To make it sound as though all of that was just happenstance riled him up.
Yeah, he could admit the offers she’d received deserved the deepest thought before being accepted or rejected, but it didn’t mean she couldn’t talk to him about them, warn him. It had been bad enough hearing about Dr. Hamilton’s offer through the rumor mill at work, but to also find out she had another offer from Toronto had made his stomach roil.
He pulled out one of the kitchen chairs and lowered himself into it, scrubbing his hands over his face.
Neither her leaving nor staying permanently were things he wanted to contemplate. Both eventualities came with consequences he couldn’t even begin to calculate.
It would be better if she left. He’d gotten way too used to having her around as it was, and now that they’d slept together, being near her all the time was doing crazy things to his body.
And his head.
If she went back to Canada, things could go back to normal.
Right?
But he knew he was lying to himself, thinking that they would. She’d made an indelible mark on his entire family. Plus, back home, Mina would have the freedom to date, and sleep with, whomever she wanted, which could lead her to the life she dreamt of.
As her friend, he should be happy with that thought, but it just made him angrier.
Kiah would have probably marched back into the living room and caused a scene if it weren’t for the scent of scorching meat.
Jumping up with a curse, he moved the pot off the burner and turned off the fire. Grabbing the spoon made him swear again, and drop the red-hot implement.
He had to get a grip on his anger, if only for Charm’s sake. He couldn’t let his niece see how upset he was and start asking questions.
Sighing, he went to get a pot holder, and then used it to hold the spoon and gently stir the stew, being careful not to pull any of the burned stuff off the bottom.
The reality was that Mina had already become an integral part of their lives. The sense of rightness of having her here, the joy he got seeing her each morning, riding back home with her in the evening, just seeing her around the place, was unmistakable. Since they’d slept together, that sense of belonging had just grown.
It really was better that she go sooner rather than later.
But he didn’t want her to.
He wanted to keep her right where she was.
It was the most selfish impulse ever, and he knew it. Having no intention of initiating any further changes in their relationship and, in fact, being determined to back away from making love with her again, he had no right to make any demands.
If ever it was time to put his money where his mouth was, this was it, and he did his best to stuff all his anger and confusion down, as he dished out the food.
“Charm, come help me carry these in, please,” he called.
The youngster came into the kitchen, scuffing her feet, looking so dejected Kiah’s heart ached for her. Yet, he knew neither Miss Pearl nor Mina would have said anything to her about what was happening.
“Hey, what’s the matter?” he asked, knowing full well what the problem was.
“Nothing.”
It was barely more than a mumble, but her eyes glistened with tears.
Putting down the dish in his hand, Kiah pulled out a chair and pointed to it. “Sit.”
With obvious reluctance, his niece did as bid.
“Were you listening to the conversation between Granny, Auntie and me?”
“Yes, but it was an accident.”
He shook his head. “I don’t think it was, Charm. That’s a bad habit to have, and you need to stop eavesdropping. If you want to know something, ask, but don’t sneak around trying to hear things that don’t concern you.”
Her lower lip trembled. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it anymore, but is Auntie really going back to Canada soon?”
“She might be. But even if she goes back, I’m sure you can go visit her, if you wanted to.” Just the thought of Charm going to Canada made his stomach churn, and added another layer of pain to the whole situation.
“She always said I could, but suppose she changes her mind?”
Kiah chuckled, although the last thing he felt was amusement. “Listen, I’ve known Auntie Mina since I was the same age you are now, and she never, ever says anything she doesn’t mean, okay?” Tugging her out of the chair, he hugged her and gave her a kiss on the top of her damp head, adding, “Everything will work out, Charm. Just wait and see.”
“Okay,” she said.
But although Charm seemed to take heart, Kiah couldn’t help wondering if he believed his own optimistic words.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
DINNER WAS TENSE. Although the adults tried to keep up a facade of normalcy, Charm was unusually quiet and a little surly. So much so that, after she’d helped to clear the table, she declared she was going to go to bed, without anyone reminding her it was time.
Mina found it telling that she wasn’t asked to come and tuck Charm in, as she often had been in the past. Instead, it was Kiah who went to make sure she had turned out her light.
When he came back into the living room, he said to Miss Pearl, “Do you think you can manage by yourself for a little?”
“Of course.” She sniffed, as though annoyed. “I got back up the hill from the stream after I twisted my ankle, so I’m sure I’ll be able to get myself to bed without any problems.”
He turned to Mina. “Do you want to go get a drink somewhere?”
“Sure,” she said, not bothering to disguise the frost in her voice. “Just let me go change.”
She was spoiling for a fight, and she knew it. Whatever he had to say, she was ready to give it all right back to him.
Wasn’t he the one, back in Canada, who
