“I was thinking ‘twould be nice to have a picture of your entire party,” she said. “I know ‘tis all for Sophia, but she says she’d like one. The girl has told me many times how thankful she is for this gift you’ve given her. ‘Tis a good thing you do here.”
“I’m glad she’s enjoyed herself and that her health has cooperated,” Darius said. “We’d be happy to pose with her.”
They tossed their trash and joined the others. Fiona had them pose at an angle with a view of the city in the background. Just before she was ready, the sun broke through the clouds.
“Quick,” Sophia cried, “take it before I have to put my hat on.”
Fiona snapped several shots and then more once the girl had put her floppy brimmed hat back on. Darius hoped there would be something in there that would make a nicely framed picture. He decided to ask for a copy, so he could do a painting of it for her.
“I’ll be in touch about putting the photos into a book that we can have printed for Sophia. It’s been a pleasure to work with you,” he said. “If we end up doing anymore fulfillments in Edinburgh, we’ll keep you in mind.”
“Thank you.”
“Blair, you’ve been a good help to your mother today.” Darius extended his hand to shake the boy’s. “Noah over there has been playing on the EU server while we’ve been here. He might have room on his team tonight.”
“Oh, aye. We’ve already exchanged usernames.”
“Good for you.”
After seeing the Scottish Crown Jewels, they headed back to the hotel. Sophia looked happy but tired and didn’t argue when Eve said she should ride the entire way back. Especially with Noah staying close by.
“Are you up to having dinner in my suite together tonight?” Darius asked the group once they were outside Sophia’s suite.
“If she can get a nap this afternoon, I think so,” Carmen said. “Thank you again so much for this trip.” She surprised him by throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him down for a hug.
“It’s been my pleasure.”
Darius was surprised to find that it was the truth. He thought he would continue with the charity, though he had no intention of being in charge of it. He glanced at Eve. She’d done a lot of the organization for the trip. Maybe she’d be willing to be over it. It would also bring her to Boone permanently.
“What do you have planned before dinner?” he asked her after the Hernandezes went into their room. “Are you going to go swimming again?”
“I’ve decided I’m not a fan of swimming when I’m wearing braids. My hair smelled like chlorine all day.”
“It does not.” Darius leaned forward and sniffed.
Eve gave his chest a gentle push, but he caught her hands. Her breath caught as he lifted the palm of one hand and pressed his lips against it.
“I’d like to spend the time with you, and I promise to behave.”
She looked undecided.
“What?” he asked.
“I need to arrange a car to take me to my grandfather’s place.”
“You mean to takeus.”
“Right, us. I told Carmen about the change of plans, and she’s fine with it.” Eve seemed distracted.
“All right,” he said resignedly. “You’ve probably got some stuff you want to put together for this extra visit, so I won’t bother you.”
She looked at him then met his gaze, lifting on her tiptoes to kiss him.
“Janey Mack,” Noah cried from his doorway. “If every one of these trips ends in a romance, you may have to start calling it a romance service instead.” He winked. “A grand one too. Just don’t you go wearing her face off.”
“I’m not sure I understood all that he said there.” Darius shook his head. “If you get bored, Eve, give me a call, and I’ll keep you company.”
“I will.”
