Chapter Forty
Thankfully the traffic wasn’t too bad. Once they reached the hospital, everyone sprang into action, taking her and Vanessa to the private wing.
Even though Vanessa had complained about wanting to have the baby at home, she didn’t put up a fight when the nurses wheeled her away. Justin arrived five minutes later and ran right past Sophia to reach his wife.
Sophia didn’t blame the man. His hair stuck up like he’d run his hands through it during the drive to the hospital. Lines bracketed his mouth; he’d lost the tie he normally wore and undone the top two buttons on his shirt.
None of the rest of the family had arrived yet, so Sophia pulled out her phone and called Dane.
“Hello, Sophia. Is everything okay?”
“Of course. Why?”
“It’s not like you to call during the day.”
“Oh.” She frowned. Maybe he was busy. “Am I interrupting anything?”
“Not at all. Always happy to hear your voice.”
She flushed, warm pleasure unfurling inside her chest. Now that she thought about it, she was intruding on his day. His schedule was always packed.
“I have a surprise for you, so I’ll be home a bit early today,” Dane said.
“If it’s something expensive, you should return it.”
He laughed. “It’s priceless, but you won’t want me to return it.”
She rolled her eyes, even though she couldn’t stop smiling. “By the way, did you get a message from Justin?”
“No idea. I’ve been in meetings all morning. Why?”
“Vanessa’s having her baby. Like, now. We’re at the hospital.” She told him the location.
“Isn’t it early?”
“About two weeks, but I’m sure she and the baby will be fine.”
“Okay. I’ll be there soon.” He hung up.
Sophia bought a bottle of water and waited. It didn’t take long before Ceinlys arrived, her stilettos clicking on the hard hospital floor. Dressed in an elegant cream-colored one-piece, she looked like she was about to have lunch with the queen of England. Her perfectly coiffed hair didn’t show the slightest hint of gray. A slim leather belt cinched around her waist accentuated her trim figure.
Feeling like a grubby urchin compared to the impeccably groomed woman, Sophia braced herself. Technically, she hadn’t done anything while she’d been staying with Salazar. But appearances mattered, especially to families like the Pryces. Although Ceinlys had been courteous and gracious at the wedding, there was no social reason for her to restrain herself now.
“Sophia.”
She swallowed. “Hi, Ceinlys.”
“Thank you for taking care of Vanessa.”
Oh. “It was nothing.”
“Not nothing.” Ceinlys shook her head. “No telling what would’ve happened if she’d been alone or, god forbid, driving. Justin should’ve gotten her a chauffeur weeks ago.” Her mouth thinned.
“I don’t think Vanessa wanted one. But her doctor’s here now. I’m sure she and her baby will be fine.”
“Vanessa has always been headstrong. But you’re very kind.” Ceinlys sat next to Sophia. “This may take a while. The first baby is always the most difficult. If you want to go home, I’ll arrange for a car.”
“It’s all right. Dane’s going to be here soon.”
Ceinlys stared at her freshly manicured nails for a few moments, then uncrossed and recrossed her legs. “How are things with the two of you?”
“Wonderful. He’s very sweet.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Ceinlys smiled, but her eyes were still guarded. “Not many people think that about him.”
“They don’t understand that he says exactly what he means.” Sophia turned slightly toward her. “It’s nice to be with someone whose intentions I don’t have to second-guess.”
“I suppose that’s true.” Ceinlys smiled again, this time with more warmth.
“And part of that is that he’s very honest in his affection.”
“Perhaps it’s you who’s showed him it’s acceptable to express affection. Although he’s still closed off and cold with other people.”
Sophia laughed, and after a moment Ceinlys joined in. “Yeah,” Sophia said. “I’ve noticed a bit of that here and there.”
“Haven’t we all.” The older woman sighed. “None of my other children are that way. I don’t know what happened with Dane.”
“Is it because…” Sophia debated, but she had to know. It had been churning in her mind for a while now. She lowered her voice. “Is it because you and Salazar blamed him for being born and ruining your married life?”