took in her sister’s vibrant green historical ball gown. “Talk about stunning. Nora, you’re glowing.”
Nora beamed. “I know it’s not what I bought when we were out, but then I saw this the other day and had to have it.”
“So what is Reid?”
“Lucky.” Eve glanced at Reid, who’d just stepped from the formal living space. He wrapped an arm around Nora’s waist and kissed her cheek. “I’m damn lucky,” he added.
Reid was dressed as a Civil War–era soldier, complete with sword dangling at his side. He and Nora looked as though they’d stepped out of a time machine. Eve was jealous of Nora’s itty-bitty waist; no doubt she’d gone for the whole corset and all. Eve’s hourglass shape was not long for this world.
“That you are,” Eve agreed, giving her sister a wink. “How’s Dad feeling today?”
“Good. He’s even donned a bit of a costume for the occasion, though he said he’d stay in the study since his oxygen and everything is set up in there. Visitors are welcome, though.”
Eve gripped the present beneath her arm and nodded. “I’m going to see him now before everyone else arrives.”
“You doing okay?” Nora asked, keeping the question vague.
Eve glanced at Reid, who showed no sign of knowing anything. “I’m great. If you’ll excuse me.”
Eve made her way to the study. She hated thinking of her father being so sick that he was confined to one room, but she knew that if he truly wanted to move about the house, his caregivers would make it happen. Her father remained in the study more out of pride than anything else. There was a bathroom right off the spacious room and hospice care had set everything up to look like a master suite. Her father’s old desk where he’d spent countless hours when he worked from home sat in the corner. Next to the desk was a large built-in shelf housing all of his favorite books.
As she walked down the hall, Eve took stock of all the memories. She hated the thought of his estate being split up when he passed. She wanted her childhood home to remain in the family, but that might not be possible. Who knew what would happen with Carson and how far his brothers would go to make sure he received his share.
Just the thought of Graham stirred mixed emotions within Eve. The ache she had for him kept growing with each day that passed without him, but on the other hand, she hated knowing he was one of the forces waging war against her father.
Pulling the framed picture from beneath her arm, Eve tapped lightly on the double doors and let herself into the study. The cozy fire welcomed her. Her father was actually in his chair beside the flickering flames. The last time she’d visited, he’d been sitting up in bed but hadn’t felt like going much farther. To see him in a chair was such a surprise, Eve’s eyes instantly filled with tears. The eye patch and pirate hat combined with his navy blue bathrobe made her laugh, though. He’d dressed up for the guests that would come through. If it weren’t for the oxygen, she’d swear he was back to normal. But he’d never be himself again. He’d never be the man he once was and she was slowly coming to grips with the harsh reality.
“Look at this beautiful goddess who came to visit.” He lifted a hand toward her. “Come on over. You look stunning, Eve. Just like your mother.”
Of course she looked like her mother; everyone told her as much growing up. The honey-brown hair, the bright eyes, curvy figure. Eve had seen enough pictures of her mother in her younger years to know she was practically a clone. But Eve didn’t want to discuss her mother right now. She wanted this evening to be fun, to be filled with love since the entire family would all be under one roof.
“What have you got?”
Eve flipped the frame around. “I had this made for you. It’s from my visit the other day.”
Sutton stared at the picture for several moments before finally reaching for it. With both hands, he gripped the sleek pewter frame and settled it on his lap. Eve waited, watching as her father continued to look at the faces staring back at him. Sutton with his daughters, an image that hadn’t been captured since they were little.
“This means everything to me,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “You’ve always had such a good eye for photos.”
Eve leaned against the side of the chair and laughed. “It was just a selfie, Dad. But I thought it turned out nice and wanted you to have something in your room.”
He glanced up at her, his bushy brows drawn together. “You always know what to do. This is perfect.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
He looked at the image once more before turning his attention back to her. “Tell me about Elite. How are things going?”
The man was on his deathbed and wanted to know about business. He would probably die with his company—his baby—on his mind.
“We’re doing great.” Eve was thrilled with the direction they’d taken since she’d been placed at the helm. “We actually just signed on a Sydney office two days ago.”
Sutton’s smile spread across his face. “I knew you would take a great company and make it even greater. I’m so proud of you, Eve. You’ve not let anything stand in your way.”
“I learned from the best,” she declared, wrapping her arm around his shoulders as she settled a hip on the arm of his chair.
“Some women are cut out for husbands, kids, which is fine. But I knew you were the one to follow in my footsteps. You never had—”
“Let’s not talk about work.” She had to steer him in another direction. Because even though she hadn’t wanted the whole family lifestyle once she’d gotten a taste of corporate world, clearly she wasn’t going to be able to dodge it for long. “Nora said you were feeling pretty well today. You look good.”
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