I meant, Stone said firmly but politely, Im sorry about Richard. Nothing else. He turned slightly, exposing Sara at his side. Smiling down into her curious, slightly nervous eyes, he said, This is Sara. Sara, these are my parents, Lara and Charles Cameron.
He heard his mother gasp, and he tensed, prepared to protect Sara from anything his mother might say.
But she didnt speak.
This had nothing to do with his past, Stone reminded himself as his anger built; this was all about Sara. And her future.
He could only hope his parents saw it that way.
Then it happened, the only thing in the world that could have made him relax enough to actually enjoy this meeting. His mother plucked her glasses from the chain around her neck, and set them onto her nose, hungrily drinking in the sight of the child at his side.
Sara stared raptly in return.
Why, youre beautiful, Lara Cameron said to Sara, whose face split into a wide grin.
I look like my daddy, she announced proudly.
I look like my daddy, she announced proudly.
Laras eyes filled once again. I know.
Charles swallowed hard, looking back and forth between Sara and Stone, as if unable to believe his eyes. Son. He held out his hand formally.
Stone slid his hand into his fathers. I meant what I said before. Im so sorry about Richard.
His father nodded brusquely, turning away to hide his emotion.
How come you named my daddy after a rock? Sara asked, forgetting to keep her voice down. Cause Stone isnt really a name, you know.
His mother let out a choked sound, half laugh, half cry.
I have an aquarium, Sara continued, not waiting for a reply. Ive got lots of fish. I named two of them Grandma and Grandpa. Wanna see them sometime?
Sara. Stone set his hands on her shoulders, silently reminding her of their bargain-which had been for her to remain quiet.
Just wanted them to know, Daddy. She smiled innocently. Cause if they decide they want to be my grandma and grandpa for real, Ill rename the fish, thats all.
Lara dropped to the pew gracefully, set her face in her hands and began to cry.
Stones father, looking suddenly lost and much smaller $han his height dictated, awkwardly patted her shoulder.
Stone took Saras hand and turned away.
Wait, his mother gasped. Tears streaming down her face, she managed a weak smile. I think Id like to see your fish sometime, darling. Wouldthat really be okay?
Oh, yes. Sara danced on her feet, excited.
Are you sure? How about with your father? Lara said, not looking at Stone. Do you think hed mind?
Sara glanced up at Stone, searching his face for a long moment, before answering her grandma with a solemn tone. Maybe you could ask him when youre ready. You know, call him on the phone?
Would he like that? Lara asked.
Sara thought about this a moment. I think that would make him happier than hes ever been, she replied.
Lara nodded slowly, and once again began to cry.
For all Saras nonchalance, Stone knew by the way she fell sound asleep in his truck on the way home that his little girl was exhausted, made so by all the heavy emotions of the day.
When he was parked, he went around to the passenger side and scooped her up in his arms as he hadnt done in a long time. He stared at her in wonder, soaking in the gangly long legs, the thin torso she hadnt yet grown into and the peaceful at-rest face.
God, he loved her. He wanted to keep her healthy and safe for always.
Just a couple of weeks ago hed have said hed do this alone, without his family, without anyone. But that was before three monumental events had occurred, each equally staggering.
Hed lost his brother, forever.
Hed seen his parents and experienced firsthand the proof that they were indeed greatly affected by Sara.
And hed started to fall for a woman.
It was the last one that had his heart tripping with unaccustomed nerves.
But then he walked up the path to his house and got a very pleasant surprise.
Cindy was sitting on his steps, looking lovely and wary and warm and anxious, making him wish he had two more arms with which to hold her, too.
Her eyes fell to the dead-to-the-world child cradled against him, and her face seemed to crumble. Stone watched in wonder as her mysterious dark eyes filled with a staggering tender emotion.
Hey, there, he whispered, shifting Sara so he could unlock the front door.
Hey, back. Hope you dont mind my showing up so early, she said quietly. But I wanted to be here in case you needed or in case Sara Well, I thought maybe you could use the company. Her breath escaped her all in one big rush as she sagged, looking fragile and very beautiful. Im sorry, she said finally, lifting her uncertain gaze to his. I just hoped I could I mean, I just wanted-
He leaned over Sara and kissed her. Im very glad you wanted, thought, hoped, et cetera.
Good, she said unevenly, staring at his mouth in a way that made him instantly hard. Glad youre glad, cause I have no idea what Im doing when it comes to you.
Whatever it is, its working for me.
