by Anita Hughes
Hadley felt his palm on hers and gulped. They hadn’t talked about their future but Felix was almost thirty and anxious to get married. But Sebastian had left only ten months ago; was she ready to try something new?
“I know your life is full with Olivia and the gallery but I’ve enjoyed these few months. You are beautiful and bright and everything is better when we’re together.” He reached into his pocket and took out a blue Tiffany box. “Hadley, will you marry me?”
Hadley gazed at the emerald-cut diamond and gasped. Felix was kind and generous and adored Olivia. How could she say no, when he was everything she wished for?
“Yes,” she whispered. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Felix slipped the ring on her finger and kissed her. Hadley kissed him back and a warmth spread through her chest.
“We have to tell Olivia,” Hadley said and suddenly couldn’t stop smiling. She’d found someone to love and they were going to be a family.
“I already told her,” Felix admitted.
“You told Olivia we were getting married before you asked me?” Hadley stammered.
“I explained you might say no but I had to ask her permission,” Felix said. “If she didn’t want me as a stepfather we couldn’t get married at all. I love you more than anything, but Olivia is a child. She has to come first.”
Hadley gazed at Felix’s light brown hair and blue eyes and wondered how she got so lucky. It didn’t matter if his mother was a little icy or all his shirts were monogrammed, they were going to have a wonderful future.
She took Felix’s hand and stood up. “Let’s tell her together. She’s going to be so excited to be a flower girl.”
* * *
Now Hadley plumped the silk cushions in the living room and thought whatever was wrong between her and Felix, they had to fix it. They couldn’t let their marriage falter like a sailboat without a breeze.
The doorbell rang and she jumped up. She opened the door and saw a man wearing a navy shirt and carrying a leather briefcase.
“Can I help you?” she asked.
“I’m Robert Hunter, the art appraiser.” He held out his hand. “I’m here to appraise the Sebastian Miller painting.”
“I beg your pardon?” Hadley frowned. “You must be mistaken. I didn’t order an appraisal.”
“Your husband called,” he explained. “He said it’s quite valuable and you’re only at the villa a few weeks a year.”
“That’s very odd. He never suggested it before,” she pondered. “But I suppose he’s right. Please come in. The painting is in the library.”
Hadley led him down the tile hallway and turned on the light. The Miller Girls really was a wonderful painting. Olivia was gorgeous with her smooth cheeks and green eyes and pale blond hair. And Sebastian had captured the magic of the African plain: color and light so rich, you felt elated and empty at the same time.
“Do you always make appointments in the evening?” Hadley perched on a leather armchair.
“I was having dinner in Gustavia.” He took out a clipboard. “Your husband said he was leaving the day after tomorrow. Now was the only time he was available.”
“He said he was leaving the day after tomorrow?” Hadley inquired. “Did he say anything else?”
“Only that it was an important piece.” The appraiser paused. “I’ve read about The Miller Girls. The artist was offered half a million dollars for it early in his career and turned it down. It’s been in a private collection ever since.”
“Half a million dollars!” Hadley exclaimed. “When exactly did my husband call you?”
“About half an hour ago.” Robert looked at his watch. “He said he’d meet me here.”
“I’ll wait in the living room.” Hadley walked to the door. “I want to direct him to the library as soon as he arrives.”
She entered the living room and tried to stop shaking. Of course Sebastian hadn’t left, that was wishful thinking. And why was he having The Miller Girls appraised? She heard footsteps and turned around.
“This is a pleasant sight. I’d rather see you drinking a cocktail than ironing the drapes.” Sebastian stood in the doorway. He wore his straw hat and carried a leather bag. “I didn’t tell you how lovely you looked in that dress this morning. The turquoise brings out your eyes.”
“I thought you were on a plane to Anguilla,” she said, instinctively touching her hair.
“I went to the airport but the flight was delayed.” He walked to the bar and poured a glass of vodka. “A part had to be flown in from Nassau. Those small planes are as flimsy as the toy airplanes I built as a child.”
“Why didn’t you wait in the departure lounge?” she asked. “You could have saved on taxi fare.”
