“And you can hope.” Hugh’s voice drew out in golden strands. “Hope Theo’s in a good home with people who care for him.”
Her stomach contracted, her eyes squeezed shut, and she stopped and covered her mouth.
“Aleida?” Hugh said. “I thought that might bring a feeble smile of sorts.”
She shook her head. Why was that thought almost worse? She wanted Theo to be happy, didn’t she? So why was she trying to burn away the image of Theo in a happy home, looking on the English couple with love ...
A sob burst between her fingers. “What if he forgets me?”
“Forgets you?” Hugh set his hand on her shoulder. “How is that even possible? You’re an extraordinary woman.”
“He’s only three. How much do you remember from that age?” Her throat clamped shut.
Hugh rubbed her shoulder. “I know he’s young. Over time, he may forget your face. But he’ll never forget your love.”
The emotion in his voice pried open her eyes, and the compassion and hurt on his face pried open her heart.
“I...” He coughed and cleared his throat. “I’ll never forget my sister’s love.”
“You have a sister?”
“She died when she was six. An asthmatic attack.” His gaze darted to the side, then back to her. “I was three and a half, about Theo’s age. We do have photographs, but we don’t talk about her. Caroline. Her name was Caroline.”
“Caroline. I can see you loved her.”
The sound of his sister’s name cleared some of the pain from his hazel eyes. “I loved her very much. Caroline played with me and fussed over me like a little mother. I will never forget.”
Memories flashed through her mind, of playing with Theo and reading to him and singing with him and holding him when he cried and scolding him when he was naughty. Oflovinghim with all her heart.
“He won’t forget?” Hope threaded through her words.
Hugh’s gaze settled on her, soft but firm. “Never.”
16
TUESDAY, OCTOBER15, 1940
Drops splattered on the pavement as Hugh shook off his foot. In the blackout, he hadn’t seen the puddle. If only the rain clouds had remained over London. Clear skies and an almost-full “bomber’s moon” promised a heavy raid.
If the Germans kept to their usual schedule, Hugh had about an hour to enjoy the company of friends before being waylaid by the company of enemies.
Hugh opened the door of the Hart and Swan and shoved past the blackout curtain.
In the back room, Aleida sat with Lou, Gil, Jouveau, and MacLeod, and Hugh greeted everyone.
Gil and Louisa flanked Aleida, so he contented himself with the chair across from her as she resumed her conversation with Lou.
The two women couldn’t possibly have been more different, which only strengthened their friendship. Aleida needed a no-nonsense friend like Lou, and Lou needed Aleida’s moral compass.
Hugh asked MacLeod about the latest dealings in Parliament, but although he always found the older reporter insightful, he couldn’t concentrate as usual.
Aleida’s gentle voice rolled across the table to him, enticing his attention. Lamplight glowed on her golden hair and pink cheeks, and her laughter sang to him.
As if she knew he was watching, she met his gaze. A fond smile rose.
Hugh jerked his attention back to MacLeod and nodded at something about bills and votes.
He didn’t deserve Aleida’s fond smiles. He felt closer to her than ever after she’d shared her fears, and she apparently thought he’d opened the vault by sharing about Caroline.
