her eyes.
He makes me feel young and vital, and almost delicate. It's not just the sex,
she added, and had Nathaniel wincing.
Aw, jeez, Coco.
He took a sip of coffee, as he was rapidly losing his appetite.
I
don't want to know about that.
She chuckled, adoring him.
I know how close you are to Niels.
Well, sure.
He was beginning to feel trapped in the chair, barred by the tray.
We
sailed together a long time, and he's...
Like a father to you,
she said gently.
I know. I just wanted you to know I love him, too. We're going to be married.
What?
His fork clattered against china.
Married?
You and the Dutchman?
Yes.
Nervous now, because she couldn't tell whether his expression was horrified or simply shocked, Coco fiddled with the jet beads at her throat.
I hope you don't
mind.
Mind?
His brain had gone blank. Now it began to fill again the restless movements of her hands, the tone of her voice, the anxious look in her eyes. Nathaniel shifted the table away from his chair and rose.
Imagine a classy woman like
you falling for that old tar. Are you sure he hadn't been supping something into your soup?
Relieved, she smiled.
If he has, I like it. Do we have your blessing?
He took her hands, looked down at them.
You know, for nearly as far back as I can remember, I wanted you to be my mother.
Oh.
Her eyes filled, overflowed.
Nathaniel.
Now I guess you will be.
His gaze lifted to hers again before he kissed her, one cheek, the other, then her lips.
He better be good to you, or he'll answer to me.
I'm so happy.
Coco sank, weeping, into his arms.
I'm so very happy, Nate. I
didn't even see it coming in the cards.
Her breath hitched as she pressed her wet face to his throat.
Or the tea leaves, even the crystal. It just happened.
The best things usually do.
I want you to be happy.
Drawing back, she fumbled in her pocket for one of her lace-trimmed hankies.
I want you to believe in what you have with Megan, and not
let it slip away. She needs you, Nate. So does Kevin.