“The ticket taker said it was quarantined due to a case of chicken pox.” He paused. “I never had it and you can’t be too careful.”
“Quarantined?” Hadley gasped. “I must call Olivia. She and Felix drove to the airport to find you.”
Sebastian downed his vodka and gulped. “Olivia followed me to the airport?”
“I don’t believe you! You never went to the airport at all,” Hadley fumed. “How could you pretend that you were leaving? Olivia was distraught.”
“I wanted to leave. The thought of Olivia being upset about Finn made me want to cut my heart out.” He fiddled with his glass. “But I abandoned her once and I can’t do it again.”
“Are you sure you don’t have a case of island fever?” Hadley seethed. “I didn’t think Sebastian Miller had a decent bone in his body.”
“For the last twenty years I thought life was about painting and traveling to exotic locations. God! I wouldn’t have it any other way. When you climb to the top of Mount Fuji you feel like you can do anything. But being in St. Barts changed me.” He looked at Hadley. “I’ve seen what it’s like to be part of a family.”
“I don’t know what you mean,” Hadley retorted. “All that’s happened is Finn and Olivia aren’t speaking and Felix is uncomfortable in his own home.”
“Every family has skirmishes. But at the end of the day you all sit on the patio and sip piña coladas. You care about each other and I’ve never experienced that before.”
“You had a wife and daughter who loved you,” Hadley said sharply.
“I suppose you’re right. It was so long ago,” he sighed. “I know I’ve caused a bit of trouble, but I’d like to stay for Olivia’s birthday.”
“Olivia already thought you left.” She frowned. “I think it’s better if you went to Anguilla.”
“Think about Olivia. She would want me here to help blow out the candles,” he insisted. “She’s been dreaming about it since she was a girl.”
“Now you’re playing the concerned father. It’s a very convincing role,” Hadley laughed. “By the way, why did you call an appraiser and why does he think The Miller Girls is worth half a million dollars?”
“I may have mentioned the price to a journalist years ago. It made a more interesting story.” Sebastian shrugged. “And you must get the painting insured. Anyone could walk in and take it off the wall.”
“It’s my painting. I can do with it whatever I like.” She raised her eyebrow. “You better talk to the appraiser. Felix won’t be happy if he gets the bill.”
“Did I hear my name?” Felix entered the living room. He glanced at Sebastian and frowned. “What are you doing here? I thought you were on a plane to Anguilla.”
“The plane was delayed,” Sebastian explained. “Those puddle jumpers are as reliable as the Chinese subway system. There’s always some part breaking off.”
“Where’s Olivia?” Hadley asked.
“I dropped her off at Grand Cul de Sac.” Felix smiled. “I think she and Finn are going to make up.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear it, I was concerned I caused too much trouble.” Sebastian sighed with relief. “Apparently young love is stronger than I thought.”
“Olivia was very upset. But they are a great couple an
d it will take more than a few squabbles to separate them.” Felix looked at Sebastian. “Olivia has been through enough. She already thought you left. I think it’s best if you weren’t here when she and Finn return.”
“We were just discussing that.” Sebastian perched on a floral love seat. “Hadley agreed that Olivia would want me to be at her birthday dinner.”
Hadley jumped up. “I never said anything of the sort.”
“Maybe not in so many words. But your eyes got misty and your mouth trembled,” Sebastian explained. “I’m an artist. I’m good at interpreting body language.”
“It’s not my first choice. But if Hadley thinks it’s important to Olivia, we can forgive you one last time,” Felix relented. “You can attend her dinner but I don’t think you should stay at the villa.” He scooped up a handful of pistachio nuts. “Perhaps you can stay with Eric and his wife at their hotel suite if all the other hotels are booked.”
“That’s an excellent plan.” Hadley gathered her keys. “I’ll drive Sebastian myself.”
“I’m afraid you can’t get out. There’s a car blocking the driveway,” Felix said to Hadley. “Did we invite someone to dinner?”
“I didn’t get a chance to tell you. Sebastian ordered an appraisal of The Miller Girls.” She smoothed her skirt. “He thinks someone could steal it from under our nose.”
