"Have a seat Mrs. Wilcox." He gestured to the chair behind her and waited until she was seated before taking the comfortable rocker his wife preferred when she was in the living room.
"I didn't know you were here."
"I wasn't. Mrs. Bailey called to alert me of your impromptu visit." His green eyes were inscrutable. "What is this about?"
Violet's hands fluttered restlessly as she picked up the cup but did not take a sip. "I want to see my daughter."
"That's what you told my housekeeper. Why now? We sent you an invitation to the wedding and a verbal follow up which was decisively turned down. What do you want with her now?"
Violet bristled at the tone. "I've been doing some praying and thinking and decided that it's time to make amends."
One thick brow lifted. "And during this praying and thinking, you had an epiphany. How delightful. You spent years treating my wife like garbage, hurting her at every turn and now suddenly you want to be a mother to her?" He smiled cynically. "Let me guess. You need money."
"How much is it going to take? A hundred thousand? Two? A million." He inched forward, his hands clasped loosely between his thighs. "I think you're smart enough to realize that there's nothing I won't do for my wife. How much?"
"How dare you."
"No ma'am. How dare you." His eyes glinted dangerously. "My wife is in a vulnerable state right now. She's carrying triplets and I would go to the ends of the earth to make sure she's not harassed or stressed. That includes paying you off. So, once again, how much is it going to take?"
"I don't..."
She broke off abruptly when he shot to his feet, eyes riveted on the doorway. Turning her head, she saw her daughter framed there, one hand on her huge belly.
"Christos?"
He was by her side in an instant, expression immediately concerned.
"Baby, what are you doing up?" His voice was so different from the one he had used before, that it left Violet speechless.
"I woke up feeling much better. I ate..."
Suddenly she looked to her left as the figure rose from the chair. "Mother?" A frown touched her brow. "What... What are you doing here?"
"Come and have a seat darling." Taking her hand, he led her to the chair and sat perched on the arm. "Your mother was just getting to her reason for this unexpected visit."
They both faced her. He had linked their fingers together, unconsciously presenting a united front.
Taking a deep breath and feeling out of her depth, Violet examined her daughter. Pregnancy agreed with her. She had gained weight of course, but it did not detract from her beauty. In fact, she was glowing.
The emerald, green silk robe she was wearing was a perfect foil for her skin and her hair was braided, fat rope braids piled on top of her head.
"I don't need your money." She began defensively, shooting an angry look at the silent man.
"Okay." Tilting her head, she glanced at her husband and understood. "What do you want, then?"
"I told him I was here to make amends."
Leanne's brows shot up. "Why now?"
Violet fiddled with the cup before putting it away. "I was wrong about everything. About the way I treated you."
"I see." Her fingers tensed and then relaxed as Christos gave them a reassuring squeeze. She understood everything now. He was here for her, always. She had been sniping at him for days and he was still here.
She knew he had left to go to the office and at the slightest hint of threat or harm to her, he had come running. Something soared inside her heart and settled there. Turning her head, she met his eyes. He saw it instantly and his own expression changed.
"I love you." He mouthed.
Tears clogged her throat and burned the back of her eyes.
