If only she didn’t have to go. She would miss Kylie so much. And Pierce. And even though he’d said she didn’t have to go, even though he said he still trusted her, it was the big question that made her want to flee. How did she know she could trust herself?
She’d left the gate open, it seemed, even though she could distinctly remember locking it. Pierce seemed to think so although he wouldn’t admit it. She’d been so sure and look what happened. How could she be sure it wouldn’t happen again?
No, for the sake of Kylie’s safety it was best if she stayed far away…no matter that her heart was breaking at the thought.
***
Sixteen days. It was sixteen days since Celine had last seen Kylie and Pierce. She’d thought things would get better with time, that the pain would eventually go away, but it had gotten worse. She was far away from Kylie and it was like being separated from her own daughter.
This summer she’d had a family, a family very different from the one in France, but a family just the same. And she missed them as she would her own flesh and blood.
She’d tried hard not to intrude in their lives but she hadn’t been able to resist calling Kylie and had done so almost every day since leaving. But calling was not the same as seeing her, holding her, smelling the cherry blossom fragrance of her hair.
Celine had made sure to call the house during the daytime when she knew Pierce would not be around. She didn’t know if her heart could take the deep timbre of his voice without breaking down in tears. She missed him too much for words. She’d been afraid that if she ever saw him she would break down and blurt out how she truly felt about him. And what would that achieve? He’d probably be speechless with embarrassment or bolt for the nearest exit.
Today, though, she didn’t care. She had to see Kylie again. She picked up the phone and dialed Pierce’s cell phone number. At the sound of his voice a tremor ran through her.
“Pierce, it’s Celine,” she said softly. “Do you have a minute?’ She would hate to know that she’d disturbed a meeting.
“Yes, go ahead.” Pierce sounded formal, clipped.
“I was wondering if you’d let me visit Kylie. I’d love to go today if that’s okay with you.” She’d said it all in a rush, wanting to get the words out before she lost the courage.
Silence. That was the response on the other end of the line. Total silence.
“Hello?” Celine said into the phone. Had he hung up on her?
“Celine.” Pierce was speaking again. Finally. “At what point did I tell you not to see Kylie?”
“Well…never,” she said, feeling stupid.
“Exactly. So why do you think you need my permission? You spoke as if you expected me to say no.” Pierce’s voice was cool. It seemed that she had offended him.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t want to impose-.”
“What time would you like to visit Celine?” He cut her off mid-sentence.
“I was thinking two o’clock in the afternoon.” She’d specifically chosen that time because she knew he would not be home.
“Fine. I’ll let them know to expect you.” And then he hung up.
He hadn’t given her a chance to say goodbye. Well, so much for him wanting to see her again. He hadn’t even asked how she was doing. It was obvious that any feelings between them were all on her end. Feeling deflated, she gently laid the receiver back in the cradle and got up to dress for her trip.
Almost two hours later Celine was pulling into the long circular driveway of the house that had been like her home for most of that summer. Her heart quickened in anticipation. She hopped out of the car, opened the back door and grabbed the huge gift bag with the Molly Dolly Set with its twenty-five fashion outfits. She knew Kylie would love dressing her up.
She bounded up the stairs and rang the doorbell, a bright smile on her face. She was looking forward to seeing Mrs. Simpson, too. She’d always found her to be pleasant company.
The door opened and Celine found herself staring into the thin, well made-up face of Sophia Redgrave.
Celine’s smile fled. What was Sophia doing there? Had she used her departure as an opportunity to worm her way into Pierce’s life?
“Good afternoon, Sophia,” she said when her wits returned. “I’m here to see Kylie.”
Sophia nodded but as usual there was no smile of greeting. “We were expecting you.”
She opened the door wider so Celine could enter then led the way across the foyer and down the hallway. “Kylie,” she called. “Celine is here.”
Out of nowhere a bundle of pink and yellow came flying toward her and Celine had just enough time to drop the gift bag and catch Kylie as she leaped into her arms.
“Celine, I missed you so much,” she cried and wrapped her arms around Celine’s neck.
“I missed you, too, cherie. So much.” Celine closed her eyes and reveled in the feel of the little body in her arms. She smelled of strawberries and peaches.
They were still hugging when they heard the roar of an engine out front.
“Daddy,” Kylie yelled and wriggled so much Celine had to set her down on the floor.
Daddy? It had to be Pierce Kylie was calling Daddy but when had she started doing that?
Then at the thought of Pierce her heart began to accelerate. Despite her efforts, today she would see Pierce again. Thank you, God.
Slowly, trying to seem casual, she followed Kylie back out to the front porch. Her heart did a somersault when she saw him.
Pierce was climbing out of a jet black Porsche, sunshades still on his face. The sun glinted on his dark chocolate hair. He looked super-sexy in his black business suit and red power tie.
Kylie was running to him now. He scooped her up and gave her a big fat kiss on the cheek.
How Celine wished that could be her.
Then he looked up and ever so slowly he removed the sunglasses from his eyes. And there they were, those beautiful green eyes that looked like they could see into her soul. He was looking at her and on his lips was the hint of a smile.