Convicted - Romig Aleatha (мир книг .TXT) 📗

Once in a while, Brent would need to remind someone of Tony’s legal rights as her husband. It warmed her heart to see the two of them working together on a common goal. Occasionally, someone would ask Claire a question—some were simple—the date or name of the president. Others were questions about her feelings or concerns. After each appropriate answer, she’d feel the squeeze of Tony’s warm hand or see the reassurance of his smile. It didn’t matter that behind the smile she also saw sadness. They had both endured too much. What mattered was that they were together and soon they’d have Nichol. Claire couldn’t wait to leave the facility and have her family united. With each second, her anticipation grew. She knew, when they were, again, a family, the sadness would leave Tony’s eyes, and she’d see the light chocolate brown they once had in paradise.

After they’d signed the last document and answered the last question, she whispered in his ear, “Let’s go get Nichol.”

She expected a smile and a nod—some sign of affirmation. Instead, he directed the Everwood staff, “Gather all of Mrs. Rawlings’ things. I want everything sent to our home.”

Claire offered, “I don’t need everything. I can get the things I want.”

“No, you can go through it later. We’re getting you out of here. You aren’t spending another second in this place.”

She didn’t argue—nor did she want to. Although she detested having the facility’s staff direct her movements, she loved Tony’s control. It was his way of protecting her. She knew that. Yes, he could be domineering, but she’d missed every part of him, his overprotectiveness included.

John was now waiting with Emily as Tony and Claire exited the administrator’s office. When Claire saw her family, her body tensed in anticipation of a confrontation. Before she could speak or devise a mental plan, John held out his hand.

“Anthony.”

With his hand extended, Tony replied, “Tony—please, call me Tony. Thank you, John, for all you’ve done while I was away. Brent tells me you’ve been quite helpful at Rawlings.”

“It was for Nichol and Claire.”

Tony nodded. “And for that—for our family, I thank you.”

“I’ve been privy to many of your decisions. I want you to know, I respect them.”

“Then I hope my return won’t cause you to search for another job. Rawlings Industries and I can always use someone like you on our side.”

John nodded. “Emily and I need to talk, but I think I’d like that.”

Claire released Tony’s hand and encircled John’s neck. Her emotions were all over the place. One minute, she was excited and the next, she was unsure. As she hugged her brother-in-law, tears of joy fell from her eyes. “I had no idea you were working at Rawlings.”

Claire released John and immediately hugged her sister. “Thank you, Emily. Thank you for not fighting this.”

John explained, “Anth—I mean Tony’s right, and you’re right, we are a family—for our children, we need to behave like adults.”

Claire stammered, “C—children—I can’t wait to see Nichol and meet Michael.”

Emily’s eyes filled with tears. “She’s so little. She won’t understand—”

John spoke over Emily, “Your daughter is beautiful and intelligent—she’s also young. As long as we do this together, she’ll make the transition just fine.”

Claire looked up at her husband. Although she wasn’t sure what she expected to see, the sadness mixed with gratitude took her by surprise. Taking one of his hands, she said, “We’ve missed so much. I can’t wait to hold her again.”

Tony replied, “Thank you again, not just for Rawlings, but for taking care of Nichol. We’re anxious to come and see her, but first, I’d like to take Claire somewhere. It won’t take long, and then we’ll be over to your house. The child psychologist I consulted recommended a gradual transition before we bring her home to stay.”

“I thought...” Claire’s heart ached.

Emily’s moist eyes came to life as she nodded. “Yes—gradual, I think Tony’s right.” She feigned a smile toward Tony. “Thank you. This’ll give us time to talk with her—to try to explain things. Let’s make this as easy for Nichol as possible.”

When they all walked outside, Claire lifted her face toward the sky. Inhaling, she savored the fresh autumn breeze. Despite the gray sky, the changing leaves added color to an otherwise dark day. An overwhelming sense of freedom momentarily paralyzed her movements.

“What is it?” Tony asked.

“It’s beautiful. The trees are colorful and the season is changing. It feels so good to be free.”

Tony smiled and wrapped his arm around Claire’s shoulder. “I want to show you something.”

For most of the drive from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City, Claire watched the landscape through the window, and with her hand in Tony’s, she contemplated their family. Of course, it would be hard on Nichol. Why hadn’t she thought of that? But Tony had. He’d even consulted a child psychologist. Claire rested her head against his shoulder. After everything they’d been through the world was right—Tony would make everything right.

When she recognized their location, she asked a question she hadn’t thought to consider, “We’re near the estate. What about the fire? Was there a lot of damage?”

His eyes twinkled. “That’s what I want to show you.”

Nervously, Claire watched as they drove toward the entrance. The front gates opened and they wound up the familiar drive. When the trees parted, Claire gasped. “What happened?”

“You don’t like it?”

She heard the disappointment in his voice, but she couldn’t lie. “I—I don’t know? Did the whole house burn?”

“No. There was a lot of smoke and water damage, but the fire was pretty much contained to the first level southwest corridor.”

As soon as Tony stopped the car, Claire opened her door. Silently, she stood trying to comprehend the grand, white, brick structure. Mesmerized, she stared at the tall windows, long porches, black shutters, and lovely columns. The landscaping was perfect, with tall trees and beds of colorful mums. At one end of the house, there appeared to be an enclosed porch, while at the other end, she saw a carport.

Finally, Tony asked, “Do you want to see the inside?”

Claire didn’t move—it didn’t seem real. Searching for answers, she asked, “What happened to our house?”

“I had it demolished. I built for the wrong reasons”—he took her hand—“it was our house, but it was never a home. It contained too many memories.”

“So, you got rid of it? Tony, there were good memories there too.”

“I built that house for Nathaniel.” His brown eyes sparkled. “Claire, I had this home built for you.” Standing in front of her, he tugged her hand. The uncertainty behind his eyes pulled her forward; she allowed him to lead her inside.

The entry was beautiful—instead of marble, the flooring was a light polished oak. Immediately, Claire felt the warmth of a home. Yes, the estate had been their house, but there were times it felt more like a museum. As Tony took her from room to room, Claire saw the attention to detail—bookcases, cabinetry, custom ceilings and intricate lighting. The back of the house was nothing but windows. In the living room, the windows extended two stories. When they entered the kitchen, her eyes shone. It wasn’t the industrial kitchen of the old mansion. This room was designed with a family in mind. The granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, ornate tile work, stone floor, and back wall of glass all added to the casual yet luxurious feel.

“Oh, this looks like a kitchen where I’d love to cook.”

Tony smiled. “You have a cook, but it’s your kitchen. You can do whatever you’d like.”

The lower level contained all the amenities of the old house: a theater room more modern than before, a fun family area, as well as an exercise room and lap pool. When they entered the pool, Tony squeezed Claire’s shoulders. “I couldn’t build you a house without your favorite room.”