Nick grinned broadly. “You’ve got it bad, gorgeous. But I could see that when you were there. Every time we went anywhere, you were totally seduced by everything. Can’t say I blame you. It’s a very special part of the world.”
Kat pointed her finger at him. “There you go. ‘Seduced’ is the word. Now I’m wondering if I’ve been realistic about the life I’ve been leading in France. What if it’s just infatuation? What if the seduction starts to fade?”
Nick looked at her in silence, his eyes thoughtful. “Y’know, it sounds to me like you’re having a classic case of cold feet. You’ve mentioned these thoughts to me one way or another every day since I got here. You’re overthinking everything. I’m sure you’ll feel differently again once Philippe arrives.”
Kat hurriedly changed the subject. “Are you going to be able to spend time in France again? Is it indelicate of me to ask if your legal problems have been resolved? All restrictions lifted?”
Nick looked up to the ceiling and put his hands together, as if in prayer. “I may need a little divine intervention, but my lawyers tell me everything seems to be resolved. The travel restrictions on my passport have been lifted.”
“Bravo!” They clinked their glasses together.
“You know, on my part it was much ado about nothing. Guilt by association. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But once a person becomes embroiled in a legal mess like that, it takes a while to get sorted out.”
“We were all worried about you, and your presence was missed in Antibes. It will be good to have you back in the harbor.”
“Speaking of harbor—I’m getting a new boat! I decided to return with a clean slate and a boat that looks nothing like Searendipity.”
“That’s exciting, although yours was a beautiful boat. Can you keep the name? It’s such a catchy one!”
“How’s Searendipity II?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Nick pulled out his phone and showed her photos and sketches of the boat he had ordered. “It’s coming from America and Tim will oversee the delivery.”
“This was a needed diversion,” Katherine said as they finished their drinks. “You’ve got me thinking about summer in Antibes. It’s a nice place to go in my head to escape the worry about Molly.”
“I know, this was a terrible scare—more so for everyone else than our Molly. That’s one good thing about being unconscious.”
Katherine laughed in spite of herself. “Morbid humor, but true. We were worried if she’d even make it. Now she seems to be getting back to her old self. Talk about relief!”
They touched their glasses together again.
When Katherine was ready to return to Molly, they bundled up again to head out into the cold.
“Putting on all these layers and this thermal gear is another thing you don’t have to worry about on the Riviera,” Nick complained. “I hadn’t anticipated freezing my butt off like this!”
Katherine’s laugh was muffled as she pulled her scarf up over her mouth. She had to admit the weather was getting tiresome.
They walked back to the hospital in silence, enveloped in their frosty breath. Nick took Katherine’s hand and tucked her arm through his. “Body contact helps to keep warm in this arctic air,” he muttered.
Kat was surprised to see Mo and his car waiting outside the hospital entrance.
Nick hugged her good-bye, saying he had meetings for the rest of the day and evening. “I’ll see you tomorrow, but I can’t promise what shape I’ll be in. I’m being taken to a Maple Leafs game tonight and I hear Canadian hockey fans party hearty!”
She chuckled as she waved good-bye. He’s one of those guys who’ll simply never stop enjoying life! Too bad that can’t be bottled.
CHAPTER TEN
Katherine awoke the next morning energized with excitement. By midafternoon, Philippe would be by her side. For all her recent dithering, she couldn’t wait to see him, to hold him, to look into his eyes and tell him how much he meant to her.
For a woman three years short of sixty, who just a year before had felt she would be on her own forever, there had been more than enough relationship issues in the past few days what with Nick’s declaration of love and James’s apologies. She was eager for the calm of her life with Philippe.
Although, come to think of it, there were a few months that most definitely were not calm last autumn. The raw emotional scar from the deceitful injury James had inflicted had revived terrible memories for Katherine when she realized Philippe was keeping secrets. It had taken a bit of work on her part and Philippe’s to recognize he was attempting to protect her and not deceive her. She shuddered at the thought of all that happened and then shook it off. That too was over.