Ihave to talk to you.
Yes, I remember. Some of her tension transferred itself to him. What was the matter? he asked himself. What had her looking so horrified and hopeful at the same time?
Are you all right? she questioned as she helped him open the door. Was it hard?
Im better now, he told her. Somehow. I know that sounds strange-
It doesnt, she assured him. I know what you mean.
He looked at her, saw the compassion and understanding and grief in her face and realized she did know exactly what hed been trying to say.
At some point in her life, maybe several times, shed lost someone important to her. Im sorry, he said gently.
Again he got that sad little smile, the one that made him want to grab her and hold tight. They walked through the big living room.
Hold on a sec, he told her, and carefully settled a still-sleeping Sara on the couch. He was covering her with a quilt when he sensed Cindy behind him. Turning, he was once again struck by the way she was looking at his daughter.
It was as if she was starving-not physically, but emotionally, as though desperate to give love. And uncertain it would be returned.
His heart contracted, and as soon as hed tucked in his child, he reached for Cindy and pulled her close.
Are you sure youre okay? she asked, wrapping her arms around him, sinking her fingers into the hair at the back of his neck and holding on in a heart-stopping possessive grip. The strangest thing happened. The embrace triggered in Stone unwanted memories of another woman, in another time, touching him in exactly this same way, as if she couldnt make herself let go.
As if he was her entire world.
Startled, Stone pulled back and stared at Cindy for a long moment.
What is it? she asked quickly, withdrawing as if shed been caught doing something she shouldnt have.
Nothing. Tugging her back against him, he tried to forget that twinge of warning unease. Nothing. Touch me again.
With a glance at the sleeping Sara, Cindy took his hand. Without a word she led him from the living room into his kitchen.
Then she looked at him, a quick glance over her shoulder. As she caught him blatantly admiring her, she grinned.
He jerked to a stop.
God, that grin-it reminded him so forcibly of Jenna.
What the hell was wrong with him tonight? Delayed shock? Hed read somewhere that a death sometimes causes heightened sexual desire, which he was most definitely experiencing. But what about this sudden fixation on a woman he hadnt seen in more than ten years?
Needing something to do, he moved to the counter, filled a kettle with water and put it on to boil. Then, rubbing his hands together, he circled, searching for what he could do next.
Want dinner? he asked suddenly.
Can you cook?
She sounded so surprised he whipped around to face her. She was standing there with a small teasing smile curving her lips. Her head was tilted to the side, one hip cocked, and again she looked so absolutely stunningly familiar.
Then he blinked and she looked just like herself again, making him shake his head in denial. But something was different, something he couldnt quite put his finger on, and he didnt like it.
He felt as though Jenna was right here in the room with him, watching, listening, haunting him. It wasnt physical. It couldnt be, for Cindy was as different from Jenna as mght to day.
Her hair was short, a natural soft brown that his fingers yearned to run through. Jennas hair had been long and icy blond. Dyed, he reminded himself.
Cindy was slender, but the curves beneath the material of her dress were lush and driving him out of his mind, even from across the room.
Jenna had been much thinner, leaner, barely matured, and he had no business comparing them.
Cindys eyes were dark. Jennas had been light.
And yetboth womens gazes had stared at him from behind a mask of bravery, full of haunting secrets.
He was losing it, he realized, as she stood waiting for him to answer.
I can make tea, he said a bit roughly in the too-quiet kitchen. And Im really good at reheating pizza.
She laughed, and the sound should have thrilled him, for she so rarely let go enough to laugh.
Neither had Jenna.
Shaking his head at himself, he went to his answering machine on the cluttered counter and hit play.
Jenna listened to the messages, watching Stone smile as someone thanked him for agreeing to some upcoming auction. Apparently he was giving away dozens of expensive prototypes, all to needy children centers.
Well he hadnt changed much. The old Stone would have given a stranger his last penny. This Stone was much the same.
She studied his kitchen. Like the rest of the house, it was large and homey. Slightly messy, which for some reason made her smile. Obviously housekeeping was a low priority here, and she knew what was a high one.
Sara.
Youre so generous with your time and money, she said quietly. The children centers must be thrilled to get your help.
He gave a noncommittal shrug with those broad shoulders, making her smile again. Hed always hated talking about himself, and apparently that hadnt changed.
Theres more takeout in this town than just pizza, he muttered, flipping through the phone book. What would you like?
Do you always do so much for everyone else? she pressed, already knowing the answer.