“You’re right.” Sophie hugged her mother tightly; the comfort of her mother’s embrace was exactly what she needed. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you too, baby girl, more than you will ever know.” Her mother held her. “You are my favorite person in this whole world and I don’t like seeing you sad.”
“I’m gonna be okay.” Sophie wiped her eyes. “I like this more mature version of you, Mom.”
“It was about time, don’t you think? I only wish I could have made the debut years ago.” Her mother squeezed her hand. “It would have helped my mothering skills.”
“I wouldn’t change a thing,” Sophie insisted. “Mel and I have some good news for you.”
“It’s about time this sappy love fest was over,” Mel piped in. Sophie laughed because she noticed Mel’s watery eyes. “And don’t worry, she’s not gonna tell you that we’re lesbian lovers.” Mel smiled evilly.
Sophie couldn’t help but laugh and her mother followed suit. Laughing felt good, she wanted to find her happiness again.
Her mother listened excitedly as the two of them told her of their business plan and the immediate plans for the cookie café. Sophie’s mother’s reaction was encouraging as she asked questions. Sophie and Mel planned to spend the rest of the day finishing the business proposal for the investor and organize the renovations that had to take place. Dustin’s brother, Christian, was a contractor and agreed to take on the project. The plumbing did not need to be altered and only minor electrical was required to acquire proper outlets for their equipment.
“And your job at the restaurant? And with Mrs. Darcy?” Sophie’s mother asked.
“I’ll give my notice at the restaurant once our financing is official and my job with Margaret is flexible.”
“I am proud of you girls. This is exciting and you seem to have all your bases covered. I hope to be your first customer.”
When Sophie’s mom left, her spirits were considerably lifted. It was nice to focus on something other than the upheaval within her heart.
Sophie and Mel spent the rest of the afternoon making phone calls to confirm their numbers before sending their final business plan to John. When they were finished, Sophie called Margaret to get an update. Margaret was excited to announce that Ashton was on the way to take her home. Sophie made plans to meet her at her house. She was planning to stay with Margaret for a couple of days until she was healed, taking a couple days off work from the restaurant. Hearing Margaret speak Ashton’s name brought an ache to her chest. She hoped that she wouldn’t run into him because she knew how difficult it would be. She wasn’t ready yet.
When Sophie arrived at Margaret’s house, she was surprised to hear so many voices coming from the sitting room. “Hello, Charlotte,” Sophie greeted as she set her bags down in the entrance way.
“Ashton’s parents are in town visiting Margaret. They’re expecting you.” Charlotte gave her an encouraging wave toward the voices.
“I don’t want to intrude. I’ll let them have their family time.”
“Nonsense. They have been looking forward to meeting the girl that Margaret and their son are always fussing about.”
“What?” Sophie suddenly felt terrified.
“Go on. I’ll put your bags in your room,” Charlotte insisted.
Sophie forced her legs to walk into the room. She was nervous to meet Ashton’s parents. Sophie suddenly wished she had worn something nicer than her favorite jeans and a pale green T-shirt, when her eyes settled on two finely dressed people. Sophie recognized them as Ashton’s parents immediately. Ashton had his father’s dominating presence with amazing bone structure, with his mother’s coloring and bright blue eyes. They turned to study Sophie as she entered. Sophie forced a pleasant smile on her face, ignoring the nerves clawing at her insides.
“Hello, Sophie,” Margaret welcomed her. She was sitting on the sofa with a blanket over her legs, resting. Sophie was relieved to see her coloring had improved even more since yesterday. Both Ashton’s parents stood up as Sophie approached. Ashton’s father extended a hand as she neared. His features reminded her of Ashton.
“Nice to meet you, Sophie. I’m Marcus and this is Bridgette. We have heard so much about you.”
“Hopefully only the good things. It’s nice to meet you too. I have grown rather fond of Margaret and you have a wonderful son as well,” Sophie offered politely. They smiled welcomingly in return.
“So you think I’m wonderful?” Ashton’s voice startled her as he approached her from behind.
“Ashton? I didn’t know you were here.” Ashton’s smell enveloped her. He leaned down and kissed his grandmother’s cheek before coming to stand next to his parents.
“I can see why Ashton is so captivated by you. You are quite the vision,” Bridgette complimented.
“Thank you, Bridgette. You are too kind.”
Sophie looked up and caught Ashton’s eyes on her. She knew that the truth was he was the one that captivated her. Her resolve was crumbling.
“Sorry to interrupt but I wanted to see if Sophie wanted this with her.” Charlotte entered the room carrying the wrapped canvas with her. “Or in her room with her bags?”
“My room is fine. Thank you, Charlotte.”
“Is that a painting? I have heard of your wonderful talent,” Bridgette asked, eyeing the large package.
Sophie felt her face heat. She hadn’t intended to make a big deal about the painting she had made for Margaret. “Yes. It’s just something I did for Margaret. I was planning on giving it to her later,” Sophie tried to dismiss nonchalantly.
“Did you paint me something?” Margaret beamed, making her appear youthful.
“Yes. I wanted to thank you for all that you have done for me,” Sophie offered nervously.
“You are so sweet.” Margaret reached for Sophie’s hand, giving her an affectionate squeeze.
“Bring it here, Charlotte,” Bridgette requested.
Sophie had to stay her fingers from twisting a hole in her shirt. Ashton looked slightly amused at her anxious behavior. Ashton leaned in next to her. “You look sexy as hell when you’re nervous.” His breath against her ear made her insides melt. She wanted to taste his lips. She was defenseless against his charms. I have to be strong! I can’t keep falling into this cycle that will have me running scared because I don’t know if Lucinda still has a claim on him. How could she protect her heart when it so willingly wanted to sacrifice itself up for slaughter, even with the memory of him and Lucinda so vivid in her mind from the coffee shop?
“Can I open it?” Margaret asked, looking at the painting excitedly.
“Oh…of course, it’s for you. You may open it whenever you like.” Sophie noted everyone’s eyes on her, especially the hot gaze of Ashton. Sophie held her breath as Margaret untied the sting, pulling back the paper to expose the picture that she created. Margaret’s hand immediately went to her mouth to stifle a gasp. For a moment Sophie’s heart felt like it stilled in her chest, unsure of what Margaret would say. Sophie watched as tears filled Margaret’s eyes.
“It’s beautiful.” Margaret sobbed gently. “You have captured everything about him that I loved more than life.” Margaret ran her fingers over her late husband’s features so lovingly it almost pained Sophie to watch. The look in Margaret’s eyes spoke of the love she held for him. Sophie looked up and noticed Bridgette’s tears as well.
Marcus gently touched Sophie’s shoulder. “Thank you.” The appreciation in his eyes was touching. She hadn’t realized how much the picture would affect those who knew the man in the painting.
“Yes. Thank you for this. This is the closest I have felt to him since the day he left this world.” Margaret smiled through her tears.
“I’m glad you like it.” Sophie’s heart swelled, these people loved him very much, and it was written on all of their faces.
Ashton ran his fingers gently down the length of her back, giving Sophie shivers. She wasn’t sure why Ashton insisted on touching her. She had said her goodbye but she couldn’t bring herself to stop him. He stood too close, his addictive smell called to her. His face was so perfect it was impossible not to want to look at him, to want to touch him. If only he would give her some space to clear her head of his spell. Sophie answered Marcus and Bridgette’s questions, and let them know her paintings would be displayed in Mr. Heshman’s art gallery. “It is so good knowing that Margaret is being well cared for.” Bridgette touched Sophie’s forearm. “And I have never seen my son so taken with anyone like he is with you. We have been looking forward to meeting you.”