“Oh…I see.”
“I’m so sorry, truly. It was my own fault for making plans without consulting him.” She went on to explain about Knowles being marooned in some pub miles away from civilization, and although it sounded an unlikely story, for some reason, he believed her. She was so apologetic and seemed so genuinely embarrassed that he could hardly question it. “It was late by the time I reached him, and I figured it would be rude to call and cancel, so if you don’t mind, I guess you’re stuck with just me for company.” She chuckled apologetically, and despite himself, Ethan found he was not altogether resistant to the notion.
“You really shouldn’t have worried about being rude. If it’s not convenient, of course we can cancel.”
“Honestly, it’s fine. We’re here now, and between you and me, I’m always glad of an opportunity to check out the competition.” She winked, and Ethan had to smile.
“Well, based on what I ate today, this place has a hell of a lot to live up to.”
“That’s kind of you, thanks. You didn’t have any problems finding it, did you?” she asked as they were led to their table. “I figured it was best to go for something close to your hotel.”
“No, not at all, and it looks great.” There was silence for a moment as they took their seats and Ethan looked around.
It was a nice establishment, nowhere near as cozy or intimate as Gillini, but the menu looked good. Then, reminding himself that his real purpose here was not pleasure but important business of the highest order, he tried to regain focus.
When the waiter had taken their drinks order, he decided he should dive straight in and get to the point. But how to even begin?
“So do you and your fiancé come here a lot?” he mumbled uneasily.
She shook her head. “Gary isn’t actually a big fan of restaurants—apart from ours, of course.” She smiled sheepishly. “He’s actually much more of a pub-grub kind of guy.”
“I see. And have you two been together long?” Ethan figured he might as well lead into this by getting some background on these two. That way, if Rachel genuinely didn’t know about the mix-up, it might make dropping the bombshell that much easier.
“No, it’s all been a bit of a whirlwind really,” she replied, explaining that they had only been seeing each other less than a year. “New York was actually our first trip away together.”
“And had you two spoken about marriage before he…proposed?” Ethan pushed with an edge to his tone.
Rachel beamed. “Honestly no. It was a complete surprise actually, possibly the last thing I expected.”
“Really? Why’s that?” Then realizing that he might sound too forward, he added, “It’s just I’m in a similar position, hoping to propose myself.”
“Oh, how lovely. Congratulations.”
“Well, I haven’t actually done it yet, but plan to very soon.”
Rachel smiled. “Well, for what it’s worth, it’s such an exciting time, and I’m sure she’ll be thrilled. How long have you two been together?”
“A little over a year.” She was so approachable and easy to talk to that somehow, Ethan found himself telling her all about Jane’s death and how much it had affected him. And before he knew it, they had eaten their starters and were on to the main course by the time he’d finished.
Rachel had tears in her eyes. “She sounds incredible. I’m so sorry for your loss. And poor Daisy, losing her mum so young like that.”
“Yes, well, we were very lucky to find Vanessa.” Realizing he had spent all this time taking about Jane but had barely mentioned Vanessa by name, he felt guilty. “She’ll be a great mum.”
Rachel cocked her head to the side. “I’m sorry, and please don’t take this the wrong way, but you keep saying what a great mum she’ll be. Isn’t that a little unfair?”
Ethan put his fork down. “What do you mean?”
“Well, and again forgive me for speaking out of turn, but it sounds like your main rationale for marrying Vanessa is so you and Daisy can be a family again. I can completely appreciate you wanting that for Daisy’s sake, but surely you must love her as much as you did Jane?”
Ethan looked at her, realizing that this woman, who was practically a complete stranger, had pretty much hit the nail on the head.
But no, he argued then, it wasn’t merely about just being a family again. Of course he loved Vanessa for herself, and perhaps…maybe not quite as much Jane, but he honestly didn’t think that was possible.
“I’m so sorry,” Rachel gasped, looking horrified. “You barely know me, and here am I sticking my oar in. Forget I said anything.”
“No, it’s fine,” he replied easily. “It’s my own fault for making it sound that way. I do love Vanessa, very much, and I can’t wait to marry her.” He figured this was a good opportunity as any to get the conversation back on track. “The only problem is—”
“Oh, don’t mind me. I suppose I’m just projecting really.”
