Beyond the Consequences: Book 5 of the Consequences Series (Volume 5) (23 page)

One corner of his mouth rose as he scanned her from head to toe. Though most of her long hair was secured behind her neck in a loose ponytail, sleeping had caused a few renegade strands to dangle near her pretty face. Her soft pants were tight in all the right places, and her big t-shirt was wide at the neck and exposed one of her bare shoulders. Her deep red, shiny toenails peeked out from the wide cuffs of her pants. Phil liked that no one but he ever saw those polished toes. Reaching out he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. As he looked into her blue eyes and loving smile he mused how much he liked Taylor’s relaxed side. The softness was a stark difference from her professional demeanor.

Tipping his forehead toward hers, he said, “I know I’m an idiot for turning that down, but you’re right. I think I’m coming down, and I should try to get some sleep.”

“Don’t worry,” she whispered as she palmed his cheeks and kissed his lips. “Eric and I have today covered.”

Phil nodded.

“Besides, I’m guessing our threat level has decreased.”

Phil closed his eyes. Damn, even his eyelids were heavy. “Taylor…”

She stood and looked at the clock on Phil’s bedside stand. “Shit, half the staff will be up and moving about, and here I go: the walk of shame.”

He reached for her hand. “Sorry.”

“I’m not. I’m glad you’re back, and I trust this won’t come back to anyone here?”

“I did my best to assure that.”

“Nothing more we can do.”

She bent down and kissed him again. “I’ll tell Eric you’re back.”

“I called him, but thanks.”

With a faint smile, Taylor stepped back into the living room. As Phil took off his boots, he heard, “Walk of shame, here I come.” Carrying the mud-covered boots to the bathroom, he decided they needed to be thoroughly cleaned and his clothes would go in the washer before he put his tired body in that shower.

Hours later the incessant ringing of his cell phone brought Phil back to life. His entire body ached as he rolled toward the sound.
What time was it?
He wrestled with his orientation as the name on his screen came into view:
Rawlings
.

“Hello?” Phil managed, trying not to sound like he was asleep in the early afternoon.

“Roach, we need to talk.”

Phil’s mind suddenly cleared.
Had someone tipped off Rawlings?
He sat up in bed, convincing himself that neither Eric nor Taylor would do that.
Could Patricia’s body have been found?
So many thoughts flew through his head as Phil replied, “Now?”

“Yes, now. Come to the house. I’m in the office.”

Phil closed his eyes as the line went dead.

“THIS PARTY’S FOR
my baby brover. My party’s gonna be bigger!” Nichol exclaimed.

Claire shook her head. “Well, I’m not sure about bigger, but it will be for you.”

“Yep,” Nichol reached out and spoke to Claire’s enlarged midsection. “Today’s for you, baby. Maybe you could decide to be a sister?”

“Honey, we’ve talked about that. The doctors can see your brother with a special camera and they know he’s a boy.”

“How do they know?”

Claire looked from Nichol to Shannon who was shaking her head with a grin. “Oh my goodness, I’m not ready to have that talk with my three-year-old daughter.”

The other ladies at the shower all laughed.

Nichol’s forehead wrinkled. “I’m four.”

“Well, not quite yet,” Emily corrected.

“Aunt Em, did the doctors see Beff and know she’s a girl?”

“They did.”

“Momma, did you know about me too?”

“We didn’t. Remember, Daddy and I were on the island when you were born. When we tried to find out, you didn’t want to tell—you were teasing us.”

“Maybe my sister’s teasing you, too.” She leaned her mouth toward Claire’s stomach. “Are you teasing in there?”

“Mrs. Rawlings, I’d be happy to take Nichol to the other room. I brought some books and games,” Shannon offered.

“Nichol, why don’t you go with Shannon and when we open your brother’s presents you can come help me.”

Nichol got down from her chair. “Okay.” She took Shannon’s hand and Claire mouthed “Thank you” to her nanny.

“Wow, Claire, I can’t wait to see you with two,” Meredith said with a smile.

Claire leaned back and stretched her back. “I’m ready.”

“I know that feeling,” Emily and Julia said in unison and laughed.

“Now, Claire,” Sue began. “I think it’s time to spill the beans. This shower’s the perfect opportunity to share with all of us, your closest friends, the name you and Tony have chosen for your son.”

Claire pressed her lips together and smiled. “We’ve talked a lot about his name, and we think we have the perfect one. I mean, it’s not easy to be Anthony Rawlings’ son. His name has to be special, like Nichol’s is for us. When he joins us, we’ll let you all know.”

Whispers of understanding filled the room. Finally, Courtney asked, “Would anyone like anything else to eat or more coffee or tea?”

As everyone chatted, Claire looked around Courtney’s living room and sighed contently. She was surrounded by her family and friends. There was something about having everyone’s support that made this pregnancy easier than her first.

Just as they were about to open presents, Courtney stood. “Before we begin, I promised Tony I’d help him with his gift. You all know how persuasive he thinks he is. Well…” She smiled at Claire. “First, I convinced him that he wouldn’t enjoy the shower, but that didn’t stop his plan. He wanted to get Claire a gift she wouldn’t forget.”

The whole room inhaled with anticipation as Claire contemplated what Tony would consider an unforgettable gift. They had the nursery complete. It was much larger than Nichol’s had been on the island, but like Nichol’s it was attached to their suite. Claire remembered listening to Tony rock and talk to their daughter in the middle of the night. After she’d feed Nichol, she’d lay awake and listen as he promised her the moon and stars and his unending love. As the contractors drew up plans for the nursery, Claire knew she wanted that again.

