His last thought was of the next day. Would that be the day he lost her?
Would she prefer to be with her mother instead of him?
Only time would tell. But it was gut-wrenching for him to consider that he might lose her.
Chapter Thirteen
Patrick and Eve walked down the stairs, hand in hand, and made their way to the kitchen.
Agnes turned from the wall phone. “Sir, the phone’s for you.”
He placed a kiss on the back of Eve’s hand. “Go ahead and eat. I’ll be right back.”
He sat behind his desk and answered the phone.
“It’s me, Darian. I got the girls into a day spa today. They need to be there at nine.”
He checked the time on his watch. Not quite eight in the morning. “Great. Send me the info. I want to give them a heads up to what I want done with her. Send me the address, and I’ll have her there.”
“You got it. See you there.”
He called the spa and then made his way into the kitchen.
Patrick sat down next to Eve. “Darian has scheduled you girls for a day spa. I have to have you there at nine, so hustle up.”
A frightened look flickered across her face.
“What, baby?”
“It’s just … I … I haven’t been away from you.”
“The girls will be with you, and we’ll have a guard to watch over you girls. You’ll be safe, or I wouldn’t take the chance.”
Eve released a tense breath and relaxed. “Okay.”
They both ate quickly.
“Thank you for the wonderful breakfast, Agnes.”
Agnes smiled over her shoulder. “You’re very welcome, child.”
Patrick pulled her out to the garage. He hated that she had to wear one of her old dresses but hoped her clothes would come that day. “It’s pretty warm out, so you won’t need a jacket.”
He held the door open for her to slide into the car. When he was on the driver’s side, he opened the garage door and pulled out.
He reached for her hand when they pulled out of the driveway. “Are you still nervous?”
She smiled at him. “A little. I haven’t been away from your
house since I left my father’s. But I trust you to keep me safe, so I’m not going to worry.”
He squeezed her hand. “I’m glad.”
He maneuvered them through town and pulled up at a contemporary-looking business made up of chrome and glass. “I see them waiting inside.”
****
She waited for him to come around and open her door. She clutched his hand as they walked into the building. The two girls surrounded her and hugged her tightly, and she sucked in a breath.