Page 24 of The Senator's Wife

“Sloane, you can’t keep things like this from me. I’m your husband, and I love you. If you’re not well, I’m the first one you should tell. As a matter of fact, I want to go with you when you see the doctor. I want to be with you through this.”

“But you’re so busy…”

He shook his head. “Not too busy for you. Your health is the most important thing.”

She felt relief flood through her. “I didn’t want to burden you. Especially so soon.”

“That’s nonsense. Iwantto be here for you. In sickness and in health, remember?”

She nodded.

“How about I make you a cup of your favorite tea. I have time before I need to go back. We can sit together for a while.”

“I’d love that. Thanks.”

“Okay. Be right back. And promise me, no more secrets.”

She nodded, but it was a promise she was unwilling to make.

- 20 -

ATHENA

Emmy surprised Sloane by flying home for the weekend. She and Sloane had been out all morning, and Athena had taken the opportunity to call Clint and bring him up to date. They’d agreed from the beginning that it was safer for her to communicate with him from the mobile phone she kept locked in the glove compartment of her car.

She’d taken a long walk after they spoke, savoring the fresh air and sun on her face, and the freedom just to be herself. She got back to the house a little after Emmy and Sloane returned and went up to check on Sloane. The bedroom door was slightly ajar, and she poked her head in. Sloane was sitting on the love seat, scribbling away on a yellow legal pad. She stopped writing and looked up when she saw Athena.

“Come in,” she called.

Her color seemed better, her face more relaxed, Athena noticed. “You look like you’re feeling better,” she said.

“Idofeel better.” Sloane smiled brightly. “And I’m thrilled to have my daughter here.”

“I can see that.”

“I’ve missed her so much.”

“It’s hard to be apart from the people you love.” Athena felt a pang of loneliness.

“Yes. But it helps to know she’s happy in California.”

“Do I hear myself being talked about?” Emmy said as she swept into the room with a flourish.

“Hi, sweetheart, only good things.”

Athena moved toward the door. “Why don’t I leave you two alone? I’ll go down and see what’s happening with dinner.”

Emmy pivoted to her. “Oh, wait. I’ll come with you. Help you.”

“Go ahead. Off with both of you,” Sloane said, waving them away and returning her attention to whatever she’d been writing.

“We didn’t really have much of a chance to talk last night when I got in,” Emmy said as they walked side by side down the stairs. “It’s still early. How about a cup of tea and a chat?”

This was precisely what Athena had been hoping for, and she’d been about to make the same suggestion. With Emmy living in California, this might be the only chance she’d have to probe. “Sure,” she said.

Yvette was busy at work in the kitchen when they entered. “Hey, Yvette. We’re going to make some tea,” Emmy said.

“I’ll do that for you,” Yvette said.

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