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He was vaguely aware of Eden coming to bed last night yet too exhausted to wake and talk about the function. Guilt fills him knowing Eden was looking forward to a night out together. The gala awards was the last place he wanted to be, especially when time together is valuable. He’d have gone for her, though, until multiple motor vehicle accident cases arrived in the emergency room. Some were dead on arrival, but the children covered in blood sent him spiraling. He wasn’t the only person who stayed back late to help. All he could think about was Rose and what he needed to do to save these children’s lives.
He kisses Eden’s shoulder and takes a moment to appreciate her beauty. She’s an exquisite woman, and he’s grateful she stumbled her way into his life. Eden changed his world, and everything he does is for her. He hopes she understands. Long work hours are a strain on all of them, especially him. He inhales a deep breath and forces himself to sit up in bed.
His body aches.
His head thumps with exhaustion.
Pushing up from the bed, he heads to the bathroom. His reflection in the arch mirror displeases him. His stomach clenches with disappointment and the onset of an anxiety attack. A heightened sense of mortality spikes fear. He tilts his head back and breathes slowly and deeply. The thought of food makes him nauseous. Yet he needs to regain weight to be healthy, at least visually because he’s aware of her fingertips running gently over his ribs when she believes he sleeps.
Samuel gives himself a few minutes before showering. He avoids looking at his reflection until he’s dressed. Running a hand over his hair, he likes the length, and growing it will deflect attention from his gaunt face.
Creeping around the room to allow Eden to sleep, he heads down the staircase and prepares a protein shake. He takes his healthy smoothy and sits on the balcony to admire the ocean view. Seagulls fly over calm waters while he inhales the salty, fresh air. He closes his eyes and listens to the waves gently breaking along the shoreline. Laughter comes from the beach, where children play in the sand. It’s neither hot nor cold at this time of day and perfect T-shirt weather. It will be another story in a few weeks with packed beaches as they enter summer. His first Australian summer Christmas. Being here with Eden has ticked many firsts for him, and it brings back a youthful side in him. He wants a fresh start in life with Eden but forgetting some of the horror that traumatizes him will take time. He sips his drink and leaves the remaining third in the glass to finish later.
Locking the front door behind him, he strolls the esplanade path, smiling at walkers as they pass.
“Morning,” he says to some familiar faces. He has spent many hours walking this path and recognizes the same people over the last couple of months. Many have dogs, and they congregate in groups discussing their breeds.
Samuel unlocks the front door of Monte Hotels and takes the stairs two at a time until he reaches the penthouse, where he uses another key to unlock the door.
“Here’s Daddy,” Grace sings when he closes the door behind him.
“Hello, princess.” He scoops Rose from the floor playing with her toys, and showers her cheek with kisses. “Dad-da, missed you.” Rose wraps her little arms around his neck, and it installs a calmness in him. He inhales her baby scent like he needs it more than air—the scent ofhisdaughter.
“Is Eden still asleep?” Winston asks, not sounding surprised.
Samuel joins them at the kitchen table and places Rose on his lap. “Your mommy is sleeping like a baby.” He kisses the top of Rose’s head. “Thanks for looking after her. I could have taken her home, although I appreciated the extra time to rest.”
“We know the hours you’re working, so think nothing of it. We love having Rose.” Grace places some chopped fruit on a plate and slides it toward Samuel. “Did Eden tell you anything about last night?”
“No. I was sleeping when she arrived home, and she was in a deep sleep when I left.”
Winston frowns. “Do you know what time she got in?”
“No, sir.”
“Hmm… I spoke with Anthony, and he said they left at a reasonable time. And Eden’s friend was tipsy.”
Winston is concerned about his company’s image, and Eden didn’t get home at a reasonable time. His gut clenches at the notion of Eden with Ethan.
He forces the thought out as he trusts Eden. Samuel has made ground the past week in dealing with the past. No better time than the present to discuss with Winston what he has waited to hear since Samuel arrived in Adelaide.
“Eden bought me a journal,” he says, changing the topic. “I’ve been writing in it, and I believe it’s helped somewhat.”
Winston inclines his head in a deep gesture.
“Let me get us a cup of tea.” Grace stands and fills the kettle.
Samuel looks Winston in the eye. “You might need something stronger than tea.”
“It’s too early for shiraz, son.” He turns to Grace. “Do you mind making me a double shot of coffee?”
Samuel continues, discussing his time in Ulara working alongside the shaman and Kaikare. He tells them about Kaikare’s personality and how she defied the chief and her father if she strongly believed what they were doing was wrong, even if no other Ularan had her back. He told them how Ivy lived in her. Grace and Winston smiled as they sipped their coffee.
He continued to describe Eden and her influence over the village. Seeing the pride in Winston’s eyes reflected what Samuel felt every day.
He relived the death of the shaman with him. Tears fell from his eyes, and when he glanced down, he found Rose asleep in his arms.
Grace patted his arm. “She’s been asleep for a while, but I didn’t want to interrupt your story. The sound of your voice soothes her.” She gives an understanding smile. “Rose loves you.”
