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“All right,” he says, finishing off the whisky. “Let’s get on with it.”
He rolls up his sleeves, then walks into the center of the living room and calls for everyone’s attention.
He gives a speech, thanking everyone for coming, and saying how he knows Maddie would be touched to see so many familiar faces there. He tells a funny story from their childhood, making everyone laugh, and then says that Maddie wouldn’t want everyone being upset all day. He gives a toast, then turns the music on, and instructs everyone to drink and eat and dance if they feel like it. A couple of teens—distant cousins of his and Maddie’s—start dancing to ABBA’s Waterloo, and everyone else helps themselves to food and drink.
I know he’s the public face of Kia Kaha, and he travels a lot to give talks about their technology and spread the word, but it’s the first time I’ve seen him speak to a crowd. He’s confident and composed, and oh so gorgeous, his hair ruffled, the beginnings of a five o’clock shadow on his jaw. He’s lost a little weight since Maddie died. He looks good, but I make a mental note to make more casseroles and heartier food to feed him up a bit.
I stay by his side for the rest of the day where I can, rescuing him from conversations when I see he’s had enough, making sure he drinks water in between his whiskies, and giving him bites to eat. He talks to everyone there, taking time to move between the groups, and I go with him, bringing Leia with me, so everyone gets a chance to see or hold Maddie’s daughter. Leia is marvelous, putting up with being passed from pillar to post like a princess.
Vincent and Arabella catch up with relatives they obviously haven’t seen for a while, but I know eventually they’re going to want to spend time with James.
“Don’t let him talk to his father alone,” I murmur to Henry.
“Will do,” he says. So when he sees them try to catch James as he passes to get someone a drink, Henry finds them a seat out on the deck where most of James’s friends are sitting, and introduces them to everyone. The guys—who are all adept at dealing with awkward conversations—tell stories about Maddie, including them in the conversation, enabling James to move between his other guests if he wants to.
Even though it’s going well, I’m relieved when, around seven, Vincent announces he and Arabella should be heading off.
They say goodbye to everyone, and James rises to see them to the door. He glances at me, an unspoken plea, and I collect Leia from Missie, who’s been having a cuddle, and follow him through to the foyer.
“How long are you in town for?” James asks his father.
“We’re flying back tomorrow,” Vincent replies. He looks very tired and wan.
James nods. “Well, take care, and I’m glad you could make it.”
He hugs his father, who tightens his arms around him, looking for a moment as if he doesn’t want to let him go.
Arabella looks at Leia and smiles. “Such a pretty little thing. I’m glad they both have you to look after them.”
Vincent draws back, then turns and kisses Leia’s head. “My little girl’s little girl,” he whispers, stroking her hair. He swallows hard.
Then he turns to me. “Goodbye, Aroha,” he says. “Take care of them both. I can see you’re very special to him.”
I blush. “It was nice to meet you.”
They leave the house and head to their car.
James looks at me, relief written all over his face.
“You made it,” I say.
He gives a short laugh. “Yeah.” He looks tired, but the house is still full of guests, and he can’t just leave them.
“Leia needs a feed,” I tell him. “Will you take her, and I’ll warm the bottle?”
“Of course.” He lifts the baby out of my arms. “Hey you,” he murmurs to her. “Let’s go and watch the birds, shall we?”
I quickly warm up the bottle in her room, then return to the deck. He’s sitting in one of the armchairs, Leia in his arms, turning her so she can see the antics of some of his friends—Huxley, the twins, Henry, and Alex—who are on the lawn, throwing a rugby ball around. The rain has eased, and the sun has dried up most of the rain.
Saxon tackles Kip, and the two of them tussle, making everyone laugh. Disco music plays in the background, and Mack turns Sidnie around at the end of the deck, the two of them chuckling at a private joke. It’s all very normal and relaxed, just what James needs.
I pass him the bottle, and he sits there quietly, feeding her while the girls talk around him.
There’s nothing as healing as holding a baby, and gradually the tension disappears from his shoulders, as he gives a big sigh and stretches out his long legs. The other girls sitting with me glance at him, smiling at the sight of him apparently content.
“Never thought I’d see the day,” Gaby teases.
He gives a wry smile.