It would be great fun to show Philippe her hometown. She hoped he would gain a sense of her adored parents too. If she and Philippe really were going to be together forever, it was important to her that he know everything about her.
When Kat arrived at the hospital, Molly was sitting up in bed, eating oatmeal for breakfast. She smiled and nodded when Kat walked in, holding her good arm out for a hug. Then she pulled her earbuds out and motioned for Kat to sit on the bed.
“You’re looking better every day, Moll,” Kat told her, noting the color in her complexion and brightness in her eyes.
Molly screwed up her face and lifted her shoulders in an exaggerated shrug. Her frustration clearly showed.
Roslyn walked in at that moment and Katherine said how pleased she was to see her. She appreciated the fact that this was a nurse to whom you could ask questions and get a straight response. That wasn’t always the case, she knew from comments others made.
“So how do things stand? What’s next on my friend’s recuperation agenda?”
“We’re getting her up today. Right, Ms. Molly Malone?” She rubbed Molly’s head lightly and commented how quickly her hair was growing in.
Molly grinned and saluted in return.
Kat looked thoughtful. “Um, that’s going to be tricky with her leg in a cast and her shoulder bandaged like that. How’s that going to work?”
“We’re all about helping our patients become as mobile as possible as soon as possible. Molly is going to need wheels for a while.” Roslyn nodded to a wheelchair folded in a corner of the room. “We’re going to work on her shoulder today, but crutches may never be an option because of that injury.”
She also explained that Molly would be having more tests later in the day to investigate the issue with her speech.
Fluffing up the pillows and adjusting the angle of the bed, the nurse continued, “Here’s one thing we already know about our Molly: she’s a strong woman with a ready smile. That’s going to get her out of here sooner than anything else. And speaking of getting her out of here, this afternoon she’ll be moved to a private room on the orthopedic floor.”
Molly’s eyes opened wide and she shook her head, gesturing for a notepad and pen on the table beside her. “No insurance coverage for private room,” she wrote.
“Nick made all the arrangements, Molly. Don’t worry about anything,” Katherine reassured her.
Molly shook her head and wrote, “Unbelievable. Can’t repay him.”
“That’s the last thing he would want, and don’t try to argue with him. Nothing gives him more pleasure than helping his friends. Do you know he’s flying Philippe over today in his private jet?”
Molly’s jaw dropped in an exaggerated look of amazement.
“Okay,” Roslyn said, “let’s get this show on the road.” Two orderlies appeared and gently moved Molly into the wheelchair. “Wave good-bye to ICU,” she told Molly. Then she instructed Katherine to go sign the documents Nick had filled out for Molly’s private room. “He pays, you sign—now, there’s a deal.”
Kat grinned and Molly gave her a thumbs-up.
Another good sign, thought Kat.
Katherine sat in a high-backed chair in Molly’s new room while she waited for the tests to be completed
. Sunlight flooded through a large window into a spacious area with four chairs for visitors and a small dresser, already covered in floral arrangements and cards. They were mainly from the staff at the school where Molly taught, but several were from patrons of the Blue Note and other people Molly would be surprised to know cared so much.
The underlying tension of the ICU, the accompanying noises of the lifesaving equipment, and the constant reminder of concern were lifted. Positivity filled the room.
Kat’s book had fallen closed on her lap, and she was sound asleep when she heard “Minou” whispered in her ear. She opened her eyes and reached out her arms to be swept into Philippe’s strong embrace.
Blissfully unaware of anyone else in the room, she returned his kisses and hugged him tightly.
After a few moments, there was a loud throat-clearing noise behind her. Laughing, she disentangled herself and turned to hug Andrea and Terrence. “Thank you for this special delivery!”
They grinned and bowed. “It was our pleasure.”
Katherine slipped her arm back around Philippe, and he snuggled her into his body. “Oh, how I’ve missed you,” he whispered in her ear.
