Perfectly Unpredictable

by Linda O'Connor

  “Did you wonder?”

  “I did,” Kalia admitted, surprised at how much it meant to her. “I loved him, but we knew each other such a short time.” She paused. “Fiona has an air of sadness about her. Not much time has passed since Alex’s death, but it’s obviously been very difficult for her. The ring Alex left for me was given to him by his mom, after being passed down from her grandmother to her mother to her.

  “Can you imagine? Here you are, grieving for your son, and he asks you to meet a perfect stranger and give away an heirloom.” Kalia shook her head in disbelief. “They didn’t have to do it. But they made the trip, opened their arms and heart to me, and trust that I’ll treasure it as they have.”

  There was silence as Mack rubbed Kalia’s back and held her close.

  “That’s because they recognized that you’re warm, giving, and loving, just as Alex saw you.”

  Kalia blinked away tears and hugged Mack. “Thank you.”

  “Did you tell them about Mani?”

  “I’m going to,” Kalia acknowledged. “I decided they need to know. Hopefully, it will help ease their grief. I invited them for lunch tomorrow so they can meet him. Of course, then I worried all the way home that it might be too hard on them.”

  Mack leaned back and framed Kalia’s face with his hands. “You can’t control how they’ll react, but it seems the right decision, the right thing to do. I think they’ll thank you.”

  “I hope so.” Kalia leaned in and laid her lips softly on Mack’s. “Thank you for being here for me. I love you.”

  “I love you too, Kalia. You look exhausted. I can tuck you up into bed.”

  “Can you stay?”

  “I would love that. I have a band meeting tomorrow, but I can change it if you want me around.”

  “No, that’s okay. I think it will be fine. How could they not love Mani?”

  Chapter 26

  The next day, Kalia put Mani down for a nap in the morning and spent the time answering emails and preparing lunch. She baked fresh salmon and sliced a loaf of brioche to make salmon sandwiches. She filled a glass pitcher with freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirred in a generous amount of sugar, and added slices of lemon. The meal was ready and the kitchen spotless when the doorbell rang at noon.

  Kalia went to answer it and glanced upstairs, wondering how long the star attraction would sleep.

  “Come in,” she said as she ushered Alain and Fiona inside. “Did you have any trouble with the directions?” She closed the door behind them.

  “No, not at all,” Alain said as he brushed each cheek in greeting.

  Fiona stepped forward and did the same. “Thank you for inviting us. It’s a lovely neighborhood. It looks young and fun, with carefully tended gardens,” she said with a smile.

  “It is. The older couples have the colorful gardens. The young families tend to have the colorful toys out front,” she said with a laugh. “Let me take your jackets.”

  Kalia led them into the living room. Sunlight streamed in the front window, creating a warm glow on the spring day. “Make yourself comfortable. Would you like a drink? I have coffee, tea, or lemonade.”

  “Oh, lemonade sounds perfect,” Fiona said. “I’d love some, thank you,”

  “For me as well, Kalia. Thank you,” added Alain.

  Kalia carried in a tray of tall glasses of lemonade and ice.

  “Thank you,” Fiona said as she took the glass that Kalia offered. “On our way here, Alain and I commented on how beautiful the trees looked. The apple and cherry blossoms are starting to come out. Nature paints a beautiful picture.”

  “I love spring,” Kalia agreed. “The temperature is comfortable to be outside again after the winter, the grass is getting green, and the tulips and daffodils are so cheerful.”

  “Ah, oui. We visit Alain’s brother and his wife in Lancaster every year about this time. The weather cooperates for travel, and the temperature is perfect for hiking. Of course, we’ve had our share of April showers, but for the most part it’s really lovely.”

  “That sounds wonderful. Are you very close to your brother?” Kalia asked Alain.

  “Yes, we are,” he admitted. “We’re very fortunate that we enjoy each other’s company. They escape the winters to France and stay with us. We have an apartment in Paris and a home in the country so there’s lots of space. It works out well and keeps us in touch. Are you close to your family, Kalia?”

  “Yes. I have one brother who lives in the city, and my parents live about forty-five minutes from here, so we get together often. But perhaps I should encourage them to retire and live somewhere more exotic, so I can visit. I’ve–”

  Mani cried out from upstairs. Kalia’s heart jumped, and she set her glass down on a side table. Alain and Fiona glanced at each other and then looked at Kalia with surprise.

  “Oh,” Kalia said, as she stood. “There’s someone I’d like you to meet. Let me go get him.”

