She nodded then glanced over at Raina. “I’m fine.”
Raina’s heart sank. It had been a long time since she’d cared about what the tabloids printed about her. They were going to make up something to get their story no matter what she did, so she’d long ago learned to tune it out. What they did had simply ceased to matter in her world.
But it was totally different when people who’d been nothing but nice to her were being harassed. It mattered when the lies they spread hurt family. The Alexanders, she realized, weren’t just Nick’s family now.
They were hers, too.
“I have something I want to say.” Raina turned to the rest of the group.
Laura reached over and turned the music off. “I’ll just go supervise the kids so they stay out of the way.” She gave Raina a sympathetic smile and skipped down the steps into the yard.
It was suddenly extremely quiet.
“I want to apologize for the invasion of your privacy,” Raina said. “I’m so used to the tabloids that I don’t even think about them anymore, but I remember what it was like in the beginning. It was awful. I really wish this wasn’t happening.” She didn’t look at Nick as she said, “But perhaps if I go stay in my apartment in D.C. for a few months, it’ll help. Maybe they’ll focus on what I’m doing and not bother you if I’m not here.”
Nick’s head shot up and he looked like he was about to speak when his mother beat him to it.
“You shouldn’t have to exile yourself because of those miscreants.” Julia’s chest heaved as she stomped her foot. “They’re the ones in the wrong. We want you to stay right here with your family.”
Raina twisted her fingers together. “But I’m the one they’re targeting. You all didn’t ask for any of this. I’m going to have my security guy look into how they got their hands on that email. I’m sure some laws have been broken.”
Julia’s eyes suddenly filled with tears. “I wrote that before I ever met you, honey. I would never say that now. I think you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to Nick.”
Raina stepped forward and then shocked the hell out of both of them by pulling Julia into a hug. It probably looked as awkward as it felt, like she was trying out a skill she rarely used. She was so much taller than her mother-in-law, especially in the super-high heels she’d worn that day, so she ended up patting Julia on the back clumsily while looking down at her.
But the smile on her mother-in-law’s face was worth it.
Raina looked back at Nick and said, “I think he might be the best thing that ever happened to me, too. Partially because he comes attached to all of you.”
* * * * *
IT NEVER FAILED. Whenever he really needed to be somewhere, a client wanted to ask questions. No matter what else was going on in the world, this was the one rule that Nick could always count on.
“So, I’m thinking about buying more investment property. I was going to wait until next year when I have more cash on hand. But I heard that congress might not extend the current bonus depreciation after this year. Should I buy now?”
Nick cleared his throat and tried to focus on Ian Williamson, one of his oldest clients.
“Oh, look at the time. We’ve run over.”
Nick’s head snapped up. “Yes, we have, and unfortunately I really do need to run. My wife is having her first sonogram today,” he found himself saying. “We get to hear the heartbeat.”
Ian looked shocked. “Well, congratulations, Nick. As you know, I have four with the missus. There’s nothing like the first time you see your child. Go on. Go!”
Nick grabbed his briefcase and shot out the door, yelling over his shoulder for Kay to put Mr. Williamson down again for next week.
Too impatient to wait for the elevator, he bounded down the five flights of stairs to the lobby and then another flight to the underground parking deck.
By the time he pulled up to New Haven General, he was pretty sure he’d broken several traffic laws. He pulled around to the side of the hospital where the medical offices were located. Not finding a space close to the door, he parked at the back of the lot and jogged up the path. He entered and walked straight up to the reception desk.
“Hi. My wife, Raina, is here and I’m late.”
The nurse behind the desk smiled knowingly. “She asked us to keep a lookout for you, Mr. Alexander. She only went back five minutes ago.”
He followed the nurse through another door and down a long hallway. She stopped at a room on the right and knocked briskly. He heard Raina’s voice call out, “Come in.”
The nurse opened the door and ushered him inside.
“Nick!” Raina stood as soon as he entered. “You made it. I thought you weren’t going to get here in time.” She had already undressed and wore a light blue hospital gown. He kissed her lightly on the cheek.