As the room erupted in chatter, Brent entered. “Francis, now that Claire knows you’re here, would you like to go downstairs with me? There’s a lot of estrogen in this room.”
Francis nodded. “I’m not sure of estro-gen, but if there be less laughing ladies, I say yes.” He reached for Claire’s hand. “Madame el, we are so happy to be here. Thank you.”
Claire squeezed his large hand. “Thank you. I feel better having you two here.”
It wasn’t until near the end of the baby shower that Courtney’s doorbell rang. Claire didn’t need to look: she knew who couldn’t stay away. When she did glance toward the door, despite the crowded room, her eyes met his and her heart melted. She saw the satisfaction in his devilish grin—he’d successfully surprised her.
Tony wasn’t alone. Phil, who looked tired, was with him. After a moment, Phil excused himself to join the men downstairs, and Tony walked toward Claire. The floor and table around her were cluttered with gifts. “Well, my dear, it looks like our little man made out like a bandit. Are you pleased with all your gifts?”
“They’re not for Momma. They’re for my brover,” Nichol corrected.
With her eyes still on her husband, Claire replied, “I love all my gifts, and I can’t believe you surprised me like this. How could they be here for two days and you not tell me?”
Tony chuckled. “It was difficult. I didn’t even let Roach know until this afternoon. I wasn’t sure he’d be able to keep it from you. As soon as I told him, he insisted that he come over here with me to see them.” Tony turned toward Madeline. Bowing slightly at the waist, he said, “Hello, Madeline. Welcome.”
“Monsieur.”
“Claire,” Courtney asked, “do you remember yesterday when you wanted to come over and help me get ready for the shower?”
Claire nodded.
“Now do you understand why I said you couldn’t? Madeline and I were cooking.”
Claire reached for Madeline’s hand. “Oh, cooking with you! I love cooking with you.”
“You still cook?” Emily asked jokingly.
“Well, not really, but I did on the island. Madeline taught me some of the most amazing dishes.”
“Oui, Madame el, we may cook.” Madeline looked out the window. “I think the seafood here may not be as fresh.”
“You make a list, Madeline,” Tony said. “For your fantastic meals, I’ll get you whatever you need and as fresh as possible.”
Her cheeks lifted as her eyes went to her lap. “Monsieur, you’re always too kind.”
THAT EVENING CLAIRE, Tony, Shannon, Phil, Taylor, Madeline, and Francis all sat around the living room of the Rawlings estate and chatted. Each time Madeline would try to do something for Claire, Claire would remind her that she was a guest in their home.
“No. We come to help you, not to be waited upon.”
“You’ve already helped me. I know everything will go well now that you two are here.”
Francis’s smile lit up the room. “We have been praying for you and this little boy since Monsieur called. Everything will be well with you and with him; we know that.”
Claire wasn’t sure how a proclamation like that could ease her anxiety, but it did. A peace settled over them like a blanket that warmed and comforted not only the room or the estate but also her. At first Claire thought it was only she who felt it, but as the weeks progressed she knew that it affected everyone. Nichol was head over heels in love with Francis and Madeline, and the feeling was mutual. They doted over her like grandparents. Nichol would sit for hours and listen to Francis’ stories of the island and paradise, just as Claire remembered doing when she lived with them.
Whether it was Shannon or the cooks, no one seemed to mind having Madeline’s assistance. She was everyone’s friend. It wasn’t until after the first of the year that Madeline told Claire the secret that apparently only she hadn’t fully recognized.
“Madame el, you have a blessed house.” She and Claire were folding small blue and green sleepers and other tiny clothes.
“Thank you, Madeline. I agree.”
Suddenly a large dark hand covered hers. “We prayed for love and guidance in your lives. You have so many people who care.”
“I do. Thank you for reminding me.”
“And Monsieur Phil, it makes Francis and me happy to see him with someone who truly loves him, too.”
Claire’s eyes opened wide. “Monsieur Phil? We all love him. I don’t know what we’d do without him.”
“Oui, but not that kind of love: the kind like exists between you and Monsieur Rawlings—it’s written all over their faces.”
“Do you mean Taylor?” Claire asked as she stopped what she was doing and tried to remember. Had she been so caught up in everything to do with herself that she hadn’t seen it? Perhaps she had. She mentioned it once to Tony, but that was a long time ago. Claire contemplated Madeline’s information. She knew better than to question Madeline. The sweet woman undoubtedly had a sixth sense about everything and everyone. “I don’t think I realized.” Her emerald eyes sparkled. “I’m happy for them… but they haven’t mentioned it, so we’d better pretend like we don’t know.”
Madeline continued to fold and put clothes into the cherry dresser. “Words are not the only way we communicate. You can give your blessing through your actions. I believe he’s afraid to tell you.”