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“What’s the matter?”
“My mother just told me I’m not a Wagner.”
She touched her fingers to her parted lips.
“You knew?”
My aunt sat in the chair next to mine and unfastened the top button of her shirt. “We’re sisters-in-law. Of course, I knew. It was a difficult time…a different time. And the Hartleys—”
I touched her hand. “I know; I understand.”
“Grace, this doesn’t change how much I love and admire you.”
“I feel the same way, Aunt Mary.”
I wiped the sweat off my forehead, and she touched the back of her hand to my cheek.
“What did that boy do to you down in Costa Rica? You’re burning up.”
“It’s just the humidity.”
“It’s air-conditioned in here. Was Costa Rica dangerous? Exciting?”
I smiled. Costa Rica was amazing, and though it had only been days, it felt like eons ago. I missed the eco-lodge, the rain forest, the waterfall… And most of all, I missed Hunter. Our connection was one you found once in a lifetime, and I couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my years without him. He just should have told me he was injured.
“Did you know he nearly died four years ago?” she asked.
I caught her gaze.
“Yes. Where did you hear that?”
“At your salon. Teresa Silver told me Hunter had an accident, and she feared for his life because of the incompetent doctors.”
“Incompetent? How incompetent?”
One of the staff brought out a tray with two frosted glasses of cold water, and I took a sip.
“Incompetent enough that the Silvers sent a private medical team into the rainforest.”
“He didn’t want to leave?”
“He couldn’t leave because of complications.”
“Oh.”
Was it possible Hunter’s diagnosis was a mistake? The doctors must have missed something because deep inside, I could see our future so clearly, with a family of blue-eyed Hunter clones playing in the backyard.
“Thank you for the chat, Aunt Mary, and thank you for the gifts. ”
“You’re welcome. I have a few ideas we can go over after the re-opening. We must collaborate after my vacation.”
“And how are things going with Dr. Riley?”
“Stephen and I complement each other, like salt and pepper, and that’s what matters.”
“How long has it been? Twelve years?”
“Fifteen, but who’s counting?” She winked. “The great thing about younger men is they’re full of stamina, strength, and adventure. They appreciate your experience.”