“A diamond-studded car seat?” Emily suggested.

“Maybe a golden cradle?” Sue replied.

“I think you could guess all day and you wouldn’t come up with the right answer,” Courtney said. “Personally, I think I’ve kept your gift hidden for too long. And you know how hard secrets are for me.” She shrugged and with a grin, added “Although… Brent and I have enjoyed having these gifts here with us for the last two days.”

“Two days?” Claire said as she turned toward the archway. She could hardly believe her eyes as she saw Francis and Madeline and a lump formed in her throat. “Oh!” she exclaimed as Courtney helped her from her chair; she rushed to the couple and was swallowed in their embrace.

When the tears and hugs finally calmed, Madeline said, “Madame el, the next time you have a bébé, could it be when the weather is warmer? This is the first time we’ve seen snow. It is very cold.”

The room erupted in laughter.

“Oh, Madeline and Francis, I don’t know if there’ll be a next time.” She pulled them by their hands to sit beside her. “How long can you stay?”

“How long do you want us?” Madeline asked.

“We will stay that long,” Francis added with his large, loving smile.

“We are so pleased to be here, but…” Madeline’s big dark eyes narrowed. “…this bébé, I not deliver him.”

“No, Madeline. This little guy will be born at the hospital.”

Claire made all the introductions or re-introductions. Many of the ladies had met Francis and Madeline a year ago when they all visited the island. Her heart swelled with love as she took in the kind couple and their genuine smiles. When she’d called and asked them to come to Iowa, they acted apprehensive about leaving the island. Though she was disappointed, Claire understood. It was a long trip and neither of them had ever been to the United States.

As the room erupted in chatter, Brent entered. “Francis, now that Claire knows you’re here, would you like to go downstairs with me? There’s a lot of estrogen in this room.”

Francis nodded. “I’m not sure of estro-gen, but if there be less laughing ladies, I say yes.” He reached for Claire’s hand. “Madame el, we are so happy to be here. Thank you.”

Claire squeezed his large hand. “Thank you. I feel better having you two here.”

It wasn’t until near the end of the baby shower that Courtney’s doorbell rang. Claire didn’t need to look: she knew who couldn’t stay away. When she did glance toward the door, despite the crowded room, her eyes met his and her heart melted. She saw the satisfaction in his devilish grin—he’d successfully surprised her.

Tony wasn’t alone. Phil, who looked tired, was with him. After a moment, Phil excused himself to join the men downstairs, and Tony walked toward Claire. The floor and table around her were cluttered with gifts. “Well, my dear, it looks like our little man made out like a bandit. Are you pleased with all your gifts?”

“They’re not for Momma. They’re for my brover,” Nichol corrected.

With her eyes still on her husband, Claire replied, “I love
all
my gifts, and I can’t believe you surprised me like this. How could they be here for two days and you not tell me?”

Tony chuckled. “It was difficult. I didn’t even let Roach know until this afternoon. I wasn’t sure he’d be able to keep it from you. As soon as I told him, he insisted that he come over here with me to see them.” Tony turned toward Madeline. Bowing slightly at the waist, he said, “Hello, Madeline. Welcome.”

“Monsieur.”

“Claire,” Courtney asked, “do you remember yesterday when you wanted to come over and help me get ready for the shower?”

Claire nodded.

“Now do you understand why I said you couldn’t? Madeline and I were cooking.”

Claire reached for Madeline’s hand. “Oh, cooking with you! I love cooking with you.”

“You still cook?” Emily asked jokingly.

“Well, not really, but I did on the island. Madeline taught me some of the most amazing dishes.”

“Oui, Madame el, we may cook.” Madeline looked out the window. “I think the seafood here may not be as fresh.”

“You make a list, Madeline,” Tony said. “For your fantastic meals, I’ll get you whatever you need and as fresh as possible.”

Her cheeks lifted as her eyes went to her lap. “Monsieur, you’re always too kind.”

THAT EVENING CLAIRE,
Tony, Shannon, Phil, Taylor, Madeline, and Francis all sat around the living room of the Rawlings estate and chatted. Each time Madeline would try to do something for Claire, Claire would remind her that she was a guest in their home.

“No. We come to help you, not to be waited upon.”

“You’ve already helped me. I know everything will go well now that you two are here.”

Francis’s smile lit up the room. “We have been praying for you and this little boy since Monsieur called. Everything will be well with you and with him; we know that.”

Claire wasn’t sure how a proclamation like that could ease her anxiety, but it did. A peace settled over them like a blanket that warmed and comforted not only the room or the estate but also her. At first Claire thought it was only she who felt it, but as the weeks progressed she knew that it affected everyone. Nichol was head over heels in love with Francis and Madeline, and the feeling was mutual. They doted over her like grandparents. Nichol would sit for hours and listen to Francis’ stories of the island and paradise, just as Claire remembered doing when she lived with them.

Whether it was Shannon or the cooks, no one seemed to mind having Madeline’s assistance. She was everyone’s friend. It wasn’t until after the first of the year that Madeline told Claire the secret that apparently only she hadn’t fully recognized.

“Madame el, you have a blessed house.” She and Claire were folding small blue and green sleepers and other tiny clothes.

“Thank you, Madeline. I agree.”

Suddenly a large dark hand covered hers. “We prayed for love and guidance in your lives. You have so many people who care.”

“I do. Thank you for reminding me.”

“And Monsieur Phil, it makes Francis and me happy to see him with someone who truly loves him, too.”