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Eleven
When the pressure changed in the jet’s cabin, Christian stretched his legs and glanced toward his son. Despite his excitement at visiting New York, Marc was a good traveler. Considering the boy’s abundant energy, Christian had worried that Marc would be a restless terror. At the beginning of the flight, he’d settled right down with crayons and a coloring book. Later, Noelle and Christian had taken turns reading to him for an hour after which he’d had lunch, napped and was now quietly enjoying a Disney movie.
This had offered plenty of time for Noelle and Christian to talk. By mutual consent, they’d not strayed into any tricky personal topics while their son sat nearby. Instead, Noelle had laid out her business plan and asked Christian for feedback.
“Your third-year numbers seem a little conservative. Are you really convinced your business will grow at only seven percent?”
“Seven is a little above average and a safe estimate.”
“You’ve never struck me as the sort who goes for safe.” He hadn’t imbued the comment with subtext, but Noelle’s eyes narrowed.
“I have Marc to think about now. I can’t jump into something if there seems to be some inherent risk involved.” Although her tone was mild enough, tension formed little lines around her mouth.
“I understand.” But Christian wasn’t sure he did.
“Do you? Because doing what’s best for him is my top priority.”
Somehow they’d strayed from discussing business, and Christian had no idea what she was trying to tell him. “I understand.” Repeating the words didn’t have the effect he’d hoped.
Noelle grew even more agitated. “I know I’ve been hard on you. And I’ve been selfish.”
Since it was obvious she had something to get off her chest, Christian kept his mouth shut and let her vent. She was beautiful, with her tantalizing lips painted bright red and the green of her scarf heightening the chestnut tones in her eyes. She’d kicked off her pointed black flats and sat with her feet tucked beneath her. The pen she’d been using to make notes was jabbed into her topknot for easy access. He wanted very badly to haul her onto his lap and kiss her silly.
“I want Marc to see you as a permanent fixture in his life.”
All day she’d been swapping the engagement ring back and forth between her right and left hands. He doubted she was even aware that she was toying with the ring or that at the moment it rested on her left hand exactly where Christian wanted it.
“I thought that’s what we’ve been doing with the dinners and outings.”
“Yes.” She kept her gaze trained on his shoulder. “But I think we should have something formal in place.”
“A custody agreement?”
Her shoulders stiffened for a moment as if she were wincing from a blow. Christian could tell the offer wasn’t easy for her. A second later she nodded.
“I think Marc will benefit from more time with his father.”
“Not as much as his father will benefit.” Christian kept his tone light to conceal his heavy heart. Always impatient, he wanted to claim both Noelle and Marc as his.
Noelle gave him a tremulous smile. “You always know just what to say.”
“What sort of time did you have in mind for Marc to spend with me?”
“Obviously it will depend on your travel schedule. I thought maybe when we get back you could take him overnight and see how it goes.”
“I didn’t get a chance to tell you last week, but I’ve restructured some of my business dealings to keep me in Sherdana more. I’d like as much time with Marc as you’re willing to give me.” And with Noelle, but that didn’t seem as likely now.
“That’s wonderful. Seeing more of each other will only strengthen your relationship with Marc.”
“And what are you planning to do with all your free time?”
Giving him partial custody would offer her a break from motherhood. An opportunity to date. Although he was convinced she wasn’t in love with Geoff, he couldn’t claim to know how the lawyer felt about Noelle. Suddenly Christian wasn’t so sure he liked where things were heading.
She laughed. “I suspect for the next year or so, I’ll be working around the clock to launch my ready-to-wear line and continue expanding my couture business. While he’s with you, I won’t have to worry that Marc is being neglected.”
Christian considered what she’d said. It hadn’t occurred to him that she’d feel guilty for working hard at her thriving business. “It will be good to have both of us there for him.”
“You’re right.” She leaned forward, her expression earnest. “I didn’t realize how much Marc needed a father until these past few weeks. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about him sooner.”
