Claire nodded, barely able to contain her emotion. “Yes, it’s our little one’s first picture.”
“I want her to have your eyes.” He declared.
Claire smiled. “I know you are used to getting your way, but sex and eye color are non-negotiable.”
“I don’t know ... sex sounds great and I love your eyes.” His twinkled, “Would you like to negotiate?”
Claire shook her head, feeling the blush on her cheeks. “How am I getting...” she almost said home, but rephrased, “back to California.”
“The same way you’re getting to Chicago -- in a private plane. It’s a safer mode of transportation, with no public record of your itinerary.”
She exhaled with relief and thanked him. Tony explained the time of departure was negotiable, but asked that she stay in Iowa until after they share an early dinner. Claire chose not to argue. She was leaving; time was inconsequential.
Claire went back to her suite, finished packing, and called Amber and Harry, telling them her change in plans. Unfortunately, she would miss Amber. Her roommate promised to return on Thursday, before Claire needed to leave again. Another problem created by her new itinerary was her car. It was parked at San Francisco International Airport. She would now be flying into the private commuter airport in Palo Alto.
“I can take a SiJo car into San Francisco and bring your car back,” Harry offered as they spoke on the phone.
“Thank you, but I’ll just take a taxi home and get my car tomorrow when I pick John and Emily up from the airport.”
“No, Claire, I’ll be glad to get you. Just text me with the time of your departure.”
She inhaled. Claire knew she and Harry needed to talk. Nevertheless, she didn’t want to face him, yet. “I don’t want to put you out.”
He hesitated; Claire heard his heavy sigh. Finally he asked, “Will you text?”
“Yes, thank you.” After customary and polite good-byes, they both disconnected. Her recently settled stomach tied in knots, in anticipation of their discussion.
Claire walked onto her balcony and leaned against the concrete and stone ledge. She had a few hours before their afternoon dinner and the air was warming nicely. Her clothes were packed, but she knew there were bathing suits in the dressing room. Watching the gentle rustling of the leaves in the vast sea of green, she lifted her face to the sun and felt the warm breeze against her skin. While she debated a swim, she heard a knock on the door.
Claire called into her suite, “Come in.”
Catherine entered. “You are leaving?”
Catherine’s sad grey eyes tugged at Claire’s heart. She reached for the kind woman’s hands. “Yes, and I’ll be back. Thank you, for all you’ve done to make my visit special.”
Claire saw a spark of hope as Catherine asked, “You’ll be back?”
“I will... I believe you. He is trying.”
Catherine smiled a satisfied smile, until they both turned toward the opening of Claire’s door. Tony performed a perfunctory knock as he pushed the door further open. “Oh, am I interrupting?”
Claire walked to Tony and took his hand. “No,” her emerald eyes gleamed toward him, “but since you’re here...?”
He looked at her, questioning, “Yes?”
“I think I’d like to share something with Catherine, but not without you.”
His features softened as a glow overtook his face.
“Catherine, I suggest you sit.” Tony suggested.
She did. And although her expression revealed alarm or suspense, she didn’t speak.
Claire reached into her pocket, removed their baby’s picture, and handed it to Catherine. The woman took the ultrasound picture and stared. Finally her eyes widened and for the second time, Claire saw tears form on her lids. “You are pregnant?” She asked Claire, who nodded in response. Then turning to Tony and seeing his proud expression, Catherine continued, “The two of you?” She sprang from the sofa and embraced Claire. “Oh my, a Rawls - Nichols baby. I can’t believe it.”
Claire allowed herself to be swallowed by Catherine’s embrace. Looking to Tony she was instantly surprised by his expression. The smile that was present only seconds ago was gone. Why is he glaring? Claire wondered. She’s happy – what’s his problem?
Claire and Tony decided to spend a few hours at the pool while they waited for dinner. With the rising humidity, the tepid water felt wonderfully refreshing. When Claire wasn’t submerged, she sat with her feet dangling in the cool blue liquid and enjoyed the view of Tony swimming the length of the pool and back. His strong arms fanned outward as he pushed against the water. The muscles in his back, shoulders, and arms defined with each stroke.
In the light of the sun, Claire noticed a few renegade gray hairs in Tony’s black mane. She thought it made him look distinguished. However, with his recent age comment, she chose not to mention them. When he surfaced at her feet, she giggled as he pretended to pull her into the water. Just when she thought she was safe, he stood and scooped her into his arms. All of her squealing was to no avail.
After a few playful moments of feigned fighting, she relaxed, and floated in his arms. The sun bathed her exposed skin as he supported her shoulders and legs. His words were a statement, intended as a question, “I want to show you something.”
“I’m curious.” She asked with a seductive smile. “Is it something I’ve seen before?”
He returned her sparkling gaze, “Yes, but not what you’re thinking.”
It was her turn to raise an eyebrow. He led her up the steps and out of the pool. The afternoon heat made for a smooth transition from water to air. The breeze only dried their skin as they walked to one of the umbrella tables. Sitting knee to knee, Tony reached into the pocket of his bathing suit. Claire gasped as her eyes adjusted to the umbrella’s shadow. In Tony’s outstretched palm, sparkling in the reflection of the June brilliance was Claire’s engagement ring, the one she sold.
Only her eyes moved as she looked from his hand to his face. Was he mad? What was he going to say? How did he get it? So many thoughts assaulted her mind. His true intent was not even on her radar.
Despite her concerns, his expression seemed soft-- almost fearful.
“Tony, how did you...?”
“I bought them back.”
Her stomach twisted, “I’m sorry. I needed money....’
He interrupted, “If I gave them back, will you promise not to sell them?”
“Why would you give them back?” she asked in all sincerity.
“Do I need to get on one knee? I suppose I didn’t do that the first time.”
She stood suddenly and backed away, almost tripping over the heavy iron chair. If she’d made him speechless with her pregnancy announcement, he’d certainly returned the favor with his proposal. Finally, as her eyes remained large, she said, “No, I’m not ready for anything like that.”
His eyes dropped. “No, never – or no, not yet.”
She saw his pain and instinctively moved forward. Kneeling before him, she said, “Tony, slow down. I told you, I like the dating thing... we never did that. Please don’t push too hard. In the last week we’ve survived a major game changer. I think we need to proceed with caution.” Everyone knows the game of chess requires planning and strategizing. Making moves too quickly often proves lethal for the offending piece.