Page 20

Chapter 8

Kelsey wiped her eyes with Mac’s handkerchief, now thoroughly damp. “I must look a mess,” she said, attempting a weak smile. “I’m not usually. This isn’t…”

“Here.” Mac slid a fresh cup of tea across the table. He’d been quietly making it while she pulled herself together. Likely something to keep his hands busy while she melted down. “My grandfather always said tea fixes everything.”

“Even custody battles?” The words came out more bitter than she’d intended.

Mac’s jaw tightened. “It appears Jason Prescott hasn’t changed since Harvard. Still the same entitled—” He caught himself.

Kelsey wrapped her hands around the warm mug. “You seem to know more than I do about him. Tell me what you know.”

Mac leaned back in his chair, his expression darkening. “Let’s just say his reputation for getting what he wants, regardless of who it hurts, was well established even then.”

“David said that about him as well. That’s what scares me.” She stared into her tea. “David had walked away from all of it, the money, the privilege, the family. Said it wasn’t worth it. They never offered to help financially after he died.”

Mac watched her carefully, a scowl between his eyes. “And only now, after years of visitations with his grandmother, Jason is more interested?”

“They both are. Jason is likely driving his mother, or helping her. I don’t know them well enough to say.”

“You barely know them, and yet you trust them with your child?” His tone was lightly accusatory, making her shift uncomfortably.

“They’re his family. His father’s family. He should know them, and they should have a chance to know him. I’ve tried very hard to keep Noah out of the drama so he isn’t jaded unnecessarily. But it’s been hard.” Tears renewed as she fought to control her raw emotions. Kelsey set her cup down with shaking hands. “God, I’m sorry. You came over for something and here I am, falling apart and dumping all my problems on you.”

“Yeah.” He cleared his throat. “Actually, Grandad and I are going for a sunset cruise tonight. The weather’s perfect, and he’s feeling stronger today. But I was wondering if you… that is, I’d feel more comfortable if you were along, in case…” He jammed his hands deeper into the pockets of his jacket, scowling at the table for a second before looking back up at Kelsey. “If you want, I mean. Grandad likes company, and the weather’s…” He shrugged, as if annoyed at himself for offering. “Not a private plane or anything, obviously. Just the same old sunset and sea breeze.” He rubbed the back of his neck, gaze drifting to the door as if he half-expected her to say no, but Kelsey couldn’t fit a word in between all his stammering. “If you’re busy, don’t worry about it.”

“Oh, I couldn’t—”

“It was Grandad’s idea to have me invite you, he’s demanding his nurse’s company. Plus, it would be a nice distraction from your troubles.”

Despite everything, Kelsey felt a smile tugging at her lips. “Using your grandfather’s lure to convince me?”

“Is it working?”

“Maybe. What time?”

“An hour or so before sunset. We’ll have dinner, watch the light change over the water. No pressure, no problems. Just good food and better company.”

Kelsey met his eyes, finding something steady there, even through his exterior gruffness. “Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Yes.” She squeezed his hand. “Thank you. For everything.”

Mac stood. “I’ll pick you up at four.” At the door, he turned back. “Be sure to dress for the weather. It will be warm, but it’ll get cold quickly as soon as the sun goes down.”

The Range Rover pulled up to her front steps at exactly four. Kelsey smoothed her skirt, second-guessing her choice of outfit, but the feminine floral print made her feel pretty, even if she’d layered it with practical tights against the evening chill. She’d taken extra care with her makeup, telling herself it was just to cover the evidence of crying.

“There she is!” Mr. Costigan’s voice carried as Mac helped her into the back seat. “Looking lovely as a spring morning.”

“You’re looking well yourself,” Kelsey said, noting with professional satisfaction his good color and clear eyes. “The new regimen seems to be agreeing with you.”

“Aye, though this one fusses worse than any mother hen.” He jerked a thumb toward Mac, who was settling behind the wheel. “Won’t let me do a thing for myself.”

“That’s because you tried to carry firewood yesterday,” Mac said, meeting Kelsey’s eyes in the rearview mirror. “Outfit is a little light for later though. You’re going to freeze.”

Heat crept up her neck. “I brought warm things too.” She patted her backpack. “Maine weather’s too unpredictable not to.”

“Smart girl.” Mr. Costigan nodded approvingly. “Mac, she’s got more sense than you.”