“We’ve already introduced him to your coffee routine here, Kat,” Terrence said as he set down a takeaway tray with four cups in it.
Philippe grimaced. “Zut alors! I think I’m in for a period of adjustment.”
Kat laughed, recalling how she struggled to get used to coffee in France. Then she noticed Philippe’s warm jacket, plus the toque and heavy gloves he had set down. “I’m glad to see you came prepared for our extreme cold weather!”
“These are all courtesy of Terrence! He e-mailed me to say he would have a Canadian Winter Survival Kit for me at the airport.” He turned to Terrence now. “Mon Dieu! À votre bon coeur! I’m very grateful!”
Philippe pulled Kat into his arms once more. “We’ll just have to spend a lot of time doing this.”
“Yes, please,” Kat replied. “Now, tell me everything I’ve missed. It feels so much longer than ten days. First of all, how is Simone and how did you finally meet her?”
“We’re going to give you some time to catch up,” Andrea said as she picked up her coffee and motioned to Terrence to do the same. “Text us when Molly comes back.”
Philippe pulled the privacy curtain across the room and swept Katherine into his arms. They kissed long and hard before pulling apart. “Ahhh, that’s what I really wanted to do,” he said, holding her in a tight embrace. “For starters . . .”
Kat nodded and buried her face in his shoulder. She breathed in the subtle scent of him, so familiar and pleasing. She felt a feathery-light sensation deep in her core and whispered, “I’ve missed your kisses, your touch, all of you.”
Philippe’s arms tightened gently, and he was silent. Kat felt him swallow before he held her at arm’s length and smiled.
“It was thoughtful of Molly to vacate her bed for our reunion, Minou,” he said with a teasing glance. Katherine rolled her eyes. They held each other close once again and then pulled back, sharing a look that promised much more to come.
Then they sat in the chairs by the window, holding hands and calming the electricity between them with conversation. The evening could not come soon enough.
After he received an update on Molly, Philippe gave Kat a full report on the Cap property.
“As you know, Didier’s équipe began working the day after I returned from Paris. He runs a tight ship, so different from many other contractors I know, and they have already trucked away countless bins of plaster, rotting beams, and such. It’s satisfying to see progress in such a short time. I’m encouraged.”
Katherine felt herself getting caught up in his enthusiasm. “So exciting! I can’t wait to get back and be part of it. And now, Simone—you finally met her. Why wouldn’t you tell me anything more?”
“Simone made me promise to let her tell you the whole story . . . and what a story it is!”
Kat punched him on the arm. “That’s what you told me before! You’re being such a tease. Can’t you give me even a little hint? Did you just go and knock on her door?”
“Mais non! I wouldn’t do that. I phoned the number you gave me and left a message. She called the next day to invite me for tea.”
“She’s well?”
“Phénoménale.” He pronounced the word the French way, knowing it would make Kat grin. “Simone is just as you described. She asked me to assure you she has fully recovered from her post-Christmas ailments. I took her a stunning orchid and two apples for Victor Hugo.”
Kat leaned over and ruffled his hair. “Bien fait! Well done!”
They were interrupted by Molly’s arrival back to the room and the flurry of activity as the orderlies repositioned her bed. A nurse smiled and excused herself as she checked Molly’s stats and made sure she was comfortable.
Molly seemed weary at first, but her eyes sparkled as she accepted a gentle hug from Philippe. She nodded her head with excitement every time she looked at him after that and asked him a barrage of questions on her white pad.
Andrea and Terrence returned soon after. Another hour was spent chatting before Nick arrived and the party started.
He and Philippe greeted each other with warm handshakes and the standard bise. “Nick, merci mille fois for the flight here. That’s certainly the best way to travel! I brought baguette sandwiches for the pilot and copilot along with a selection of cheese, and spent half my time in the cockpit. What a great experience!”
“Good on ya, mate! I’m glad it all worked out.”
