Page 35 of Megan's Mate
It was impossible to deny the plea in Coco’s eyes.
A few moments later, they had settled into the family parlor. Here, the wallpaper was still faded, peeling in spots. There were scars on the floor in front of the fireplace where errant embers had seared and burned.
“Nothing’s changed here, I see.” Colleen sat like a queen in a wing chair.
“We’ve concentrated on the hotel wing.” Nervous and babbling, Coco poured brandy. “Now that it’s done, we’re beginning renovations. Two of the bedrooms are finished. And the nursery’s lovely.”
“Humph.” She’d come specifically to see the children—and only secondarily to drive Coco mad. “Where is everyone? I come to see my family and find nothing but strangers.”
“They’ll be along. We’re having a dinner party tonight, Aunt Colleen.” Coco kept the brilliant smile plastered on her face. “Trent’s father’s joining us for a few days.”
“Aging playboy,” Colleen mumbled into her brandy. “You.” She pointed at Megan. “Accountant, aren’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Megan’s a whiz with figures,” Coco said desperately. “We’re so grateful she’s here. And Kevin, too, of course. He’s a darling boy.”
“I’m talking to the girl, Cordelia. Go fuss in the kitchen.”
“But—”
“Go on, go on.”
With an apologetic look for Megan, Coco fled.
“The boy’ll be nine soon?”
“Yes, in a couple of months.” She was prepared, braced, for a scathing comment on his lineage.
Tapping her fingers on the arm of the chair, Colleen nodded. “Get along with Suzanna’s brood, does he?”
“Very well. They’ve rarely been apart since we arrived.” Megan did her best not to squirm. “It’s been wonderful for him. And for me.”
“Dumont bothering you?”
Megan blinked. “I beg your pardon?”
“Don’t be a fool, girl, I asked if that excuse for a human being has been bothering you.”
Megan’s spine straightened like a steel rod. “No. I haven’t seen or heard from Baxter since before Kevin was born.”
“You will.” Colleen scowled and leaned forward. She wanted to get a handle on this Megan O’Riley. “He’s been making inquiries.”
Megan’s fingers clenched on the snifter of brandy. “I don’t understand.”
“Poking his nose in, asking questions.” Colleen gave her cane an imperious thump.
“How do you know?”
“I keep my ear to the ground when it comes to family.” Eyes bright, Colleen waited for a reaction, got none. “You moved here, didn’t you? Your son’s been accepted as Alex and Jenny—and Christian’s—brother.”
Ice was forming in Megan’s stomach, thin, brittle strips of it. “That has nothing to do with him.”
“Don’t be a fool. A man like Dumont thinks the world revolves around him. His eye’s on politics, girl, and the way that particular circus is running, a few well-chosen words from you to the right reporter...” The idea was pleasant enough to make Colleen smile. “Well, his road to Washington would be a steeper climb.”
“I’ve no intention of going to the press, of exposing Kevin to public attention.”
“Wise.” Colleen sipped again. “A pity, but wise. You tell me if he tries anything. I’d like to tangle with him again.”
