Page 56 of Kyle
He did so reluctantly and after taking a deep breath, she tackled the breakfast he had prepared. Not even minding that the eggs were runny and the toast slightly burned.
It was a labor of love, and she was going to enjoy it. Polishing off the meal, she kept glancing over to where he was seated, eyes trained on the documents in front of him.
Between bites, she frowned at the stack of papers he was working through, curiosity getting the better of her. "What's so important that it couldn't wait until after breakfast?" she teased, her tone gentler now.
Kyle glanced up, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Just some contracts. Nothing that matters more than you."
Relenting, she let herself relax, feeling the familiar warmth of their banter fill the room.
*****
The house sparkled and glittered with Christmas lights. He had no idea until now that his wife was a holiday junkie. She went overboard with the decorations and their elegant apartment just leaned slightly away from being gaudy.
She had them prop a giant Santa complete with a bag of fake gifts on the roof. All around said roof, red, white and green lights glimmered, vying against the midnight blue sky dotted with what seemed like millions of stars.
Inside, the Douglas Pine scented the air and was overburdened by tinsels and bulbs. A huge star sat proudly on top and on one branch alone, angels, cherubs, gnomes, elves and fairies danced.
The mantel had giant stockings with names etched on the white fur. Beneath the tree, gifts piled high. The spiral staircase was encased in red, green and white tinsels. The scent of baking permeated the air, and he had to admit that it had been a good idea to get the housekeeper to come back.
The woman was as fit as a fiddle and eager to work.
And he watched her like a hawk. She was not allowed to do anything. The doctors had ordered rest and relaxation and that was exactly what she would be doing. He was making sure of it.
She pouted and argued, but he would not budge. She was allowed to take calls from her assistant, but nothing more strenuous. He was determined to see to it that she takes it easy.
He also wondered if it was a good idea to have his and her relatives over.
"I thought you would just invite your brother and Andre over. Not your parents." He was worried the tension would stress her out.
"I think it's time some fences are mended."
"And you think that inviting them over and not telling them about Andre is going to do the trick?" Moving up behind her, he took the clasp of the ruby necklace and fastened it. His fingers lingered on her skin, his eyes meeting hers in the mirror. She looked rested, he noticed with relief. And he intended to keep it that way.
"Do they even know about Andre?"
"No." She shook her head when he narrowed his eyes. "I just want them to see what kind of person he is."
"That's not your call."
"If it's left up to Matthew, he won't budge." She turned to face him, fussing with the collar of his burgundy shirt. "I'm tired of seeing him so unhappy. It's time they deal with who he is. I love him and cannot bear to see him hurting."
He reflected briefly on his sister and wondered if he should be doing the same.
"What you're doing is called interfering and I hope to God it doesn't backfire on you." He warned.
She met his gaze, her expression resolute. "I'm willing to take that risk. Things can't stay the way they are forever. This is the push they all need." There was a moment of silence as the weight of her words settled between them, the soft glow of the Christmas lights casting shifting patterns on the walls.
He sighed, knowing her mind was made up, and silently hoped that the holiday spirit would help bridge the gaps that had lingered too long.
"So?" She stepped back, determined not to spoil the Christmas spirit. "How do I look?"
"Like the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." He said sincerely. The plum-colored blousy dress gathered at the collar and swirled in a whirl of pleats from the neck down to her knees. She had decided to leave her hair loose and the thick coils tumbled around her shoulders, the fire red tips gleaming in the overhead light. She had put on a little makeup, highlighting her flawless complexion. Her lips were the same exact shade of the dress.
"Ready?" He asked her softly.
Taking a deep breath, she nodded and hesitated briefly.
"What is it?"
