Not even for Nathan’s sake.
Mid-afternoon, Gemma took Nathan to the kitchen for a snack and found Peggy at the island, chopping food. With thoughts of Drake filling her mind, and on edge about all he was capable of doing to her marriage, Gemma hesitated in the doorway. She was still afraid that the housekeeper might say something to Tate, however inadvertently.
Peggy looked up and blinked. “Oh, Gemma, you startled me. I was miles away.”
Gemma put aside her worries. “Sorry.” She stepped into the room with Nathan on her hip. “What are you making?”
“Apple pie for tonight’s dessert.”
“Homemade? Yum. I love apple pie. My mother used to make them,” she said, not thinking. Her heart wrenched at the reminder of her parents and yesterday’s events. She tried to ignore it. “Can I help?”
Peggy must have seen something on her face. The house keeper wouldn’t know about yesterday’s visit, but she would certainly remember her parents hadn’t been at the wedding. A touch of concern filled the older woman’s eyes and she gave a kind smile. “Why not?” She held up a slice of apple. “Would Nathan like a piece?”
“Sure.”
Gemma strapped Nathan in his high chair and gave him the apple, and soon she was busy slicing and rolling out the pastry. The fruit cooked on the stove, the sweet smell of apple and cinnamon wafting in the air. They had an enjoyable time and ended up making two thick, delicious-looking apple pies.
“We’ll never eat all this,” Gemma said ruefully as they surveyed their handiwork.
“You don’t know my Clive. He’d eat a full one himself.”
As Tate walked into the kitchen, the sound of Gemma’s soft chuckle sent his pulse hammering. She stood with her hands on her slim hips, her blond hair slightly mussed, her gorgeous mouth curved in a smile. She was certainly a picture to come home to. In fact, the whole scene made him feel good about his life. A beautiful wife, a handsome son and a motherly housekeeper who had adopted them as if they were her own.
A sense of satisfaction filled him. This was his family. He’d been sitting at his desk and hadn’t wanted to work. He’d wanted to see Gemma and Nathan. He’d actually missed them. It was a strangely powerful feeling that, surprisingly, gave him more pleasure than the corporate world he loved so much. He hadn’t realized what had been missing from his life before this.#p#分页标题#e#
Gemma suddenly saw him, and panic flared in her eyes. “Tate! You’re home early.”
He scanned her face. Did she expect him to be the bearer of bad news? He supposed he couldn’t blame her for jumping to conclusions. It always seemed to be bad news for her lately.
“I thought we might take Nathan for an ice cream and a walk to the park,” he said, putting her mind at rest. He glanced at his son in his high chair. “But he looks pretty happy here with the measuring cups.”
Her whole body visibly relaxed. “Oh, yes, that would be lovely.”
“It’s a glorious day outside,” Peggy said encouragingly.
Just then, Nathan let out a wail. There was a small red mark on his forehead where he’d obviously hit himself. Gemma swung their son up in her arms, cuddling him until the crying subsided.
“Is he okay?” Tate asked, an odd feeling in his chest as he watched her mothering his child.
“Yes, he’s fine.” She rechecked the fading mark on Nathan’s forehead, then smiled at the adults. “But I’m sure an ice cream will make it much better.”
Peggy laughed. “I’m sure it will.”
Tate remembered how he’d been looking forward to taking them to the park. “I’ll just go change out of this suit.” He glanced at Gemma. “When can you be ready?”
Gemma looked at Peggy. “Do you need any more help?”
The housekeeper shooed her on. “No, we’re finished here. I’ll clean up.”
“Thanks, Peggy. I had fun.”
“Me, too, Gemma.” Peggy darted a guilty look at Tate, before spinning away toward the sink. He was tempted to invite her to call him by his name again but it would be a waste of breath. Neither she nor Clive would budge on this.
“I’ll come upstairs with you and change Nathan’s diaper before we go,” Gemma said.
Tate waited for her in the doorway. “Let me carry him. He’s heavy.” He lifted Nathan out of her arms and they left the kitchen. “I’m still amazed at your accomplishment,” he said, as they headed for the stairs.
One finely shaped eyebrow rose. “What accomplishment?”