Page 303 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Inga smiled. “Gut. If you need another one, just ask.”

Anna snuggled into her “bed” and closed her eyes.

Chapter 141

As the family limousine sped along the highway toward Frankfurt, Alex tapped his foot impatiently, willing the time and miles to go faster. His heart pounded relentlessly in anticipation of seeing Anna again. He hadn’t seen her since August, and the last few days had dragged on longer than the previous months.

He thought about all the things he wanted to say to her, the secrets he’d kept hidden for so long. This time, he would be open and honest with her. He didn’t have to hide anything any longer.

He couldn’t wait to hold Anna in his arms, to look into her eyes. The plane carrying Anna, Seth, and Greg would land soon, and he hoped that this evening would mark the beginning of a new chapter in their complicated journey.

“Alex, tapping your foot will not make the car go any faster.” Vati chuckled low and smiled, seemingly amused by Alex’s impatience.

“I can’t help it.” He stilled his foot and clenched his hands in his lap.

“I’ve not seen you nervous like this in a very long time.”

Alex shook his head. “What if she’s still angry with me? What if she takes one look at me and gets back on the plane?”

Vati outrightly laughed. “I don’t think that’s allowed.”

Alex sighed. “You know what I mean.”

“Didn’t Seth say she wasn’t resisting anymore? His arrival seems to have softened her. I’m sure it’s still working.” Vati paused and raised his eyebrows. “And if she is still upset, then you’ll just have to work harder to win her over.”

“You’ve never had a problem winning a woman over before, Alex,” his mother said with a gentle smile.

“Anna’s never been so stubborn.” Alex leaned his head back and stared at the roof. “You said yourself that she was different, Vati. But different how?” He raked his fingers through his hair. “What if she never forgives me for leaving her?”

“I think you’re being a bit melodramatic, son,” Mutti said.

Alex pursed his lips. Even Greg had been surprised at the change in Anna after Seth’s arrival. Anna adored Seth and Alex was glad he’d sent him. Maybe he should have sent him earlier.

Anna’s eyes shot open as her stomach lurched. She reached around for the bag that Inga had pointed to the night before, and barely got it open before the contents of her stomach emptied themselves. Seth jumped out of his seat and kneeled next to her. He reached up and pushed the call button, then helped Anna hold the bag as she coughed and threw up again.

Inga brought another bag and handed Anna a cool towel to wipe her face once her stomach settled. The bag was taken away and Seth wiped her face and neck and hands.

“You okay?” Seth asked gently.

Anna nodded. “I feel better,” she said in a hoarse voice. She glanced up at Seth. “Did I wake you?”

Seth shook his head. “I’ve been up for a while. We’re landing in about an hour and a half and I was contemplating waking you anyway. I guess your stomach did it for me.”

“Is she okay?” Greg asked from the seat behind Anna.

“Yeah,” Seth said.

Anna felt shaky, but was better rested than she’d been in weeks. How was it possible to sleep so well on an airplane? She glanced out the window. The sky was dark, but she could see lights twinkling on the ground.

Inga returned and took the dirty cloths. “There are toothbrushes in the bathroom if you would like to brush your teeth.”

Anna gave her a grateful smile. “Yeah. I think that would be a good idea.”

Seth helped her to her feet and made sure she found the bathroom. When Anna emerged fifteen minutes later, she felt much better. She’d even put on some makeup that had been in a little kit she’d received when she’d boarded the plane.

Seth smiled when she returned. “There’s my pretty girl. You look like you feel much better.”

“I do.” Her seat had been transformed back into a chair while she was gone and she sat down. She looked out the dark window again as her stomach filled with butterflies. A smile played at her lips as her heart reached out for Alex’s. Yes, she was nervous about seeing him. But at the same time, knowing she would be in his presence soon filled her with anticipation. It had been so long. Even if he didn’t care for her any longer, he was still her Master and had her heart.

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