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I don’t fight him because Rose is squirming.
“Can you put it on speaker,” I ask.
Only it’s too late.
He has closed the door behind him.
33
SAMUEL
“It’s a pleasure to finally speak with you. Eden talks highly of you.”
“I have to admit I didn’t approve of my daughter traveling to a part of the world I considered unsafe while pregnant to be with a man I have never met.”
“I understand, and I want to apologize for any worry we have caused you. During her time with me, I have done my utmost to protect her and keep her safe in the village.” Samuel rests a hand behind his neck and stares at a spot on the ceiling.
“Thank you for taking care of Eden. Please tell me she didn’t give birth in the bloody jungle!”
Samuel swallows hard and closes his eyes at the harshness in Mr. Monteford’s tone. “Sir, the baby came early, and we didn’t expect—”
“That’s the thing about babies. I thought as a physician, you, for one, would understand the spontaneity.”
Samuel’s eyes flash open. “Yes, sir. I acted swiftly, and Eden and Rose are now safe in the Georgetown hospital in Guyana.”
“Where the hell is that?”
Samuel opens his mouth and closes it again, realizing Eden’s father isn’t really interested in the answer. His comment is to emphasize his concern at his lack of knowledge of her whereabouts.
“I’m aware you want to speak more to your daughter, but I hoped to have a quick word first.” When Mr. Monteford doesn’t respond, Samuel continues to speak.
“Eden and Rose are my priority. I love your daughter more than anything and refuse to allow harm to come to her.” He blocks out the time the Watache kidnapped her and how many times he has failed her. If her father knew the truth, he’d probably ban Samuel from having anything to do with his daughter. And Samuel would accept it and understand.
“Eden loves me, and she wears her heart on her sleeve more than any woman I know.” There’s a light chuckle of understanding on the other end. “So, I have had to take extra measures to protect her. There are a few matters that prevent me from returning to Australia with Eden. If given a choice, she would, without a doubt, choose to return to my place of work and be by my side. This isn’t something I want for her, and since she’s as stubborn as she is, I have gone behind her back and arranged a private jet through my father’s company to transport Eden and Rose safely back to Australia. This can happen in the next two weeks, depending on two things. The first is Rose’s birth certificate and whether it’s processed in time. The second is my daughter’s health. We need the doctor to clear both Rose and Eden as being fit to fly. From my end, the private jet will be ready when they are. The biggest hurdle is getting Eden to agree to this. She’s not aware, and I’m afraid she’ll object. So, I hope to have your support in convincing your daughter this is the right decision for everyone. I promise I’ll be with her as soon as I can.” Samuel inhales a deep breath and waits for Mr. Monteford to respond.
“You’ve organized that? For her?” Mr. Monteford’s voice is loaded with caution.
“Yes. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for your daughter.”
“That’s… that’s very good to hear.” Could Eden’s father be crying? Something cracks in his voice as he says the words, but he clears his throat and continues, “I certainly agree the best place for Eden is home with her family. What can I do to help?”
34
EDEN
Christmas Day
After leaving the hospital, Samuel and I checked into the Ramada Hotel.
He had his reasons not to leave Georgetown, and he agreed to stay here and celebrate Christmas together.
“Morning,” I say and roll over in bed and kiss Samuel. “Merry Christmas.”
Samuel lifts an arm, and I snuggle into his side. “Merry Christmas, Eden.” He kisses me and then kisses me again.
Rose whimpers. We both turn to the crib, our focus no longer on each other.
“Stay,” he says. “I’ll get her.” He passes Rose to me and sits on the edge, stroking Rose’s back while she feeds. “She’s so precious.”
