Chapter 29
He could have lost both Sarah and Zoe in one instant and never known. Just the thought of what might have been sent his mind into overdrive. If Zoe hadn’t survived scenes like yesterday at the zoo would never have happened. How would Sarah have coped with the loss alone? Without comfort or anyone to share the burden and pain?
And Sarah…what if she hadn’t survived? It was unlikely anyone would have told him. He would have gone on searching never knowing it was futile. What would have happened to Zoe then? Would Ruth have taken her in? Maybe the Grandma Ya-Ya she mentioned? Tailor? Would he even have been given a chance to meet his daughter and mourn Sarah’s loss?
God! He was such an i***t!
Unaware of his inner turmoil Zoe happily hummed as she ate. Under her chair Daisy waited for any morsels she might drop. Despite her difficult entry into the world Zoe was full of energy. One would never guess she had been premature and struggled to survive.
Alan cleared his throat with a loud A-hem! Somehow it stirred Lucas from his thoughts. His gaze went again to the little girl happily eating her breakfast. He was struck with the desire to keep her within sight at all times. Whether it was fatherly instincts to protect his family or just desperation not to lose them again he didn’t know but he was determined to keep both safe.
“Morning Señora,” Ulima smiled as Sarah came down the stairs.
Lucas tore his gaze from Zoe to marvel at the new vision. Her attire was simple and functional: jeans, denim jacket and an orange, gold and red striped shirt. The colors popped against the faded blue denim. Yet despite the simplicity, Lucas was memorized studying her every curve tantalizingly hinted by the way the jeans and shirt hugged her. Did he really think her plain? How had he been so blind?
Though she tried to ignore him her gaze briefly met his before she looked away. A pink tinge came to her cheeks. Lucas wasn’t sure if she was embarrassed by his brazen stare or if she had noticed his own toned form stretching the fabric of his t-shirt. He hoped it was the latter.
From a young age his grandmother instilled the need to be physically fit and healthy so he had always maintained a strict workout schedule though yesterday was a reminder he neglected cardio in favor of strength training. A situation he would rectify to ensure he could keep up with Zoe. If he planned to keep her in sight he couldn’t let her run circles around him.
“Here, you are,” Ulima smiled handing Sarah a steaming cup.
Sarah accepted with a stiff smile aware she was still being watched. Bringing it close to her lips she hesitated sniffing it before taking a sip. Suddenly her stiff expression eased and she smiled genuinely.
“You remembered!”
“Of course I did,” Ulima was indignant that anyone thought she would fail her duties because she would forget something so simple. “You always liked to start your day with honey-lemon tea because you liked to
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to begin with something sweet and refreshing.”
Sarah blushed but her expression remained soft and pleased, It seemed she and Ulima really had gotten along which made the fact Sarah let the housekeeper go even more bizarre. But It also highlighted again how little Lucas actually knew. They knew she liked tea based on the amount she stored in the kitchen but he
hadn’t realized she preferred certain ones depending on the time of day.
“Mommy, Ulima made breakfast!” Zoe excitedly exclaimed. “She made eggs!”
Trying her best to ignore the men in the room who kept staring at her Sarah sat next to Zoe saying, “Oh huevos rancheros. It looks delicious.”
“Moment, señora,” Ulima announced,
Before Sarah could protest Ulima delivered a plate and set it in front of her. Ulima smiled enjoying the amazed and somewhat resigned look Sarah gave her. Without a word the housekeeper set a bottle of Tabasco in front of her knowing full well Sarah was partial to spicy foods. Shaking her head Sarah nonetheless sprinkled the sauce on her breakfast happy to once again enjoy Ulima’s cooking.
“Aren’t you going to eat?” Zoe asked looking at Alan then Lucas.
“Oh,” Alan hesitated. “We don’t really eat in the morning!
“Mommy says breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” Zoe said. “You should always have one with, plenty of protein and vitamins.”
“Your mommy’s a smart woman,” Ulima said setting a plate in front of Alan and another on the table with a pointed look at Lucas.
He hesitated but he didn’t want to set a bad example for his daughter. Lucas sat down glancing at Sarah who was back to ignoring him.
Baby steps.
With a sigh Lucas picked up the Tabasco and sprinkled it on his eggs and salsa.
“Mommy! Daddy likes spicy food just like you!” Zoe exclaimed.
“That’s why I never steal food from his plate,” Alan said with a shiver. “And why I always keep breath mints handy for after.”
Zoe giggled while Lucas glared at him with a silent promise to pay him back. The threat was mild as Sarah quietly chuckled. Lucas glanced in her direction feeling his cheeks warm. Normally he hated embarrassing situations but hearing her laugh in his presence he found he didn’t actually mind all that much. Sarah glanced at him and seeing he was watching her quickly looked away again.
Baby steps.
“So…you have plans today?” Alan asked trying to keep the mood light.
“Statue of Liberty!” Zoe bounced in her seat.
Sarah smiled, “I bought our reservations online this morning so as soon as we’re done eating we can drive. out to the Battery. We can look at the memorials before we get on the ferry.”
