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Unfortunately, they had hit the city at the worst possible time. The trip took forty-five minutes. As each of those minutes passed, Felicity’s anxiety multiplied exponentially.
One thing she could say for Wynn was that his employees were unobtrusive, capable, and highly efficient.
Since he wasn’t letting the baby out of his sight, there was nothing for Felicity to do but take in the bustle and beauty of the city.
She had visited New York on many occasions. But never like this. As the car took them closer and closer to the addresses of the rarified elite, Felicity felt like an intruder. What would her position be? She wasn’t a guest. Technically, she would be working alongside Wynn in caring for his daughter.
The whole situation made her uncomfortable.
By the time they reached the elegant but architecturally subdued building where Wynn lived, Felicity had made herself sick with nerves.
Again, the cadre of employees jumped into action. The trio had been riding in a separate car at the rear. A dignified doorman beneath a maroon awning greeted Wynn and opened doors. Soon they were on an elevator shooting upward to the thirty-fifth floor. The penthouse, as she was to discover.
Wynn gave her a rapid tour while carrying Ayla. “Kitchen, living room,” he said. She saw the usual accoutrements. But also, a rooftop garden.
The outdoor area was dull and deserted this time of year, but Felicity could imagine it in spring. The views of the city would be incredible.
“And here’s your room,” Wynn said a few moments later.
Felicity paused in the doorway, feeling shock and something else. The faint scent of paint hung in the air. Surely, he hadn’t redone anything. Just for her. That would be ridiculous. But the proof was in the smell.
The walls were painted a delicate shade of celadon. It was the exact color she had once pointed out to Wynn on a sample card in the hardware department of a big-box store. At seventeen, she had been rhapsodizing about her ideal bedroom. She had even described a cream-and-gold damask comforter, much like the one now covering the king-size bed in front of her.
“It’s beautiful,” she said, her tone neutral.
Was Wynn disappointed at her answer? His tiny frown made her wonder. “The baby’s room is between yours and mine. I’ll have her with me for tonight.” He opened the door and grimaced. “One of your first jobs will be to set up the nursery. I’ve spoken with the manager at one of the best baby stores in the city. She already has my credit card on file. I told her you’ll be calling and/or coming in to make your selections.”
“I’m not sure I know what all we’ll need,” Felicity pointed out.
“The manager will assist. I told her you and I are novices. I’m sure she’ll spend plenty of my money.”
“Do I have a budget?” Felicity knew the answer, but she wanted to see what he would say.
Once again, Wynn’s eyes held a bleak grief that was vast and heartbreaking. “Shandy wouldn’t let me help with her medical bills,” he said. “In fact, she deliberately hid from me how close to the end she was. I failed my sister, but I won’t fail this baby. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she grows up happy and healthy.”
