To Thine Own Self - Page 136/155

Her attention was brought to the present when Alex returned.

She smiled at him. "I wondered where you got off to."

"I wanted to talk to Da … my father." He glanced at the suitcase. "You must be ready to go."

It was impossible to tell if that idea was troubling. She shrugged.

"There's no point in waiting until the last minute."

Without responding, he walked over to the window and stood. Hands in pockets, his suit jacket was pulled back and he was staring absently outside. Had he changed his mind again now that passion wasn't ruling his mind? What did he need to discuss with his father that required him to go while she was asleep? An uneasy feeling began in her stomach. Maybe the need to placate his father had spawned the decision to call off the divorce. Maybe he did want the inheritance after all. The idea that Alondra might have a son might never have occurred to him. It could have been Felipa - with the man of his father's choice. But he didn't want the inheritance - or was he merely reluctant? Did he want to be coaxed or cajoled? Maybe he wasn't as sure of himself as he pretended. Maybe money meant more to him than he confessed.

Something inside snapped and she felt sick with another thought. Maybe he was afraid she would take half of what he had taken a lifetime to acquire. That might convince him to reconsider divorce. If so, that would leave her with an unhappy husband.

He turned from the window, focusing on her. Instantly he looked concerned.

"Are you feeling ill?"

She nodded, sitting down on the bed. That was exactly how she felt.

He sat down beside her and put an arm around her.

"Is it your shoulder? Is there anything I can do? Maybe lifting that suitcase …"

"It's not my shoulder," she interrupted and then sighed. "I just feel sad."

Comprehension unknotted his brows. "Oh. I suppose the atmosphere is a little depressing around here right now."

Of course it was depressing, and he must be feeling pretty bad right now. She should be supporting him, not moping around imagining the worst. Did it actually matter why he had changed his mind? She had the opportunity to make that change permanent. Her world revolved around him. Why not demonstrate that adoration? He could use it right now.

She took a deep breath and let it out. "Well, I'm the one who decides whether I let darkness control me or I overcome it." She smiled up at him. "I've got the best looking man in the world by my side. Why should I be unhappy?"