Chapter Seventeen
Aria was a little surprised. Her youngest, Angelica, tended to have a softer heart.
“What did you see?’ Mateo asked.
“He reminded me of a little boy who was looking in the window at a family that was happy and smiling, and he wanted to be a part of it. If he’d had more information about us, I bet he would have come sooner,” Faith said.
Aria nodded. “I really think he has a good heart.”
Trent snorted, and Graham shook his head.
“What, you guys don’t think he’ll come around?” Aria asked.
“Maybe eventually,” Mateo said. “But something will have to happen to give him an excuse to return. He’s got a lot of pride.”
“And resentment,” Graham said.
“He’s got a right to resent the situation,” Aria said. “Should I reach out to him?”
Trent shook his head. “No. Let him be for a few days, pet. I’m guessing he’ll come around soon.”
God, she hoped so. She wanted her son home where he belonged.
“Mama, why don’t we go out into the garden?” Faith asked.
Aria nodded. “I’d like that. Some sunshine sounds good about now.”
Her men hugged her. “We’ll be in the office.”
She nodded and watched the three men walk out before she turned and followed her daughters.
An hour later, they were sitting at a white iron table with glasses of lemonade.
“Where’s Beth?” Aria asked.
The girls looked at each other.
“Alastair wouldn’t let her come,” Faith said.
Aria sighed. “Did he have a reason?”
The girls shrugged.
“He doesn’t need a reason,” Hope said.
“Should we go there? I hate to invite myself, but I’m worried about her.”
“We are, too,” Faith said. “She always acts happy, but I can see the sadness in her eyes when she doesn’t think anyone is watching.”
“What are we going to do about it?” Angelica said.
“Maybe we need to kidnap her and bring her here. She’ll have me on her side when he comes to get her,” Aria said.
The girls looked at each other and smiled.
“That would shake him up,” Faith said. “We can’t say anything to anyone else because our men wouldn’t let us help.”
“Let’s make a plan for tomorrow. I’ll come over for lunch, and then I’ll take her back with me,” Aria said.