Cece’s heart beat faster but she wasn’t going to be afraid of what came next. “Do you…do you want to kiss me?”
Joe held her closer. “More than you can imagine.”
Chapter Fourteen
Essie pulled the roast chicken out of the oven. The skin was crackling brown from being basted with butter and the smell in the house was making her mouth water.
Frank came out of his office. He’d been in there most of the day after Essie had filled him in on all the new information Maude had given them. Mostly Frank had been on a conference call with Bob, his attorney, but he’d also been viewing all the videos and posts that Ryan had put up. At least those were the things he’d mentioned.
He’d come out a few times to get a drink or use the bathroom, and every time he’d worn a deep scowl or a look of disgust.
This time, however, he was smiling as he gazed happily at the chicken. “Please tell me you made mashed potatoes.”
They were keeping warm on the stove, already mashed with plenty of butter, garlic, and cream. “I did, and I’m about to make some gravy, so we’re not quite ready to eat yet.”
“How did you know this was exactly what I needed?”
She shrugged. “I just had a feeling.”
“You take such good care of me.” He walked straight to her and took her in his arms. “I am so glad you came into my life.”
She rested her cheek against his warm chest, the scent of his cologne wafting off him. “Even with all of this mess going on?”
“Yes.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’m so sorry it’s happening but at the same time, I’m not sorry.”
That was a strange thing to say. She pulled back so she could see his face. “Why do you say that?”
His expression held a mix of sorrow, pain, and firm resolution. “Because it’s shown me who my children really are. And how much trouble Sophie is in. If not for you, I’d never have seen that. I’d never have known. Who knows where she might have ended up.”
“Sweetheart, if not for me, Sophie might notbein this trouble.” It hurt to admit that, but it had to be said. In a way, this whole thing was Essie’s fault.
To her surprise, he laughed. “Essie, love of my life, you didnotcreate this desire in Sophie to seek fame and recognition at any price. As much as it pains me to admit this, that was her mother’s doing. Ryan’s just fanning those flames. And you did not force Sophie to make any of the stupid choices she’s made lately. All you’ve done is brought it into the daylight. If not for you, it might have been too late when I found out about all of this.”
“So you don’t think any of it is my fault?”
“Not for a single second. This is all on her.” Frank put his hands on Essie’s shoulders. “And that boy she’s gotten involved with. That Ryan is trouble of the worst kind. I know his type. He’s using her and she thinks he’s in love with her.”
“I think so, too.” Essie nodded, her heart breaking for Sophie and for Frank. “What are you going to do?”
“To start with, I’ve filled Chad in. He needs to know what’s going on with his sister. He’s as angry as I am. He’s going to invite her to come visit them for a few days. His idea. I hope Sophie takes him up on the offer.”
“She’ll want to see the kids at least, I’d think,” Essie said. Chad’s kids were precious.
“That’s what I’m hoping, too. If she goes, Chad’s going to try to talk to her. So is Tasha. They’re going to try to get whatever information they can out of her and show her what her life could be like. Gently. Well, maybe not so gently in Tasha’s case.”
“Right.” Essie let out a soft laugh. She liked Chad’s wife, Tasha, very much. She was incredibly sweet, very strong, and a protective mother. She ran her house like a well-oiled machine. “But if anyone can set Sophie right, it’s Tasha.”
Frank smiled. “You know that’s true. If she wasn’t so busy raising those kids and taking care of my son, I’d put her in charge of Italy. She’d get them straightened out.”
“How are things going over there?”
He shook his head and sighed. “It’s a work in progress.”
“Maybe you should send Chad, Tasha, and the kids over there for a while. Might be better to have your right-hand man on the ground.”
“That’s not a bad idea. I’ll talk to Chad about it after we save Sophie from that deadbeat. To that end, I’ve hired a private investigator to look into him.”
“Charlie Riddle?”
