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“Eden,” he says affectionately. “It’s good to see you again.” He leans to get a closer look at Rose. “She’s beautiful. The image of her mother.”
“Thank you. I think she’s beautiful, but I’m biased.” I look around the office. “Where’s Dana and Dad?”
“Dana is in the restroom, and your father is in the city meeting with some lawyers.”
“Right.”
Brown eyes meet mine, the ones that used to turn my legs to jelly. God, his eyes are still beautiful, but he no longer affects me that way. “I’ve missed you.” He takes a step closer and rests a hand on my back. “Come and take a seat. I’d love to hear your stories?”
His comment throws me off-kilter because I find it hard to believe he wants to hear about Samuel. Maybe he’s trying at being a friend. “I can’t right now. I’m here to help Dana.”
Dana strolls into the room. “You’re early.”
“Yeah. Rose settled quickly, so I came here while she was sleeping. What do you need me to do?”
Dragging over another chair to her table, I take a seat while she runs through a list that I could complete in an hour—if Rose remains asleep. If I get more time, then it’s a bonus.
Ten minutes later, Rose wakes and screams at top volume. “Sorry, she started screaming like this two days ago. It’s only after she feeds.” Scooping her into my arms, I lay her on my shoulder, patting her back as I walk around the room. “If she doesn’t settle, then I’ll get you to email anything you need me to complete, and I’ll do it from my room.”
“I can help,” Ethan says. He watches me closely as I pad around the room. “Give Rose to me so you and Dana can work together.”
“Are you sure? Do you even know how to hold a baby?”
“I’m an uncle now. Know all the tricks.” He winks at me.
“What? Harry has children?”
“No, Myles.” He grins.
“No way,” I say. “When did he get a girlfriend?”
“This time last year. They keep to themselves. There were a few surprise pregnancies last year.” He holds my gaze for a moment, and there’s a touch of sadness behind those chocolate eyes. “Anton is two months old.”
“Okay, here you are.” I hold up Rose, and he lifts her over his shoulder and then paces the room. Within minutes, she stops crying, opens her beautiful eyes, and watches us as Ethan circles the office.
“You’re a natural,” I tell him.
“Yeah, yeah. Now get busy as I don’t know how long my magic touch will hold out.”
I laugh and head back to Dana’s table. She’s eyeing him, and from where I stand, it’s obvious she still doesn’t trust him.
* * *
“Is Rose okay?” Mum asks me as I pace behind the kitchen table with Rose over my shoulder. “What age do they develop colic?”
“James had reflux, and he was so much harder to settle than Seb. After endless sleepless nights, I had him checked, and they diagnosed him at around one month old. It might be worth getting her checked out.” Faith stands and comes behind me to assess Rose. “She appears happy enough now.”
“I know. After every feed, I have to do this until she calms. Some nights it’s two hours of pacing the room.”
“She looks tired, dear.” Mum stands and pours herself another wine. “If you need me, just come and wake me up.” After a glass full of wine, she won’t feel like getting up at two in the morning to help me.
“I wish Samuel was here.” On my next lap around the table, I sense everyone’s eyes on me. Shit, did I say that aloud?
“Still nothing?” Dad sits back in his chair and folds his arms.
I’m only days away from being home for a month. It’s too short a time to have heard anything from Samuel. The early days will be the hardest for the tribe to remain hidden and reach the jungle beyond the tepui. A journey many of the Ularans will struggle to complete, especially with the pace having to suit the women, the children, the elders and the men.
“I don’t expect to hear anything for at least another month.” I close my eyes, determined not to get upset because Dad isn’t convinced Samuel will do the right thing by us. He hasn’t said it in so many words, but his eyes and demeanor tell me the truth.
