Fear lodged inside his heart. "How difficult?"
"In and out of debilitating sickness, enough to have her in bed for several days. Like I said, she had a difficult time with David, and it seems she's going to have a difficult one again."
She rose a little shakily and he rose with her. "David likes you a lot."
"I happen to have a fondness for him as well."
Eloise nodded. "That's good, because it takes a certain type of man to want to raise another man's child."
"That's not going to be a problem. I'm thinking of giving him my name."
Surprised delight flooded her face and left her speechless. "That's... that's... Oh thank Jesus!"
She was startled and taken off guard when she rushed over to embrace him.
"I've wished that my baby girl would find someone worthy of her, and my prayers have been answered." Stepping back, she went on her toes and kissed his cheek. "You're a good man, Rodney Lancashire. A very good man. Oh!"
She wiped at the tears and laughed shakily. "Let me get out of your hair. You certainly do not need an old codger like me crying all over you."
"It's no hardship." He gave her one of his rare smiles, lifting a hand to touch her damp cheek. "Drive safe."
He stood where he was for a few more minutes, simply staring at the empty doorway. He had inherited an instant family, one that he never expected and one that he was now drawn to. A grandmother and a son.
Shaking his head, he sat back down and went to work.
*****
"Grams!" He tugged at her hand impatiently. "You have to come and see my room. Suite," he corrected, flashing a grin at Rodney. "Mom said it's too big and that I'm not going to keep it clean. But I promise, right Mr. Rodney?"
He gazed at the man coming from the direction of his rooms, eagerly.
Rodney had told him twice that he did not mind being called by just Rodney, but the boy had told him his mother would have his hide. "Please don't tell her I said 'hide'. She'll have a fit."
"It would be our secret." He had been assured solemnly.
"And promises are meant to be kept, or they shouldn't be made at all." Rodney inclined his head, golden eyes swinging towards Eloise. "Welcome."
"Thank you."
"She might want to go and see your mother first." He chided David.
They had moved in the very day Melanie had been released from the hospital. Arrangements were already made for a driver to take him to school, since the bus was not on this route. Wedding plans were already underway.
"I'll just divert." Eloise assured him and allowed herself to be led down the hall. Rodney watched them enter the newly appointed suite before going back into the bedroom.
He had put the decorator to work here as well.
Instead of the purely masculine teakwood designs, the team had added some flounces. A window seat, lighter drapes, shelves for Melanie's clothes and other things.
The doctors still instructed her to take it easy for the next couple of weeks, and he was making certain of it.
"I feel like a fraud." She complained now, sitting up against the pillows. "I'm strong and eating on my own. No sudden trips to the bathroom. Rodney..."
"Your grandmother is here." He came and sat on the edge of the bed, examining her face. "I've asked her to stay the night. Mother is also coming over to talk wedding."
He cupped her cheeks, fingers gentle. "David and I are going to escape for a bit and go to the batting cage."
"You never touch me." She whispered, placing a hand over his to hold it longer against her skin. She could smell his masculine scent, and it was making her weak with need. "Why?"
