Though hed studiously avoided returning her calls, there was no way he could ignore Amelias summons.
He gathered up the kids and luggagethankfully theyd traveled light, having planned for only a weekendand headed for the rendezvous point, walking so fast that Josie had to trot to keep up with him.
He saw Amelia before she saw him. Though shed hidden her magnificent gold hair under a hat and wore huge dark glasses, he was intimately familiar with her body language. She sat in a chair with one knee drawn up under the skirt of her flowery dress. He tried to summon some anger against her for the torture shed caused him, but right now she looked so worried he realized she carried some burdens of her own.
Auntie Mellie! Jakob squirmed from Nicks arms and ran toward Amelia, whose face lit up with joy at the sight of himat all of them. She rose and welcomed Jakob into a hug. Whether the boy remembered Amelia from Palemeir, hed certainly taken a shine to her here in New York.
Whats she doing here? Josie asked, instantly suspicious.
I dont know. But Im going to find out.
Amelia had a smile for Josie, too, but when she looked up at Nick, the smile faded and she looked almostafraid. Oh my God, I cant believe I found you. I was taking a stab in the dark with that page, but you werent on the Air France flight to Korosol, and I was so worried youd run off to Canada or someplaceIm babbling, arent I?
Nick nodded. Yes, hed thought about fleeing. Hed even talked to an expert document forger about false passports and birth certificates for him and the kids. But that would be a last resort. Becoming a fugitive would mean no more contact with Eleanor, and that would be toughnot to mention what it might do to the kids.
Is there a problem? Nick asked. Something wrong with my sister?
No, nothing like that. You missed your plane. Why?
He shrugged. I dont know. I guess I was hoping Id come up with a plan for changing King Eastons mind, but
We dont have to change his mind, Amelia said with quiet determination. Ive got a plan of my own. Now, it might not be ideal, but I believe it will get the social workers off your back.
Okay, Im listening.
Amelia suddenly clammed up, looking uneasy.
What plan? Josie prompted, proving shed been paying close attention to the conversation.
This is a little awkward, Amelia said, glancing at first one child, then the other. Maybe you and I should discuss it in private first.
Josie rolled her eyes. Cmon, Jakob, theyre going to talk about grown-up things. She took her little brothers hand and led him to the far end of the row of chairs, taking her brightly colored rolling suitcase with her. As soon as Nick was sure the children were safely absorbed with a toy, he turned his attention back to Amelia, his curiosity overflowing.
Just tell me.
Okay. She took a deep breath. Well, see, if the Ministry of Family objects to the fact our marriage was a sham, we need to prove to them it wasnt. Well tell them we intended to make it real, but my family objected and ordered me back home
I tried that already.
Im not finished. Words obviously wont convince them. Only actions. Im suggesting, Nick, that we get married againnice and legal this time.