21

She accepted the gifts. I had seen the way her face paled when I compared what I spent to something she could relate to, but I had to make her understand. I meant what I said: I would buy her things, and I didn’t want it to be a constant battle. I knew she lived very modestly, and although I didn’t want to overwhelm her, I did plan to make her life a little easier wherever I could.

I uncorked and poured some red wine. In the fridge was a plate with some snacks Andrew had prepared at my request. I put it all on a tray and went back to the living area. Emmy was wandering around, investigating the room. She stood by the sideboard, studying the array of decanters.

“The antiques belonged to my parents. They brought them over from England. I asked the designer to incorporate them into the room.”

“They’re lovely.”

I bit back my smile. I noticed she didn’t say the room was lovely. I had to admit that I found it too much at times. I rarely used it.

“I thought we’d go to the theater room. It’s