AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.” Tom gave her a reassuring smile.
“How do you know it’s a secret?” Steph asked him, taking a sip of the steaming brew.
“Just a hunch.” Tom poured cream into his coffee.
“Please don’t tell anyone,” Steph said with a sigh. “I haven’t even told Max.”
“Oh!” Tom nodded, sitting back with his coffee in his hand. “I take it this wasn’t planned?”
“No!” Steph stressed, and to her dismay, she felt hot tears spring to her eyes. “I’m sorry.” She took a napkin and wiped her eyes. “Everything is a little haywire with me at the moment.”
“It’s understandable,” Tom said, his eyes filled with compassion. “I take it that’s why you fainted yesterday.”
“Oh great!” Steph threw her hand in the air. “Does everyone on the island know about that?”
“Nope.” Tom shook his head. “I was with your mother when she got the call.”
“Of course, she had to tell you.” Steph laughed.
“She was concerned.” Tom took a sip of coffee. “Your mother told me you never get sick or pass out.”
“It was a shock to me too.” Steph put the cup down, then blurted out, “I’m not sure what I’m going to do.”
“I don’t understand?” Tom looked at her questioningly.
Before she could stop herself, she told Tom about the birth of the twins and why she and Max hadn’t tried to have another child. By the time she’d finished telling him, it felt like a great weight had lifted from her shoulders, and Tom had listened to her without the look she usually got from anyone who knew. The look of pity or judgment about the decision she knew she’d be forced to make. Instead, his eyes mirrored her pain, and his words were filled with compassion.
“I’m sorry you have to go through this, Steph.” Tom’s eyes never left hers. “I’m here if you need to talk or help.”
“Thank you, Tom,” Steph sniffed and wiped her eyes. “It feels so good telling someone.”
“The ears of strangers tend to be more open to listening and their minds free of any preconceived notions someone who knows you might have,” Tom told her.
“We’re not exactly strangers, though.” Steph picked up the tea to try and stomach another sip, as the first one seemed to have settled her stomach a bit.
“True, but we don’t know each other that well either.” Tom smiled. “How’s the tea working?”
“I do feel better,” Steph admitted. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Tom raised his cup. “We don’t have to go over the plans if you’re not up to it.”
“Oh, no.” Steph put the cup down. “I want to.” She smiled. “It will take my mind off things.”
“If you’re sure,” Tom said. “May I suggest that we don’t go over them here?”
“I agree,” Steph finished her tea while Tom finished his coffee.
Tom stood and pulled her chair out for her.
“Thanks,” Steph stood, and they left the dining room.
“Why don’t we go outside, and I’ll show you what your mother and I have marked off for the extension?” Tom suggested.
“That would be great.” Steph gave him a grateful smile. “Fresh air is just what I need to get the smell of bacon and eggs out of my system.”
Steph and Tom walked out the hotel’s back door toward the swimming pool. The extensive gardens stretched out before them.
“Your mother wants a few self-catering cottages out here,” Tom told her, opening the one set of plans to show her.
