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Sinclair inclines his head. "And Summer asked me how it would feel if someone held a grudge against my child because of something I did.” He raises a shoulder. "It’s time to move forward. Our sons are cousins."
"I don’t want any child of mine to be tainted by my past," Michael agrees.
"And I don’t want any of my children to carry on the quest for revenge that dogged most of my life," Sinclair confirms.
I rub my chin. "If only politicians could see eye-to-eye on important policies." I draw in a breath. "I say that because I’m one of them. Sometimes, it’s difficult for me to see things from the opposition's point of view. And hearing the two of you, my instinct says it’s best for my country if I try to find common ground, rather than take issue with them."
"Perhaps that might not be a savvy move though. It would dilute your message," Michael points out.
"Perhaps," I reply, and tap my fingers on the table, "but the only reason I went into public service is so I can make a difference to the community and my country."
"You having second thoughts about running?" Sinclair narrows his gaze on me.
"Maybe."
"Does it have anything to do with a certain dark-haired woman who’s been able to stand up to you and who clearly takes no bullshit from you?" Michael drawls.
"Possibly." I glance at the cup in front of him. "Also, have you tasted the coffee yet?"
He glances at it, then lifts the cup to his mouth and takes a sip. He blinks, then does a double take. "And that came from the hospital cafeteria?"
"Good, right?" I smirk.
"Almost as good as the espresso in Italy, and far superior to the swill they serve at most coffee shops in this country." He takes another sip, and the muscles of his shoulders seem to unwind. "Give my thanks to Zara for introducing you to this brew."
"On that…" I rest my elbows on the table and place the tips of my fingers together. "I need your help with something."
13
Zara
"How are you feeling now?" I take Karma’s hand in mine.
Her lips curve slightly. "I do feel like I’ve run a marathon, or many marathons, but it’s all worth it."
I squeeze her fingers. "Spoken like a true mama. You are so damn brave, Karma."
"Because I gave birth?" she asks a tad dryly.
"Not only, and you know what I mean."
She glances to the side, then at me. "It was stupid of me not to have mentioned my heart condition to Michael."
"Maybe. But you wanted the baby, and I can understand why you didn’t want to worry Michael about your heart condition complicating things further."
She blinks. "You do?"
I chuckle. "Don’t sound so surprised. Granted, I’m not the most maternal person around, but I respect how important being a mother is to you."
"You’re wrong, you know." She scans my features, "You are maternal."
"I’m not," I scoff.
"You helped Isla through the ups and downs leading up to her wedding with Liam. You’re the first to stand up for the underdog. As soon as you heard about Summer and me, you dropped what you were doing and raced to the hospital. If that isn’t being empathetic—-which is really what a mother is—then I don’t know what is."
Heat flushes my cheeks. "I did what any good friend would have done."
"You went beyond the scope of friendship. You’re here holding my hand so my husband can take a break."
