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Amelia clenched her fists. “That’s terrible, Carly. You should have seen the signs of his character when he used your money without permission.”
Carly started to agree, then stopped. “See how you do that so easily, Amelia? That subtle hint of blame directed back at me? Ishould have seenimplies something was my fault. It wasn’t. Eric made his own decisions, and they had nothing to do with me.”
Amelia flinched, but comprehension settled over her face, and she said nothing as she tucked her chin and stared at her hands in her lap.
Carly saw a long stream of years behind her—years where she’d accepted the blame her family had heaped on her head. It was going to take work for her not to react that way any longer, but she saw it now. And things were going to change.
***
Sleep was as elusive as finding the culprit who was after Carly.
Lucas paced his room awhile before he grabbed a book and headed downstairs to the sunroom. He wasn’t sure his guests had discovered it yet, but the spot was his favorite place to think.
He walked through the door and down a step into the space and saw a faint glow. Carly sat with a laptop on the lounge chair, and she looked up. Her somber expression told him she was still upset over the events of the day.
“Couldn’t sleep either?” he asked.
She shook her head. “It’s not every day you find out the man you married isn’t who you thought he was.” She closed the laptop. “Um, it might sound silly, but after I read the journal entry about Sofia, I wanted to write about her. I’m working on a novel for Gram—what might have happened. A way to dramatize it all for her.”
“That’s amazing. I didn’t know you were a writer.”
Her hair lay on her shoulders and she looked lost and vulnerable. A pink robe covered her pajamas, and she set the laptop on the table beside the baby monitor. She put her feet onto the floor to make room for him. “I’ve always toyed with the idea. I used to teach history at the high school, and the thought has been simmering awhile. Flea markets aren’t the best way to earn a living when you have a tiny infant. I was trying to think outside the box. It’s probably never going to be published, but Gram will like it.”
She constantly surprised him. He sat on the foot of the lounge chair beside her. “I’m sure you can do anything you set your mind to.”
She gave a half smile. “Don’t you have to work tomorrow?”
“Yeah.” The scent of gardenias wafted through the space. Or was the sweet aroma in her hair? “I’m sure it’s been a shocking day.”
What did someone say in a circumstance like this? It had to have rocked her world. Maybe he didn’t have to say anything. Being with her might be enough comfort.
She tucked her hair behind her ear. “I didn’t get a chance to tell you. There’s an expert from Willard Auction House coming from New York tomorrow. He’s eager to examine the egg. I’m supposed to meet him at the bank at eleven.”
“Good news. At least we’ll know for sure if it’s everything you think it is.”
“He sounded very optimistic and excited.”
“He must be if he’s coming here so quickly.”
“He read the email today and was ready to get here tomorrow.” She looked down at her hands. “I’m not sure what to prayfor. I’ll be thrilled if it’s real, but it also means the attention on our family will intensify.”
He couldn’t argue against that conclusion. This would hit the news soon, and who knew what would happen? “What’s the guy’s name?”
“William Taylor.”
“Vince and I will meet you at the bank. I don’t think he’d try to take it, but I want to make sure you and the egg are safe.”
“Thank you. I was going to ask if you’d like to be there.”
A shadow crossed his line of vision, and he saw Ryan heading toward the back door. Late night. Ryan turned his head and waved. A few seconds later he was inside the screened porch.
Fatigue shadowed his brother’s eyes, and he leaned against the back wooden wall. “You all are up late.”
Lucas glanced at the dim glow of his watch. Nearly two in the morning. “That’s the pot calling the kettle black. What’s kept you out so late?”
“Just stuff.” Ryan shot a quizzical glance toward Carly. “Everyone settled in okay?”
“We are. Thank you for having us.”
