Chapter 22
“You….you sky-dived?” Lucas finally found his voice. How was that even possible?
Sarah glanced at him angered he didn’t believe her. But how was he supposed to know?
“Did you know?” Alan looked at Ruth.
“Well of course I did. I’m her editor,” Ruth snorted. “I’ve read every Rosemary story ever written even the short stories she wrote in high school. Who do you think encouraged her to submit a book to my father? I mean, the entire first book was based on her high school and teaching experience.”
Alan and Lucas stared at her. Put that way it did make sense. In fact it was glaringly obvious.
“Sarah spent five months in Paris with the proceeds from the first book,” Ruth continued. “That’s how it all started. Traveling for experience and writing about it later.”
“But…why the big secret?” Alan asked. “The hair and makeup and glasses…”
“Because she didn’t want her family butting into her business.”
“Ruth!” Sarah snapped.
“Oh…sorry. I know you don’t like to talk about it.”
“Family?” Lucas repeated. “You mean your father and brother?”
“I don’t have a father or a brother as far as I’m concerned,” Sarah glared at him.
Lucas stared at her. Her disgust and anger was hard to miss. It practically radiated off of her. What the hell happened between her and her family for her to turn her back on them? Before he could ask there was a sudden knock on the door. They both jumped at the intrusion unsure who it could be.
“Oh, that’s probably Tailor,” Ruth announced. “I.sent him a 9-1-1 text in the elevator. I figured he’d drop everything and hurry over.”
Sarah nodded still checking the peep hole before opening the door to reveal a lanky, middle-aged man Lucas instantly recognized. Taking two steps into the hotel room Tailor immediately embraced Sarah in a comforting hug before evaluating the scene in front of him at a glance.
“Grandpa Tailor!” Zoe exclaimed running up to him.
Smiling he scooped her up and hugged her as she threw her arms around him. Lucas was jealous. Just who was this man who earned his daughter’s adoration and trust after single-handedly ending her parents’ marriage?
“Mommy and I went to the park! And we rode in a carriage! And then we went to the zoo! We got to ride a
camel!”
“My, my you’ve had a busy day haven’t you?” Tailor laughed. His gaze settled on Lucas gauging his response.
“Do you want to see pictures?” Zoe asked.
“Maybe later,” Tailor said. “I need to talk to your mommy first. Why don’t you sit with your auntie for a bit, all right?”
“Okay!” Zoe seemed a little disappointed but returned to Ruth.
“Mister Stanton,” Tailor acknowledged after he was sure she was preoccupied.
“Just who the hell are you?” Lucas demanded.
“As I told you before, I’m Sarah’s counselor.”
“My daughter just called you grandpa.”
Though Lucas declaring Zoe his daughter had to be a shock, Tailor gave no outward sign. As a lawyer he was used to hostile confrontations. With a sigh he merely said, “Shall we have a seat?”
Gently guiding Sarah to the table in the kitchenette Tailor helped her sit before taking his own seat. Lucas plopped into one across from them his gaze darting from Sarah to Zoe and back again. He had so many questions but with her lawyer present he wasn’t sure he’d get answers.
“Sarah’s father was my best friend,” Tailor explained. “Sarah and Samuel grew up calling me uncle and I was more than happy to take up the role. I never had children of my own, you see.”
Lucas sighed not really interested in Tailor’s life story.
“That being said I think of Zoe was my granddaughter so I’m quite happy to play the role of her grandfather as she will not know any other.”
“What about…” Lucas hesitated as Sarah flinched. He was certain her father was still alive but judging from her reaction it was not a subject she wanted to discuss. His brow furrowed. Was she estranged from her father? How? When?
Tailor cleared his throat. He looked at Sarah asking, “So how much does he know? Rosemary?”
Sara nodded not speaking.
“I see.” Tailor turned back to Lucas. “What exactly do you want Mister Stanton?”
“I want my family.”
“And what brought this on? You didn’t seem to care four years ago.”
“Don’t…” Lucas was ready to leap to his feet but held back not wanting to draw Zoe’s attention. He took a deep breath trying to calm himself and order his thoughts. “Four years ago was a mistake. I admit that. If I could take it back I would. I-I want to start over…with Sarah.”
His gaze went to her hoping she would see his sincerity but she refused to look at him. Tailor, meanwhile, kept a close eye on him reading every nuance. Four years ago he thought he had read Lucas quite clearly but now Tailor was puzzled by this change of heart. It really did seem like Lucas wanted to patch up their marriage. But why?
“I believe I should have a word with my client in private. Mister Stanton wait here please,” Tailor stood offering a hand to Sarah and directing her to one of the bedrooms. When Lucas moved to follow Tailor bade
