One to Chase (One to Hold 7)

His dark brown eyes light under heavy brows. “Little Amalie.” He grins under a thick mustache.

My response is automatic. “I hate it when you call me that.”

“It’s why I always do.” He chuckles, but I can see worry in the tense lines around his eyes. “You’re even prettier when you fuss.”

Walking to me, he catches me in a hug, and I’m surrounded by the scent of sandalwood and fresh air with the faintest background of hay. It’s the smells of the ranch, and I feel nostalgic for the old place. It’s where Patrick and Elaine were married at Christmas. I was still in Paris.

“What are you doing here?” Bill is my father’s sibling, and while I appreciate his concern, it seems unusual for him to make the long trip to visit my mother.

Clearing his throat, he looks down at his boots and slips a hand in his back pocket. “Your brother called me right after he talked to you.”

I look to Stuart, and my oldest brother’s eyebrows rise slightly. I get the distinct impression he’s signaling me, but I’m have no idea about what.

“Were you able to see her?”

My uncle smiles and warmth glistens in his eyes, almost as if he’s fighting tears. “She looks good.”

Relief burns so hard in my chest, I almost drop the bouquet. “I need to see her now.” It’s the same feeling I had standing in her kitchen last night—overwhelming emotion.

Without waiting, I push past Stuart to her door and go inside. A nurse is with her, taking her vitals, but my beautiful mother leans her head to the side.

“Amy.” So much warmth is in her tone, I have to cover my mouth to keep from crying. “Are those for me?”

She smiles, and the nurse steps back. I rush forward to her bedside, hesitating only a moment before reaching for her shoulder, her cheek. “Oh, Mom.” My voice breaks, and I blink down as two tears drop onto the soft pink flowers.

“Shh.” She catches my hand, clasping it in both hers. “It’s okay.”

“I’m sorry... I’m so so sorry.” The tears won’t stop, and she pushes higher in the bed, taking the flowers from me and making me sit beside her.

“Why are you apologizing?” Her cool hand touches my chin, lifting it.

“I didn’t know you were sick.” I sniff and she hands me a tissue. “I didn’t know you had a scan.”

“I didn’t tell anybody I’d had a scan.”

“I haven’t been a bit of help to you, and you’ve been saying you felt bad.”

“Stop.” Her thumb is over my lips. “I won’t hear another word of this Amalie Michele. You did not come back to Chicago to play nursemaid to me.”

“But I did come back for you.” I take her hand, holding it in both of mine, sliding my fingers over her palm. “We haven’t gotten to do half the things I want.” I haven’t gotten to tell you what I need to say.

“I’m glad to hear it.” Blinking up, I see her smile is back. “The doctor says I can go home tomorrow, and I’m looking forward to spending time with my family. Who knew I only had to have a little heart attack to get all of you under one roof?”

“Don’t even say that.” My eyes squeeze shut. “It was the worst moment of my life.”

Pulling me to her, she hugs me tight. “I know, I know. Still, if you hadn’t been with me...”

Fear clenches in my chest at the thought. Thank God I came back from Paris when I did. I sit back and pull up my purse.

“I’ve been meaning to give you this.” Taking out the light blue box tied with a white ribbon, I hand it to her.

“When did you have time to go to Tiffany’s?”

“A few weeks ago. It was when I got my gala dress.”

She opens the box and gasps, “Oh, darling, I love it!” just as I hear Patrick entering the room.

She squeezes my hand, and her eyes shine when she sees my brother—of the three of us, he’s the most like her. I move back to allow him to hug her. Elaine is right beside him, reaching for Sylvia’s arm.