“That is a good idea.” Felix nodded. “I’ve been meaning to do it for years.”
“The appraiser is in the library.” Sebastian turned to Felix. “While he’s here you should have him look at the Andrew Wyeth sketch. It could be worth the price of a small car.”
“What Andrew Wyeth sketch?” Felix asked.
“Last night I ate dinner alone in the study.” Sebastian paused. “I was looking for a pad and pencil and discovered it in the desk drawer. I think it’s from his ‘Mill’ series. Didn’t you know it was there?”
“I never poke around the furniture. But it’s entirely possible.” Felix rubbed his forehead. “My parents used to have parties with artists and writers. I remember my father mentioning Andrew Wyeth but he never said anything about a sketch.”
“Andy probably brought it as a housewarming present.” Sebastian took Felix’s arm. “I’ll introduce you to the appraiser. Afterward I’ll tell you about the time I stayed at Andy’s farm in Maine. He had such an affinity with the landscape. No one captured American provincial in the same way.”
Hadley watched them walk down the hallway and bit her lip. She knew exactly what Sebastian was doing. By the time they finished discussing art, Felix would suggest Sebastian stay in the guest room.
She heard a car and ran to the entry. Finn stepped out of the Mini Cooper and opened Olivia’s door.
“Darling,” Hadley said and smiled. “I’m so glad you’re both here.”
“We couldn’t find Sebastian. He’s gone.” Olivia entered the hallway. Her cheeks were flushed and her blond hair was tucked behind her ears.
“I was terribly upset but you’ll never guess what happened. Finn and I made up and he gave me this.” Olivia held out her hand. “We’re engaged and I’ve never been so happy.”
“It’s stunning,” Hadley gasped, admiring the sparkling diamond ring. “Felix will open a bottle of champagne and we’ll celebrate.”
“Where is Felix?” Olivia wondered. “I wanted to thank him for a wonderful evening.”
Hadley walked to the bar and poured two glasses of scotch. She handed them to Finn and Olivia and waved at the sofa. “I think you better sit down.”
“Did anything happen to Felix?” Olivia asked. “He had a couple of glasses of wine at dinner and the roads are so treacherous.”
“Felix is perfectly safe.” Hadley looked up. “He’s in the library with Sebastian.”
“Sebastian!” Olivia exclaimed. “But he left a note. We searched the airport and he was already gone.”
“Apparently he changed his mind.” Hadley paused. “He wants to stay for your birthday dinner.”
“I didn’t think I was going to see him again.” Olivia’s eyes watered. “Of course I want him to stay but…”
“He may be your father but he’s caused you a lot of trauma,” Hadley urged. “You’re entitled to ask him to leave.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. I want Sebastian here more than anything.”
“My god! Look who’s here.” Sebastian appeared in the doorway. “I was getting a scotch and soda for the appraiser. You two are positively glowing. Having a small argument agrees with you.”
“I’m glad you’re back.” Olivia kissed Sebastian on the cheek. “Felix and I combed St. Jean airport and couldn’t find you.”
“I’m terribly sorry. I’d stab myself in the heart if I could take back the trouble I caused. I came to make amends and instead made everything worse. I never meant to hurt you, you’re the most important thing in the world.” Sebastian’s eyes were dark. “If you can forgive me, I’d love to stay for your birthday dinner.”
“Of course you’re going to stay,” Olivia insisted. “Finn will take your bag upstairs.”
Sebastian glanced at Olivia’s hand and whistled. “Is that what I think it is? The cut is exquisite and the clarity is first class. I’ve never seen such an exceptional ring.”
“I designed it myself,” Finn admitted. “I wanted something elegant and timeless.”
“You succeeded. This calls for a toast.” Sebastian nodded. “Where does Felix keep his best cognac?”
“Don’t you touch his Rémy Martin,” Hadley warned Sebastian. “Felix is going to open a bottle of Dom Pérignon.”
“That’s even better.” Sebastian smiled. “It’s a beautiful night, why don’t we sit on the patio? Felix and Olivia ate dinner but I bet the rest of us are starving. I’ll rustle up some jumbo prawns and tartar sauce.”
