Now, sitting alone in the solarium, Eve wished that she knew what was going on with Darius. He’d texted her twice, letting her know that he was working on something. If he hadn’t left that note with the flowers in the hospital, she’d probably have blocked his number.
Joe had even texted her and encouraged her to keep an open mind. She’d found him to be an insightful man and respected his opinion, so she was trying to do just that. But how long was she going to have to wait?
Darius had said he’d return, but she only expected to be in Scotland another week. Her parents couldn’t be gone from their jobs on this impromptu vacation much longer.
“Well, Evie, you’re looking much better,” her father said, striding into the solarium and sprawling into a chair next to hers. “I’m not so scared of losing you anymore.”
“I don’t ever want to go through this again.”
“Your grandfather was asking if you’ve heard from your young man. I think my father doesn’t want to miss out on a grand reunion.”
“Oh, Dad.” Eve put her hand to her abdomen, wishing the simple touch would calm the butterflies there. She’d had an uneasy sense of anticipation all day. It’d made her jumpy.
“What’s troubling you?” He straightened and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
“You mean besides the worry that I’ll make the same mistake again? Or the fear that I’ll pass on an opportunity I should jump at?” Eve lowered her voice, now speaking in a whisper, “Or that he won’t come, and I won’t have a chance to choose.”
“If he doesn’t come, there’s your answer, and I say good riddance.”
Eve sighed. Her ever-practical father. He was right, of course. It wasn’t like she hadn’t been thinking about it all week, going back and forth in her mind. She’d even dreamed of looking out her bedroom window and seeing Darius drive up to the house. She’d missed him terribly.
Regardless of what happened next, him stepping back into her life had changed it. If things didn’t work out between them, she’d decided to go back home to Boston. She and her mother had discussed the possibility of Eve going to work for the hospital’s charity.
What if she did and never saw Darius again? At first, finally seeing him after all this time had seemed destined. She’d completed a nursing job in California when an old client had contacted her about Kayn’s bucket-list charity and asked if she’d be interested in a trip to Ireland. Since Eve had promised her father to come home for a visit, she’d been prepared to turn down the job—until she’d found out that Kayn was one of Darius’s partners. Kayn’s group had left from New York and not North Carolina. Then Kayn had decided to pull back, and she’d thought she’d never have to worry about seeing Darius.
Eve closed her eyes and leaned back her head. She’d dreamed about him again last night, her mind replaying the scene when she’d confronted him about walking away from his wedding. Her mind had frozen on his expression when he’d acknowledged the question. He hadn’t looked guilty; he’d worn the fatalistic look of someone trapped. Remembering it now, she wanted to reach out and take away Darius’s pain.
Eve opened her eyes. His pain. Whatever reason he’d had for leaving his fiancée, it’d hurt him. Alot. For the first time, her back-and-forth feelings on the matter moved decidedly to his side.
Her father started to snore and woke himself.
“Dad, why don’t you go take a nap?”
“Maybe I will.” He stood, stretched, and then froze, squinting out the glass wall. “There’s a car coming.”
Eve tried to calm her heart, but it wouldn’t listen.
“Do you recognize it?” She didn’t dare get up yet. It might be one of the farmhands or servants. The estate had more than one vehicle, though they usually used a different road rather than the main drive.
“It looks like a rental.”
Eve’s heart jumped. She winced and put her hand to her chest.
“Are you all right?” Her father sat on the couch beside her and felt for her pulse. He was getting good at it.
“Just tell me if it’s him.”
Still holding her wrist, her father rose to his feet. “Two giants getting out of a little car. Your man’s come, it seems.”
“He’s here,” her mother cried, running into the room. “I sent Mrs. Campbell for your grandfather. We’d never hear the end of it if he missed this.” She looked at Eve for the first time and frowned. “You look pale.”
“It’s nerves,” her father whispered in a very loud voice. “The sooner we get him in here to bear his soul, the sooner she’ll calm down. Should you give her a Valium?”
“No, I’mnotgoing to take a Valium.” Insulted, Eve pulled her hands free and stood.
Darius must have seen her through the glass. His step hesitated for a second before his stride increased. Joe grinned. Eve said a little prayer that it was a good sign—and that she’d know what to do.
Her parents took up positions on each side of her, and the three of them entered the foyer. From the other side, Alan was helping her grandfather. His expression was practically joyful, he was so excited.
