“Care for a glass of wine?” Edward asked Savannah.
“Sure.”
He turned the fire down low and then opened a bottle of Riesling. Poured two glasses and handed one to Savannah. After cutting the papaya, she took a seat at the kitchen’s island and sipped on wine. She watched as Edward combined the ingredients of his soup together. As it simmered, he took a seat across from her.
“Aside from Chloe’s trip to the ER, how was your day?” he asked.
“It was going pretty smoothly,” she said. “It changed everything when I found out that my baby was sick.”
“I know what you mean. My heart sank when I got your phone call.”
“I knew you’d want to know that she was sick.”
“Thank you for calling me.”
“I’ll always let you know what’s going on with her. You’re her father, and I know that you love her.”
“I love her very much.”
“How was your day?” Savannah changed the subject before Edward brought up the move.
“It was a pretty good end to the work week.”
“So it’s Martin’s birthday.” Savannah smiled. “I like Martin. He’s a good man.”
“He is a good man,” said Edward. “He offered to help with my campaign should I decide to run for the senate.”
“Are you considering it?”
“Somewhat.”
“That’s good.” Savannah took a long sip of her wine. “Why the hesitation?”
“Chloe, of course,” he said matter-of-factly. “I’m aware that a campaign might take up too much of my time, and I want to make sure she’s my priority.”
Savannah wanted to say that with Chloe moving to London, he’d have more time on his hands to pursue his political ambitions, but she avoided any conversation about London. The mood was very casual and friendly. She didn’t want to bring up anything that would start an argument. Instead of responding, she just nodded.
“I’m not keeping you from anything, am I?” he asked. “Did you have plans tonight?”
“Yeah, Chloe and I had plans to watch Sofia the First for the umpteenth time. Then I planned on watching her fall asleep and I’d be watching it by myself.” Savannah laughed.
“Yeah, I’ve seen Sofia the First more times than I’m willing to admit. And I also won’t admit that I actually liked it.” Edward laughed and then went to the stove, stirred his soup. “I think it’s ready.”
Edward pulled three ceramic bowls from the shelf. Ladled soup into each one. He placed a bowl in front of Savannah. “Taste.”
Savannah took the spoon and scooped a spoonful into her mouth. Closed her eyes. “Mmm. Just as I remember.”
Edward grabbed a spoon, put it into her bowl as if it were a perfectly normal thing to do and tasted the soup. “Not bad.”
“I’ll go get Chloe.” Savannah put down her spoon. She hopped down from the bar-height island stool and went into the den.
Chloe lounged on the sofa and was sound asleep. She considered waking her, but decided against it. Her daughter seemed too peaceful. She walked back into the kitchen where Edward was already enjoying a bowl of papaya soup.
“She’s asleep, huh?”
“Yes. And I didn’t want to wake her.”
“Let her sleep,” he said. “Sit down and enjoy your soup.”
Savannah did as Edward suggested. The two of them ate soup and enjoyed light conversation. When they were done, they cleaned the kitchen together.
“It’s late. We should probably get going,” Savannah said.
“Yes, it is late, and I don’t like the idea of you two driving around West Palm Beach at this hour. Why don’t I tuck Chloe into her bed, and the two of you just spend the night? Go home in the morning.” Edward suggested.
Savannah wanted to protest. Not because she didn’t want to stay, but she needed Edward to know that she wasn’t the passive young girl that he remembered from before. She had changed. She was a strong woman now, with a mind of her own, and she wouldn’t give in to his every whim.
“No, we’re going to go.” She stood her ground.
“Do you really want to load Chloe into the car and then unload her when you get home?” he asked. “She’s asleep, and not to mention she’s sick.”
He had a point.
Savannah exhaled. “I suppose it would be easier to stay here, get a good night’s sleep.”
“I have fresh bedding and could prepare the guest room for you.”
Initially, Savannah thought the evening would be awkward, considering she and Edward were in the middle of a battle. Not to mention, she’d just filed a petition to take Chloe out of the country. The papers would arrive at his office on Monday. She contemplated the drive home and decided that spending the night would be a wiser choice.
“Fine,” she said.
Edward carried Chloe to her bedroom, and Savannah followed. She found pajamas in the chest of drawers and undressed Chloe, while Edward disappeared down the hall to prepare the guest room for her. She tucked her daughter beneath the covers, kissed her. Edward stepped back into the room, pulled the covers up to Chloe’s chin.
“Good night, sweetheart,” he said.
“Good night, Daddy.”
“You missed the soup,” he told her.
“I’m sorry, Daddy, but I was really sleepy,” she said.
“Well, get some sleep, and we’ll have breakfast in the morning.”
“Are you spending the night, too, Mommy?”
“Yes.” Savannah gave her daughter a warm smile. “I’ll be in the room right down the hall if you need me. Okay?”
“In Daddy’s room?”
Savannah glanced over at Edward, who had a light smile in the corner of his mouth. “No, baby, in the guest room.”
“Okay,” said Chloe. “Good night, Mommy.”
“Good night, baby. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Savannah stood, kissed Chloe and followed Edward to the door.
Edward turned off the light and pulled the door, leaving it cracked a little.
“You can sleep in Daddy’s room if you want,” Edward teased.
“No thanks,” Savannah said, and playfully rolled her eyes.
“Your bed is ready, then...whenever you’re ready for it,” he said. “Can I get you a T-shirt or something to sleep in?”
“Sure. That would be nice.”
Edward disappeared into his bedroom and returned with his favorite Harvard T-shirt.
“Thanks. I remember this shirt. It’s a little faded,” she teased.
“It’s gotten a lot of use,” he smiled. “You should feel honored that I let you wear it.”
“I