Page 154 of Enthrall
I snuggled into his chest and wrapped my arms around him. “Will you teach me?” I looked over at Cameron and Lotte. “Everything you know about everything?”
Cameron gave a gentle smile. “Mia, you’ve taught us. Don’t you see that? It’s you who have brought true beauty back into our lives.”
“You saved me, baby,” said Richard, nestling into my neck. “Showed me how to love again.”
“You’ve already faced so much,” said Cameron. “We wish we could make this easier on you.”
“Your father’s scared,” said Lotte. “This has nothing to do with you.”
“The truth is glaring,” I said. “There’s no room in his new life for me. If he is scared then it’s for him.” My hand swept wide. “That he’ll lose all this.”
“When his wife finds out he faked his death and put you through all this she’s going to see him for what he really is,” seethed Lotte.
“Eat your halibut,” said Cameron.
She raised her hand. “I’m sorry. I’m just trying to say the right words to lessen Mia’s pain.”
“These are unusual circumstances,” said Cameron.
“What about your dad?” I asked Lotte. “What was he like?”
Her hands tightened around her knife and fork. “I love my life now.”
It seemed we all had a father thing going on, and as I made eye contact with Cameron, Richard, and Lotte they knew it too.
“Mia,” said Richard. “We’re here for you in any way you need us.”
How, I wondered, would I ever have survived this without him.
Richard raised his glass high. “To solitary trees!”
Cameron threw a smile. “I’ll toast to that.” He raised his glass too. “Solitary trees, if they grow at all, grow strong.” He winked at me. “Churchill’s words.”
I stretched over, reaching for my glass, and clinked it against Richard’s.
“Here’s another,” said Richard. “Churchill was accused of being drunk in the House of Commons. He replied to his female accuser, “I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly.”
I burst out laughing.“He did not say that.”
“Oh yes he did,” said Richard.
“Did Richard tell you he’s a descendant of Churchill?” said Lotte.
“He sure is,” said Cameron. “On his mother’s side. He has that same intense look of concentration. Same ears.”
“You never told me I have the same ears,” said Richard.
“Waiting for the right time.” Cameron winked.
“Are you really?” I said, laughing.
Richard gave a nod. “Churchill’s related to an American. I wonder what the Brits have to say about that?”
“And I thought you were just another fan boy,” I said.
Richard feigned horror and burst out laughing.
“I’m going to take you to London next time I go,” said Richard. “You’ll love it.”
