Page 118 of Conquering Oz

“Well, I’ll leave you two to your visit.”

Tom clasped her hand and covered their conjoined hands with his other. “And by the way.” He glanced down at her stomach. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” She dropped her hand to her side, glancing over at Sal, who remained staring at her.

“You know, this guy is going to make a great grandpa. He’s been training for this with my grandson. Sometimes I think the kid likes Sal better than me.” Tom laughed.

“I’ll be the lookout, so take your time.” Tom brushed his hand over Elodie’s arm as he passed.

Sal gestured to the chair, and Elodie walked over and sat. She glanced around the mini-hideaway. It was secluded and quiet.A little too quiet.She could sense Sal’s nervous energy.

“How are you feeling?” Sal asked.

“Good.”

Sal nodded with a bright smile. “That’s good.”

“I went to the doctor the other day. Everything is on track.”

“You got any of those pictures?”

Sonograms. Sal seemed as eager as Oz.

“Too early for that.”

Sal nodded, losing a little light in his eyes.

Elodie cleared her throat. “But as soon as I get them, I’ll show you.”

“I’d like that.”

There was more silence. She’d thought she had it all planned out, but now she was at a loss. Elodie wanted to make amends, she just didn’t know where to start. Luckily, Sal did.

“I was hard on you that day,” Sal said. “I’m sorry.”

She waved her hand, playing it off. It was over and done with. There was no reason to rehash it. “You said exactly what I needed to hear. The truth.”

“Maybe. But I could’ve done it gently.” Sal leaned closer and lowered his voice. “Not used to having girls. Don’t have that delicate touch.”

Yes, you do.

“I never answered you that day. About my father?” She swallowed the lump in her throat, turning in her seat. “He wasn’t a good man. And the more I find out, the more I realize I’ve been mourning anddefendinga monster.”

His gaze softened. “He was still your dad.”

She shook her head. “Not someone worth remembering. But I’ve had other men in my life who’ve been there for me.”

“Your uncle’sa good man.”

Elodie furrowed her brows, and Sal shrugged.

“I may have looked into him back then.”

Elodie smiled. “Yeah, my Uncle Hank is the best.”

Sal nodded and eyed her carefully. Elodie dropped her gaze to the ground. While she was content with letting it go, there were some questions left unanswered. As if he read her mind…

“Whatever you want, Elle, I’ll give it to you. No strings attached, honey.”

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