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After a few seconds, she says, “I’d be willing to explore that route.”
I wave a hand toward Rumi, who’s been asleep for at least the past ten minutes. “Okay, while you do your motherly duty, I’m going to make a few calls.”
That’s when the doorbell rings. I arch an eyebrow. “Are you expecting anyone?”
“No.”
I sigh and head toward the door. “I really wish you had one of those doorbells with a camera or at least a peephole.”
“They didn’t exist during the eighteen hundreds. It’s my duty to keep this historical place as it was meant to be,” the history geek whose passion is to restore art claims.
I look over my shoulder and say with a sly smile. “There weren’t any gas fireplaces, yet you own two.”
I pull the door open, and it’s Iskander. “Ugh, you’re still here. I was pretty clear when I said—” I tap my chin. “I guess I didn’t tell you to make yourself disappear forever, huh?”
He hands me a bag. “I’ll leave once you tell me you’re not pregnant.”
“Maybe I am, and it’s not yours.” I say, looking at the bag with two pregnancy tests and a bunch of chocolate and candy. Why is he all of a sudden wanting to be a part of this?
“Please, don’t do that to us. Don’t insult us.” The hurt in his voice is so raw I do a double take.
His eyes are almost pleading, which is something I’ve never seen before. Who is this man? I have to remind myself that I don’t care about him. There are more pressing things happening in my life that need my attention. He’s not part of them.
I shake my head. “I can’t.”
“You can’t confirm?” His voice has a sharp edge, but he remains as calm as possible.
I nod.
“May I ask why?”
I almost smirk because this, being all understanding and gentle without trying to impose, must be driving him crazy. I feel like I’m in control, which barely happens when he’s around.
“It’s not on the top of my to-do list.”
He stares at me, taking a few deep breaths. “Is there any way you can reconsider?”
“No. I can only solve one problem at a time. Right now, I want to focus on Anya and her daughter.”
He nods, rolling up the sleeves of his dress shirt. The man is ready to jump into action. “What do you need me to do?”
“Excuse me? You’re not going to bulldoze your way into my life—”
“No, I just need to know where we should start so we can help them. She mentioned the past-due mortgage. I’ll be happy to pay for it.”
“It’s more complicated than that.”
He nods as if understanding. “I’m sure I can help. Just tell me what to do.”
Anya comes before my pride. It’s hard not to tell him to go fuck himself. He has more connections than I do.
“For starters, her ex-husband is on the deed. I want to take his name off the property. In case… she dies,” I sigh, taking a few sips of air.
He takes my hands and leans closer. He’s just a couple of inches from me when he says, “She’s going to be okay. We’ll make sure that she gets the best care. I’ll do the impossible so you don’t lose your sister.”
“But what if it doesn’t work,” I whisper.
And I hate that when he takes me into his arms, I finally fall apart the way I’ve been denying myself. Tears stream down my cheeks. I sob hard while he holds me closer, tighter. This is one of my worst nightmares, seeing Anya vanish just like Mom did.