Hadley followed Sebastian into the kitchen. “You’ve made the last few days impossible for everyone; if it were up to me I’d insist you leave. But it is Olivia’s birthday and she wants you to stay.” She took a deep breath. “If you create any more mischief, I will tie you up and toss you off the side of a speedboat.” She paused. “Nothing will make me happier than seeing you sink into the ocean.”
* * *
They sat at the glass table on the patio and ate succulent prawns and crusty bread. There was sliced mango and caramboles. Hadley inhaled the scent of cut grass and freesia.
“I’d like to make a toast.” Sebastian stood. “When I arrived in St. Barts, I congratulated Olivia on bypassing young thugs and heartless playboys and finding a prince. The last couple of days have been challenging but Finn passed with flying colors. I’m so happy that they’re engaged.
“When Olivia was young, I wished for one thing: that I could put her in a bottle and stop time,” he chuckled. “If I figured out how to do that, I could buy the whole island. The next best thing is to see Olivia become a poised young woman. She’s exactly like her mother so I’m confident she chose the right man.” He turned to Finn and Olivia. “I wish you a lifetime of happiness. Now I think I should turn the floor over to someone who really deserves it.” He pointed to Felix. “The man who raised Olivia.”
Felix stood up and fiddled with his glass.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t admit tensions have run high the last few days. My wife’s ex-husband and father of my stepdaughter makes for an unlikely house guest. I haven’t been thrilled with all of Sebastian’s actions since he arrived, but I can’t complain because he gave me the two things I value most.” He paused. “Being Hadley’s husband is the high point of my life but being Olivia’s father is even more. Olivia has taught me what it’s like to love without needing a return. Seeing her blossom into a gracious young woman is its own reward. The best moment in a parent’s life is when your child finds someone who loves her as much as you do. Olivia found that in Finn and I know they are going to be extremely happy.”
Felix kissed Olivia on the cheek and Hadley blinked back sudden tears. Sebastian patt
ed Felix on the back and turned to Olivia.
“How could I forget,” Sebastian said suddenly, reaching into his leather bag. “I have a gift for the happy couple.”
“How did you know we were getting engaged?” Olivia opened the parcel and took out a brightly colored woven blanket.
“It was given to me by the Basotho people in Lesotho,” Sebastian explained. “It’s a tiny village so high in the hills it’s called the ‘roof of Africa.’
“I’ve always believed that the bed is the most important place in a marriage. It’s where you talk about your goals and imagine anything is possible.” He pointed to the purple fabric. “See the ear of corn? It’s the symbol of fertility and good fortune.”
“They’re barely engaged,” Hadley murmured, twisting her necklace. “It’s a little early to talk about grandchildren.”
“I think it’s wonderful.” Olivia hugged Sebastian. “It’s our first present and we’ll keep it forever.”
“I’ll get the coffees.” Hadley stood. “I told Esther she could go home early.”
She crossed the patio and saw Sebastian walk to the swimming pool. The moon glinted on his hair and tears streamed down his cheeks. Hadley started toward him and then changed her mind and hurried into the kitchen.
* * *
Hadley rinsed plates in the sink and hummed “Fly Me to the Moon.” Olivia and Finn had gone to Bonito for aperitifs and Felix and Sebastian were in the library.
“I haven’t heard that song in thirty years,” Sebastian said as he entered the kitchen. “I thought having raised a daughter you’d be into hip-hop and rap. Don’t all mothers acquire their children’s musical tastes because it’s the only thing they hear on the radio?”
“What are you doing here?” Hadley asked.
“Felix and the appraiser were discussing Fauvism.” He shrugged. “I thought I’d make myself useful.”
“I don’t need help.” Hadley turned back to the sink. “I’m loading everything into the dishwasher.”
“I love doing the dishes.” He picked up a dish towel. “Don’t you remember what a good team we were at the guesthouse in Cape Town?”
“You sat around reading Ladies’ Home Journal while I did all the work,” Hadley retorted. “My fingers were shriveled and yours were as smooth as a baby’s.”
