‘You okay?’ Ryan asked her quietly.
When she looked up, her eyes were watery. ‘Yeah, I’m being stupid. It’s just that I miss my family. I hadn’t realised how much until Cesca mentioned it. I couldn’t even go to the premiere of her play in London, because Thomas wasn’t happy about it. And now he’s banned me from taking Poppy back at all, even for a visit. And I want her to see my dad while she can.’
‘But you’re doing something about that, right?’ Cesca asked. ‘Lucy told me she’s been looking at everything, and has given you some things to talk to your lawyer about?’
Ryan remembered that Lucy was the eldest, their sister who was a lawyer herself.
‘Yeah, but it’s taking so much longer than I thought. And in the meantime, Dad’s not getting any better, is he?’
‘Why’s it taking so long?’
Juliet shrugged. ‘Part of it is the system. You have to be separated for a year in Maryland before you can divorce. But Thomas doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to agree any terms in advance. It’s as if he doesn’t really want to get divorced.’
Ryan said nothing. Even though the mention of Juliet’s soon to be ex-husband made him want to grind his teeth together.
‘Maybe you should get a better lawyer,’ Cesca suggested.
‘I’ve already paid mine a hefty retainer. I don’t want to spend more money if I don’t have to.’
‘If you’re worried about the money, we could help. I’m pretty sure Lucy and Kitty would want to, as well.’
‘Thank you, honey, but I can handle it myself,’ Juliet said. ‘This is my mess, and I’ll clean it up. Don’t think I don’t appreciate the offer, though, because I do.’ She slapped her hands together, signalling the end of that conversation. ‘Okay, let’s change the subject. Can you believe it’s Tha
nksgiving this week?’
‘Do you celebrate?’ Ryan asked her. ‘Being from London and all.’
‘I don’t, but Poppy does. She’ll be with Thomas this year. I’m planning to spend the day cleaning the shop. It’s long overdue.’ She smiled at him, and he grinned back. ‘How about you? Will you be cooking a turkey?’
‘I was planning to. I’ll save you some if you like.’
Their eyes met again. It was happening so often, he could almost count down the seconds until they did.
She propped her chin on the palm of her hand, her gaze never leaving his. He wanted to know what she was thinking – whether she was remembering that kiss the same way he was. His attraction for her hadn’t dissipated at all in the days since their lips had connected, but he was doing his very best to keep it reined in.
‘You know what, Ryan?’ she said, leaning her head to the side. ‘I’d like that very much.’
14
I can no other answer make but thanks,
And thanks, and ever thanks
– Twelfth Night
Ryan steered his car into a free space next to the gate. Though the rain had let up a little, the storm had kept most people away from the cemetery. He was thankful for the silence – it had been a long time since he’d visited this place. Too long. The last time he’d stepped through these wrought-iron gates was when he was carrying his grandfather’s coffin to its final resting place.
All these years later, he was back, but this time with his son. His flesh and blood. Somebody who didn’t judge him for his money, for his choices. The one person in the world who took him for what he was, never asking or demanding more.
The one person he’d give his life for without blinking.
‘You ready?’ he asked Charlie, grabbing the umbrella from the backseat, and walking around to help his son out of the car.
Charlie nodded. He was carrying a small potted plant he’d decorated at home. ‘Is this where Grandpa Cutler’s buried?’
‘That’s right. And Grandma Maisie.’
‘But they’re your grandpa and grandma, right? Not mine? My grandma is Samantha isn’t she?’ He was talking about Sheridan’s mom. Charlie still hadn’t quite grasped how family relationships worked, and Ryan knew that some of that was his fault. He rarely spoke of his family to Charlie – apart from his grandfather – no wonder the kid was confused.