Could I really stand back and let her do that after everything I saw when she was younger?This woman who’s been starved of affection will be abandoned again?
Not abandoned. He’d always care for Stacey and their child. She didn’t need the additional burden of his guilt to carry around, so this was for the best.
She looked so peaceful he didn’t want to wake her. Exhausted from working tirelessly on behalf of his guests and from making love for most of the night, she’d earned her rest. He’d speak to her later about future arrangements when everyone else had gone.
Slipping out of bed to take a shower, he shrugged off the memories crowding his mind of warmth and peace and happiness. They belonged to someone who deserved them…deserved Stacey. She could safely sleep on. The first departure for his guests wasn’t due until noon, by which time she’d have a chance to don her professional face and head out with her usual sense of purpose to smooth everyone’s passage home.
Her work rate pricked his conscience. He wanted to wake her and make love to her again, but instead he was heading out to make sure there were no hitches for her to face. Her charges were his guests and ultimately his responsibility. She’d done enough and more besides. He’d catch her later at the airport with a token of his appreciation to thank her for all she’d done.
She’d overslept. When did that ever happen? Never. And she was alone. Luc had gone. Of course he had. He had work to do.
Didn’t she, also?
Everyone remembered the start of an event, and the event itself, if the planner had got things right, but what stayed with them was the end, when they must feel valued enough to hope they might be invited to another similar event.
Leaping out of bed, she snatched up her clothes and ran to the bathroom. A quick shower later and a scramble to put those same clothes on again, she headed out with a beanie tugged low over her still-damp hair. Glancing out of the window, she saw with relief that the gondolas were running as smoothly as if they’d never stopped.
She was alone in the chalet, no sign of Luc or Maria. She’d grab some breakfast in the village, then head straight for the hotel to make sure the departing guests had everything they needed.
The sky was blue and the skiing was good. As the small cabin swung high above the slopes she searched for him amongst the skiers. There was no sign of him. She longed to see him. They had to talk about the baby before she left for home. Surely he’d open up about that? He must. Whatever was holding him back, he had to put it behind him for the sake of their child. He couldn’t be like her father.
She chose the same café where they had eaten before. There were booths where she could be private. She would eat first, settle her mind, and then set out to complete the business side of things. Breezy wait staff brought milky coffee and French toast. She suddenly realised she was ravenous and ordered more. Glancing at her watch, she confirmed that she could afford another few minutes, and her stomach insisted on it.
Her heart jolted when she noticed Luc at the counter, speaking on his phone. He was frowning, but not too preoccupied to thank the staff behind the counter as they loaded his tray. She put her head down as he approached the line of booths where she was sitting. Phone tucked into his shoulder as he walked along, he was holding an intense conversation. She was no eavesdropper, but this was Luc. Whatever he had on his mind, she wanted to help. He looked so serious. What was it? What could it be?
He sat down in the adjoining booth. The seat backs were so high he hadn’t seen her.
This wasn’t right. She should make herself known.
Why?She wasn’t doing any harm.
He was talking to Niahl!
They’d always been a tight unit, she reasoned, and she should have known it was only a matter of time before the bond between them closed her out, relegating her yet again to the tag-along benches; the kid sister to be endured and humoured. She might be older, but she was obviously no wiser, given that the hurt she felt now was so ridiculously intense. Luc was telling her brother they were close and Niahl was ranting. She could hear him…almost as clearly as she could hear Luc’s placating reply. ‘You’re right. I overstepped. It was a huge error of judgement.’
She didn’t need to hear more. Throwing some money down on the table, she rushed out. Luc was still talking on the phone as she ran past the window. He hadn’t even noticed a woman in distress fleeing the café. That had to be a first for him. The knight in shining armour had clay feet after all.
‘You’re right, Niahl, and maybe I should have told you sooner, but I wasn’t even sure of it myself.’
‘Then why were you sleeping with my sister?’
‘Stacey isn’t like the others. This isn’t a fling, Niahl. I love the woman she’s become, and I think she loves me.’
‘Has she told you this?’ Niahl barked suspiciously.
‘She doesn’t need to.’
‘Have you told Stacey that you love her?’
‘I’ll make it my mission to love and protect her for ever—’
‘Have. You. Told. Her?’ Niahl roared. ‘For God’s sake, and yours, don’t you think you should?’ A colourful curse followed this observation. ‘The two of you are hopeless!’
‘I love your sister and I’m going to marry her.’
‘Maybe you should tell her that too?’ Niahl suggested. ‘Arrangements take time.’
‘You can put your shotgun away. We’re going to get married.’
