Page 98 of Hearts Aweigh
“Perhaps you should’ve gone to the trouble of checking with me directly.” He planted his feet, ready to enter yet another of their many disagreements. “I could have corrected the misunderstanding much sooner. I abhor politics.”
Her expression cleared. “You’re right, of course.”
Spencer paused. Their arguments usually didn’t end this amicably, especially not with Priscilla’s surrender. She never admitted defeat.
Never.
“Your capitulation surprises me,” Spencer said.
“You may be even more surprised at what I’ll say next.” She took a step closer. “I’ve missed you, Spence.”
He forced himself to stay in place, but instinct said bolt.
God, help me.
He wasn’t sure what he was asking help for. Not to let Priscilla run roughshod over him? Not to lose his temper and yell at the woman who’d caused pain to both him and his daughter?
He drew a breath before answering. “I’m sure it will pass once your campaign starts in earnest. Work was always more important to you.”
“There’s no denying I’m driven.” She assessed him in her blunt way. “I’ll even admit a happily married candidate is far more attractive to the voter than a single, divorced one. But that’s not the main reason I’m going to make this proposal.”
Spencer backed up. He couldn’t help it. No matter how hard he tried to be unaffected by his ex-wife, there was still something charismatic about her that drew him in, mixed him up, and threw his brain in a tailspin.
He steeled himself for whatever she might say. “What proposal?”
A self-deprecating smile appeared on Priscilla’s face. “I wasn’t sure whether or not to get down on one knee.” A hint of vulnerability lit her eyes. “Marry me, Spence. Again.”
CHAPTER 49
THE MARKER TIP SQUEAKED AGAINSTthe paper. Maddie stuck the tip of her tongue out the corner of her mouth as she concentrated. She wore a sleeveless fuchsia top with a matching frilly skirt. Her feet swung back and forth underneath the dining room chair.
Abby stood beside her, resting an elbow on the table. “Give him a hat.” She pointed at the tall, childishly drawn figure. Its long arms hung to the ground, and its fierce scowl stretched wide. Maddie chose a blue marker and drew a sombrero like the ones they’d seen in Cozumel.
“Excellent work.” Abby gave her a squeeze. “You might grow up to be an artist.”
Maddie beamed. “I’ll put a cake beside him.” She drew a giant three-layer confection with sprinkles, then shook her finger at the figure. “Don’t eat it all. You’ll get a tummyegg.”
Spencer wandered over and squinted at the masterpiece. “What is it? A monster?”
His daughter’s grin faded. “It’s you, Daddy.”
Abby frowned at her employer. Would it kill him to give a compliment?
“Ah yes.” Spencer bared his teeth to mimic the drawing. “Looks just like me.”
Maddie giggled. The happy sound twisted Abby’s heart like a dishrag. This darling girl had come so far from the quiet, withdrawn child she’d been a few weeks ago. Would Maddie continue to blossom once she left the ship?
Abby’s focus flicked to Spencer and returned for a second look. Tension pulsed from his core. The rigid set of his shoulders lacked the usual confidence. His whole air held a note of dread.
She didn’t move or reach out. But she couldn’t brush off the agitation emanating from him.
“Are you okay?” Abby asked.
Their gazes locked.
Spencer opened his mouth. “I—”
A door thumped overhead. Priscilla departed the bathroom in a white, strapless evening gown, sophisticated in its simplicity. A contemporary, artistic piece of jewelry—thin golden wires with sharp-edged onyx stones at the tips—wrapped around her neck. Her hand glided along the railing as she made her way downstairs.
