to change the subject or speak up, just give me a signal. Tug your ear or something."
Angela gave a soft huff of laughter, though the color still hadn't returned to her cheeks. Jude found himself wishing he could somehow absorb her anxiety, take it on himself so she wouldn't have to face this meeting feeling so uptight.
"Julian will meet you there," Duncan added. "He's already at the resort with Jill. I just hope they haven’t decided to have a pre-meeting drink."
"What if she doesn't like me?" Angela asked after she took a small sip of her coffee.
Jude felt something tighten in his chest at the vulnerability in her voice. "Angela, any mother would be lucky to have you as a daughter."
"But what if she expected someone different? Someone more like Annie?"
"Then that's her loss," Kiara said firmly, settling into the chair beside Angela. "You are exactly who you're supposed to be."
Duncan leaned forward slightly. "Angelica, I want you to remember something. Today is just a chance for you to meet her and see how it goes. You don't owe Jill anything, especially if she starts making you feel bad about yourself."
Angela's eyes widened slightly at Duncan's words. "But she's my mother."
"Biology doesn't automatically grant someone the right to hurt you," Duncan said gently but firmly. “Our situation is very unique, and we all need to approach it with love. Jill may or may not feel the same way.”
Jude glanced at his watch. “We need to be going in a couple of minutes.”
Angela took a deep breath and then exhaled. She gave her mug to Kiara when she held out her hand for it. Kiara set both of the mugs on the tray where they placed the dirty dishes.
Duncan approached Angela and gently placed his hands on her shoulders. “Just remember that you are enough. You are perfect just how you are, and I love you.”
Jude heard Angela’s swift intake of breath. “You do?”
“Yes. I love you because you’re my daughter, but I also love the woman I’ve come to know.” Duncan smiled down at her. “So you go and stand tall, and I look forward to hearing how it went when you get back.”
“Okay.”
Kiara led Angela from the room, and after a nod to Duncan, Jude followed them.
The ride to the resort was quiet, with Angela spending most of it staring out the window. Kiara was also looking out the window, but she seemed more interested in the scenery, asking questions about what they passed as Jude drove. Since he had lived in the area for most of his adult life, he was able to satisfy her curiosity.
“Wow,” Kiara said as they neared the hotel at the resort. “That is beautiful.”
Jude pulled the SUV into the porte-cochère of the hotel. “We can get out here.”
He got out and came around to hand the keys to the valet who stood waiting. Before guiding the ladies inside, he glanced around. One of the other security vehicles had pulled in behind them. Two more of the security team got out.
While he was inside the room with Angela and Kiara, they would be keeping an eye outside. Probably overkill, but he and Duncan never wanted to regret not having enough security in place should something happen.
The manager of the resort was waiting for them at the front desk and greeted them with a warm smile.
“Hello,” she said, offering him her hand. “I’m Kayleigh St. James. Welcome.”
He took her hand. “I’m Jude Kessler. Thank you for setting up the room for us.”
