‘What exactly is the selection criteria?’
She turned to face him, her smile like sunshine. His chest compressed in response. ‘It’s complicated.’
‘Hit me with it.’
She grinned. ‘Really, I’m just looking for something he’ll love.’
Dimitrios bent down and picked up the box she’d most recently discarded. ‘And you don’t think he’d love this?’
‘Oh, he undoubtedly would.’
‘So why not get it?’
‘Because it’s not perfect.’
‘And you want to get him just one perfect gift?’
She tilted her head to the side. ‘I usually get him a few things. The things he’s asked for and something I choose—a book, perhaps some tennis balls.’ She shrugged. ‘We used to go down to the park on weekends and play tennis, you know. He’s actually very good.’
Dimitrios felt pride swell in his breast. Their son was good at many things. Cards, conversation, reading and, yes, he believed sports too.
‘And even though you could buy this store ten times over and not see a dent in your bank account?’ he prompted.
Her eyes grew round. ‘I’d never do that.’
He smiled, moving closer, an urge to kiss her almost overtaking him. ‘I know.’
‘I guess I don’t want him to feel like his life has changed too much.’
Dimitrios bit back a laugh; Annabelle didn’t. The sound was self-mocking. ‘I know how ridiculous that sounds. I mean, look where we’re living. I had to ask the housekeeper to stop making his bed the other day because that’s a job Max has always done for himself.’ Her smile was rueful. ‘I just don’t want him to get used to all this. To think it’s normal.’
That sent a jolt of warning through Dimitrios. ‘What’s wrong with getting used to it?’ Only, she didn’t need to voice the fear she had. It was obvious to him. He moved closer then, pressing his finger beneath her chin, lifting her face to his. ‘We’re married now, Annabelle. None of this is going away.’
Her eyes were suddenly suspiciously moist. His chest felt as if a bag of cement were pressing down on it.
‘I know you say that, but...’
A tear formed on her lashes, making them clump together. He was conscious of holding his breath as she searched for the right words. When she spoke, her voice was barely a whisper. ‘Everyone’s always gone away.’
Her eyes didn’t meet his and he was glad. He wasn’t sure what his expression would show, but he felt as though she’d reached into his chest and hollowed him out.
She was right.
Lewis had died. And then her parents had moved to Perth. Then he’d got her pregnant and disappeared out of her life into a world that, to a teenaged Annabelle, must have seemed like a million miles away.
She’d been alone for ever, fighting her own corner, looking after her son all by herself. No wonder she felt as if all this might be transient.
‘This is for keeps.’
Her smile was brief. Dismissive. He shook his head and moved closer. ‘I don’t make promises I don’t mean.’
Her eyes lifted to his and he felt a thousand and one things slamming into him. Mostly, he wanted to make her smile again, to make her truly happy. She was the mother of his child, so that was only natural. How could Max thrive if he didn’t have a happy mum?
‘Think about it, Annabelle. Why would I have suggested we get married if it wasn’t a permanent arrangement?’
She nodded awkwardly. ‘I know. You could have taken Max away from me without breaking a sweat.’ Her eyes were troubled at the prospect of that. ‘I’m grateful you didn’t.’
‘I don’t want