“Or a drunk—yes, to Blaine—no, to Anthony.”
“Anton?”
Tony pressed his lips together and shook his head.
Claire shrugged. “Well, at least we’re closer.”
Tony knelt beside the rocking chair. “Francis made arrangements. After next week’s appointment with Dr. Gilbert, we’re staying in town.”
“I’d rather be here.”
“I’d rather have you there, closer to the doctor. As soon as you and our little one are declared healthy, we’ll come back.”
Claire knew from experience, some arguments would never be won. If Tony’s mind were set, rarely did she have a chance at changing it. “I should pack a few things.”
“Madeline has already packed a bag for us and for the baby—I mean, Blaine or...?
Claire grinned. “Alyssa?”
“Raquel?”
From a distance, the hum of an airplane infiltrated their consciousness. They both stilled and waited for it to pass. Soon, it became a roar, indicating its increased proximity to their island. Claire’s eyes widened. “Oh, do you think it’s Phil?”
Standing straight, Tony replied, “It better be.”
They made their way to the lanai, joined shortly by Madeline and Francis. When the small propeller plane came to a soft landing on the lagoon, Tony said, “I’ll go down to the beach.”
Claire’s days of excursions were done. Even walking to and from the beach was a struggle. In addition to her increased size, she’d lately been plagued by intermittent lower back pain.
Francis offered, “Monsieur, I’ll go with you.”
Tony nodded. The men disappeared into the vegetation as they walked the path toward the sea. Madeline commented, “Madame el, you should sit down.”
“Not yet. I want to see who gets out of that plane. I want to be sure it’s Phil.”
“Of course, who else would it be?”
That’s what worried Claire. Supposedly, they were hidden, but would it truly be that difficult for the FBI to find them? As she and Madeline watched, the door to the plane opened. At the sight of white hair, Claire exhaled.
“Now, Madame el, you can sit. The men will be up shortly.”
“I’ll sit. Can you please get us all iced tea?”
“Oui, be sure you put your feet up.”
It seemed as though Claire never lacked for people willing to tell her what to do. By the time she settled on the lounge chair, the men’s voices floated into range. Closing her eyes, she felt her smile grow. She couldn’t believe how excited she was to see Phil again. Although he’d only been gone from the island for two months, it seemed much longer; then, without warning, the voices faded as the plane’s roar momentarily drowned out all sound. Claire looked up in time to see the small white plane leave the lagoon.
When the three men stepped onto the lanai, Claire awkwardly stood. She couldn’t hide her happiness as she wrapped her arms around Phil with a welcoming embrace. “It’s so good to see you.” Tears glistened as her green eyes shone with sincerity. “Thank you for coming all the way back here.”
He leaned back and took in Claire’s appearance. “My, Mrs. Alexander, it appears as though you’re about to have a baby!”
“Really?” she said, putting pressure in the small of her back and arching her shoulders, “I hadn’t noticed. I thought I was just enjoying Madeline’s good cooking—a little too much.”
Tony laughed. Lowering his voice, he leaned toward Phil. “Be careful, someone—who shall remain nameless—has been increasingly sensitive lately.”
Claire eyed her husband. “After you carry around an extra twenty-five pounds in one hundred degree heat for months, then we’ll discuss being sensitive.”
The men smiled knowingly at one another.
“Fine,” Claire said with a feigned pout as she sat back down.
“Monsieur Roach?” Francis interrupted. “Would you like me to show you to your room?”
“Thank you, Francis, but if it’s the same one, I know the way.” Turning to Tony and Claire, he added, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to get cleaned up after that long flight.”
Forgetting her sensitivity, Claire grinned. “Please make yourself at home. We’re so glad you’re here.” Phil excused himself while Madeline and Francis disappeared into the house. For a brief time, the newlyweds were alone.
Exhaling, Claire lifted her face toward the sea and closed her eyes. Renegade strands of hair stuck to her moist warm skin. She pried the wayward tendrils from her neck and relished the growing, refreshing breeze. When she opened her eyes, the softest hues of chocolate brown filled her vision. Surprised by Tony’s closeness, Claire lifted her chin causing their noses to touch, and with a giggle she asked, “What?”
“Don’t let Phil fool you; you’re beautiful.”