“Nope. We’re not doing that tonight.” His lips took hers in a kiss that had her insides melting. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m hard again.”
“So you are,” she whispered back.
“You should sit down, my dear.” Marianne watched and tried not to notice how much her daughter-in-law’s stomach was protruding from the soft shawl-like dress she was wearing and how she grimaced with each movement as if in pain.
“I’m sure the designers know what they’re doing. Should I call Samuel?”
“Whatever for?” Quelling the note of irritation in her tone, Eliza turned to the woman with a forced smile on her lips. Marianne had invited herself over to give input on the outfitting of the nurseries. She and Samuel had decided that for now, they would let the three boys share a room, and had chosen a large, airy one with floor-to-ceiling windows and window seats. Next to it was a smaller room where their baby girl would have her room. She had chosen shell pink as the color scheme and gone for teal blue for the boys.
“I apologize. I’m more than a little grumpy.”
“Are you in pain?” the woman asked curiously.
Eliza hated the fact that she was staring at her as if she was some alien in a freak show, and wished she would go away. She was trying to build a relationship with the woman, but Marianne was making it very difficult.
“No, just my back…” She paused to rub the ache in the center of her back. “Perhaps I need to have a seat. Oh, Lyka-Mae, here you are.”
“And the right time too.” The woman bustled in with a tray and placed it on the table in front of them. “Master said rest.” She took out the phone from her pocket. “He called and said to make sure you’re resting.”
“I am, and don’t you go snitching on me like you did the last time. You know Samuel will just drop everything he’s doing and come over. I’m fine. See?” She pointed to the chair. “I’m sitting.”
“Good.” The woman nodded her salt-and-pepper head, casting a disapproving look at Marianne. “You should see to it that she’s resting.”
“I beg your pardon?” Marianne stiffened her thin shoulders and proceeded to look down her nose at the housekeeper. “How dare…”
“I dare to because you’re not doing the job of a mother. Eat.” Lyka-Mae pointed to the tray before turning and walking from the hallway.
“You allow her to speak to you like that?”
“She’s the boss,” Eliza reminded her with a tired smile. “Your son put her in charge, and she means well. She’s concerned.”
“She’s a maid.”
“She’s a housekeeper and also a person. I don’t make distinctions. What she does is of monumental importance, just like what I did. There’s no room for discrimination in this house, Marianne; I will not tolerate it. My children will grow up to know that no matter who they are or how much money their parents have, they are not more special than another child. Yes, they’re special to us, because we’re their family, but I will not have them thinking they are superior. Is that clear?”
The woman nodded stiffly, her expression rigid.
“Now, help me decide on the eggshell pink bedding for the cot, or should I use a darker pink?” Eliza asked.
That got her attention, and for the next hour, they were busy deciding on color schemes.
“What do you think?” Eliza had her hand through his arm as they examined the nurseries.
“I think it’s time for you to go and lie down.”
“Please tell me what you think.”
He sighed and concentrated on the now fully furnished nurseries. The designers had the names they had picked out on the walls above the three cots. Sky-blue lace etchings were at the windows. There was a large tan cabinet stocked with enough stuffed toys to outfit a toy store to the left of the cots. A changing table, a specially designed one that could hold three babies, was propped up against the wall.
Soft Indian rugs were strewn at various places on the board floor. A very comfortable sleep chair was to the side of the cots, as well as a sofa in blue-and-white stripes.
“I love it.”
“Now to Sofia’s room.” She just managed not to grimace at the ache in the small of her back as they made their way into the little girl’s room. His expression softened as he took in the obviously feminine room.
“I thought you didn’t like pink.” Letting go of her, he crossed over to pick up a pale pink elephant.
“Pink and lavender, a delightful combination. And I have a feeling she’s going to be a princess.” She had to sit down. Walking to the plush rocking chair in front of the cot, she lowered herself carefully. She was going to have to get his help to get out of it.
