Cami smiled. “Delphine brought him downstairs and I introduced them to your mother who was speechless. I have to tell you that Delphine is the perfect person to be his nanny. She handled those first silent moments with your mother with such grace and respect, I was stunned.”
“What about you? How did she treat you?”
“Your mother was civil.”
Raoul stopped pacing. “That’s what I was afraid of.”
“Please don’t misunderstand. The second she saw Alain, everything changed for her.”
* * *
Raoul loved this woman who was trying her best to defend his mother. He moved closer. Using his free hand, he traced h
er beautiful features with his index finger. “Do you have any idea how wonderful you are?”
She averted her eyes. “Y-You’re not listening to me,” her voice faltered. “When I saw her to the door, I could tell she’d undergone a shock and I felt sorry for her. Alain is so adorable and she’s missed out on the joy of watching her only grandson grow to this point. No doubt she has suffered over the loss of Celine, just as you have.”
He loved the depths of this woman. “When I call to thank her for the gift, I’ll tell her she can see him whenever she wants. We’ll see if she can talk my father into coming around. But it’s you I need to thank for being you and knowing how to deal with this whole ugly situation.”
She was trembling. “Don’t forget Delphine was a saint.”
“In my opinion you’re both candidates for the title. This news has made my day.
“Are you really all right, Raoul?”
He nodded. “The trouble at the winery was easily solved. Word still hasn’t reached some of the workers that I’m no longer associated with the business. They insisted on an explanation.”
“It’s hard for people to let go.”
“That’s true for me too. What is the one thing you haven’t told me? I’m still waiting for that answer.”
“I’ll give you one, but I didn’t expect to stay this long.”
“That’s my fault.”
“I promise we’ll talk again, but not tonight. Suffice it to say I’m not ready to talk about marriage yet. It’s too soon.”
“So are you saying you need more time?”
“Yes, now I have to go.” She got up from the table.
“Cami—”
“Please—it’s all I can tell you right now.”
It was pure torture to watch her leave. He waited until he saw her headlights and she’d gone. If she needed time, he’d give it to her.
The first thing he did after getting in bed later was phone his mother. Cami’s explanation over what had happened earlier went a long way to help him find the right words.
“Maman?”
“Raoul... Thank heaven you called.”
There was new warmth in her voice. “As if I wouldn’t. I’d planned to invite you over next week to meet Alain.”
“I...decided I didn’t want to wait. He’s wonderful and looks so much like you, I—I couldn’t believe it,” her voice faltered.
“So are you for coming on your own and bringing the journals. How did you manage it?”