“You don’t have to interrupt him if he’s with someone. I can wait.”
“No way. My skin isn’t worth what it would cost me if he found out you called and I didn’t put you right through. How are you feeling, by the way?”
“I’m good. Really good.”
“I’m glad,” said Colin. “Luke is a nervous wreck, but he’s happier with you than I’ve ever seen him. The baby’s made him almost unbearable. I’m so happy for both of you.”
“Thanks, Colin.”
“Hold on, and I’ll put you through.”
The phone clicked and in seconds, she heard Luke’s voice on the other end of the line. “Sweetheart, is everything okay?”
“I’m finished on Ashton Court. I was going to go to the Chestnut Street job.” She waited for the growl she knew was coming.
“Damn it, Claire.”
“But now I’m not,” she said over top his protest. “I have a mad craving to play Lucy and Ricky. Do you think you can get home in time for dinner? I’ll cook. And wear that apron you like with nothing else.”
The line went silent for a moment and she waited, wondering if he was busy and she’d made things more difficult for him.
“Cancelling my last few meetings now. I’ll be home by six and inside you by seven.”
“Can you do that? The meetings I mean. I can wait if you need.”
“Hell no. I’d cancel a merger for an offer like that,” he said, and she could picture him smiling on the other end of the line. “Not to rock the boat or anything, but what made you decide on this?”
“Sparks was talking about Norfolk.”
“Oh well, that wasn’t me. Matthews was the one who came up with the best bid.”
“Just get home as fast as you can,” she said. “And Luke?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too, sweetheart.” Without hesitation, he said the words that had almost destroyed them.
As she hung up, she thought about the man she loved and the ring box stowed in her dresser drawer.
