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Clelia laughed. “You’ve got more clothes than any woman I’ve met. Don’t tell me you hate shopping.”
“Hey.” Maya stopped and cocked a hip. “For your information, I shop online.” Her green eyes shone with a lust for life, and her flawless, cappuccino skin seem to glow with health.
They entered another store, and walked out several minutes later with four big parcels.
Clelia checked her watch. She looked cute in velvet shorts, tights, and ankle boots. “We better go home before Joss and Lann come looking for us.”
Maya snorted. “I’m not sure I can handle two possessive males. Joss on his own is bad enough.”
“Wait until you find your match,” Clelia teased.
“No, thanks.” Maya’s smile was smug. “I don’t want a ball and chain.”
They headed down the road toward the parking lot where they’d left the SUV.
“Clelia,” Kat said, but then hesitated.
“What is it?” Clelia asked.
“I want to talk to you about something while I have the opportunity.”
“Go ahead.”
“If Lann doesn’t want our baby, my parents will take him.”
“What are you talking about?” Clelia exclaimed. “Of course Lann wants his son.”
“You don’t understand. Lann’s father blamed him for his mother’s death. He never forgave him. Lann is having a hard time dealing with what’s happening. I don’t want history to repeat itself.”
“He’ll work through it.” Clelia squeezed her hand. “You’ll see.”
“If Lann adopts, where will he take our baby to live?”
Clelia stopped. “You mustn’t worry so much.”
“Wouldn’t you?”
Clelia regarded her. After a while, she said, “Yes, I would.” Her face filled with compassion. “You can count on me to take care of your baby, to help until…”
“Until Lann gets over his grief,” Maya finished the sentence for her.
“Maya,” Clelia said with reprimand. “Don’t be so cold-hearted.”
“It’s all right,” Kat said. “I just wanted to know if we could prepare a room in the castle until Lann decides what he’s going to do.”
“Shouldn’t you and Lann decide this, like pretty fast?” Maya asked.
“Lann can’t talk about it yet,” Clelia said. “It’s hard on him.”
Maya snorted again. “It should be.”
“Maya,” Clelia exclaimed.
“What?” Maya shrugged. “It’s the truth.”
“If Lann doesn’t cope, will you make sure my parents take him?” Kat asked. “I don’t want Cain to claim my son for his own, selfish interests.”
“Cain isn’t cruel,” Clelia said, “but yes, you have my word.” She hugged Kat. “Now stop worrying. It’s freezing. Let’s go home and have something warm to drink, and then we can pick out a room for Baby and you can decide how to decorate it.”
Kat smiled with appreciation. She was going to miss out on a lot. She didn’t want to miss out on preparing a baby room.
“Have you chosen a name yet?” Clelia asked.
Kat shook her head. “I don’t want to do it on my own.”
Clelia smiled. “Then I’ll call him Baby until you do.”
Maya deactivated the car alarm and opened the door. “Don’t think you can drag me into painting and decorating. I don’t want to ruin my nails.” She flashed Kat a kind smile.
At the castle, Clelia showed Kat the room next to one she and Lann occupied. It was spacious and had a view over the lake.
“This is perfect,” Kat said.
“The stone walls are so cold and gray though,” Clelia said. “We’ll have it plastered and then you’ll have to think of a color for the walls.”
“Nothing somber or pale. How about happy blues and greens with jungle animals?” Blue was Lann’s favorite color.
“That sounds wonderful,” Clelia said, “and I know just the person to help.”
“You do?”
“Joss introduced me to a lady who runs a house management company. Iza will know where to get everything you need.”
Kat hugged her. “You’re so kind. Thank you, Clelia.”
“It’s the least I can do.”
A tinge of sadness crept into Clelia’s eyes. The preparation had to be hard on Clelia who badly wanted a baby. Maybe this was all meant to be. Maybe Kat had landed here for a reason, with a woman who wanted a child and couldn’t have one.
Kat cleared her throat. “I know this is hard for you—”
“Nonsense.” Clelia waved a hand. “I’m happy for you, and glad to help. I’ll call Iza first thing in the morning.”
“You’re a good person.” If time had been on her side, they would’ve become great friends. “I’ll start dinner,” she offered.
“Oh no.” Clelia waved her finger at her. “You’re going to rest. We’ve walked far too much this afternoon.”
“I’m fine, really.”
“Save your strength. I’ll bring you something warm to drink.”
By now, Kat had learned it was useless arguing with Clelia once the firestarter’s mind had been made up.
Back in their room, Kat unpacked the tiny sets of clothes in hues of blue, yellow, and cream. She spread them out on the bed, rubbing the soft cotton and delicate wool between her fingers. There were lavender sachets in the drawers of the armoire. She’d pack the clothes away there, until she had furniture in the baby room.