Before Kat could make the introductions, Nick turned to Andrea and Terrence. “The famous cousins! I’m mighty pleased to meet you at last.” They were soon engaged in animated conversation.
Molly’s eyes darted from one person to another. Her expression indicated her strong desire to join in, but the only sound she could make was laughter.
They kept her entertained while she ate her dinner, which had been upgraded to an omelette and fruit salad with ice cream. Nick excused himself partway through her meal to make some phone calls. “Some days it’s just never-ending,” he explained with a rueful expression.
Soon after, Father DeCarlo popped in and warmly welcomed Philippe. They chatted amicably, with Molly scribbling comments on her board.
As they all prepared to leave, Father DeCarlo was setting up Molly’s computer so she could catch up on Downton Abbey. She happily waved good-bye.
“That’s the biggest improvement in one day,” Katherine said as they waited for the elevator.
Philippe’s face registered relief. “I did not expect Molly to look as well as she does. She seems to be very lucid. But I’m glad you told me about her shaved head. Somehow it suits her, though.”
After announcing he was suffering from the “mother of all hangovers,” Nick went off to a business dinner but made arrangements to meet them for a sushi lunch the next day. “I’ve changed my plans and am going to stick around through the weekend to try and wrap up a few irons in the fire here.”
Andrea and Terrence said they would stay for the lunch the next day and then head back to their farm.
On the way to Katherine’s, they took Philippe on a little excursion down Katherine’s memory lane, beginning with the University of Toronto and ending with the elementary school she’d attended. Kat’s anxieties had initially vanished once Philippe was with her, but as the tour progressed, she felt the conflict between her past and her present again. Her trepidation crept back in.
In Andrea’s usual manner, she’d made dinner the night before and brought it along. This time a thick and creamy chicken potpie—chock-full of juicy meat, peas, carrots, and potatoes and topped with a light, flaky pastry—was ready to warm up in the oven.
Before dinner, Katherine gave Philippe an emotional tour of her house. As she shared stories of growing up in those rooms, he held her hand tenderly.
When they stopped at Elisabeth’s carpet, Philippe reached o
ut and ran his fingers over the fine silk strands. “So this is your treasured carpet. It’s beautiful. And truly there is a mystique about it. We will find a very special place for it in our home, Kat.” He raised her hand to his lips. “Very special.”
After a while, Philippe and Terrence banished the women from the kitchen. The men soon appeared in the living room with a platter arranged with one of Katherine’s favorite pâtés, a bowl of tapenade, and fresh baguette slices. Accompanied by loud cheers, a cork was popped from a special bottle of French champagne Philippe had brought. He assured them he also had a selection of cheeses for the end of the meal.
“The joys of flying by private jet,” he answered when they questioned how he ever got them through customs.
The evening was relaxed with endless conversation. Philippe had expressed his interest in their organic farm when he had met them in Antibes during Kat’s exchange. During dinner, plans were made for Katherine and Philippe to visit overnight at Andrea and Terrence’s, if Molly continued to improve.
“I’m excited to have a chance to see what you are doing,” he told them.
“There’s a fellow up the road from us who makes fine goat cheese and we can visit him too, if you like,” Terrence suggested with great enthusiasm.
“Your time here is going to fly by, Chouchou,” Katherine assured him. She felt conflicted, knowing there was going to be a difficult conversation ahead. It would be so easy to forget all the feelings I’ve had this week and just sink back into the comfort of our relationship. But I know it all needs to be addressed. Just not tonight . . .
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Andrea insisted she and Terrence sleep in the guest room at the far end of the hall. At first, she had not planned to stay overnight, wanting Kat and Philippe to have the entire house to themselves.
“I’m not even going to ask what you’re thinking,” Kat chided her, laughing. “We aren’t teenagers planning to romp naked through each room. At least, not in these cold temperatures. Otherwise . . . maybe.” She chuckled with a devilish look on her face.
I Promise You This (Love in Provence Book 3) Page 10