  Kalia poked her head into Mani’s room. Mani was standing at the side of the crib, rubbing his eyes.

  “Hello, little one,” she said softly as she picked him up. “Did you have a good nap?”

  She took him over to the change table and changed his diaper, keeping up a running commentary to cover her nerves. She grabbed his stuffed bunny, cuddled him close, and carried him downstairs.

  With a deep breath, she walked into the living room as Fiona and Alain stood up. “Fiona, Alain, I’d like you to meet my son, Mani.”

  Kalia hadn’t known what to expect. Her plan was to let them get to know Mani and then gently, after lunch, break the news that he was Alexandre’s son. But the look of utter shock on both of their faces stopped her. Mani buried his face in Kalia’s shoulder.

  “Mon Dieu,” whispered Fiona. Kalia watched with concern as Fiona paled.

  Alain stepped forward. “Hello, Mani,” he said seriously. He looked at Mani intently.

  Mani turned his head shyly and looked at Alain. Alain smiled broadly, and Mani responded by smiling, then quickly looked away and clung to Kalia.

  “He’s beautiful, Kalia,” Alain said quietly.

  “Thank you.” Kalia sat down and cuddled Mani on her lap.

  Fiona reached in her handbag for a tissue. “Je m’excuse,” she apologized. “This is crazy, I know, but I had a flash of Alexandre when you brought him into the room. The resemblance to Alexandre at that age took my breath away.” She dabbed at her eyes.

  Kalia took a deep breath. There was no easy way to break this news. “I wanted you to meet Mani because he’s Alexandre’s son,” she said slowly.

  Silence.

  Fiona and Alain didn’t move a muscle.

  Kalia wondered if she’d made a huge mistake. “I’m sorry. This must be an awful shock.” She rubbed Mani’s back.

  “On the contrary,” Alain said quietly. “Did Alexandre know?”

  “No,” Kalia said sadly. “I didn’t realize he was ill. He passed away before I had a chance to tell him. I’m so very sorry about that. He never knew.”

  “He would have made a wonderful father,” Fiona said gently. “Mani’s precious, Kalia. It must have been a difficult time for you.”

  “I loved Alexandre, Fiona. I still miss him. And probably will forever. I’m thankful every day that I have Mani. He’s a joy to me, and I’d hoped he’d bring the same joy to you.”

  “Thank you, Kalia. For sharing him.”

  Mani squirmed and wiggled until he was down off Kalia’s lap. He crawled over to a basket of toys and flipped the lid off. He reached in and pulled out a rattle, a stuffed bear, and a set of plastic stacking cups. He plopped himself down and started to play.

  “How old is he, Kalia?” Fiona asked.

  “Nine months. His birthday is July ninth.”

  “Oh, Alexandre was a summer baby, too. His birthday was June twenty-fourth. Look how clever he is,” Fiona said, delighted, as she watched Mani stack the cups.

  Mani looked up as he stacked the last cup, then knocked th
e whole thing over, clapping with a squeal and a grin. The cups scattered. Fiona bent to pick up one that landed at her feet. She brought it back to Mani, and sitting on the floor with him, helped stack them again. Mani babbled as he took the cups she handed him. Fiona chatted with him, naming the colors and praising him as he carefully placed each one on the growing tower.

  After knocking the tower over again, Mani crawled over and balanced his weight on Fiona’s knee, then handed her his bunny to hold. He took a cup in each hand. She stroked his fine, black hair with a look of wonder and joy on her face. She looked over at Alain and smiled.

  Alain smiled back. “It’s a gift.”

  “We’re grandparents.” Fiona laughed as she softly kissed the top of Mani’s head.

  Kalia sighed at the love that passed between the two. “While you get acquainted, I’ll just finish putting lunch together,” she said as she rose and headed to the kitchen.

  It had been the right choice. They looked so happy. It was lovely to see Fiona without the cloud of sadness. She looked ten years younger as she sat and played with Mani. Kalia hadn’t realized how worried Alain had been until he sighed and relaxed when Fiona joined Mani on the floor. He carried his own grief along with the sorrow of his wife. Both, it seemed, had eased.

  She put the sandwiches together and lightly tossed a salad. She arranged the plates on the table in the sunny nook and pulled Mani’s high chair close to the table so he could join them in the meal.

  She walked back into the living room and stopped and smiled at the sight. Fiona was playing peek-a-boo with Mani, and both laughed every time Fiona peeked.

  “Lunch is ready, if you’d like to come to the kitchen,” Kalia said.

  Three smiling faces turned to her. Fiona stood up gracefully and lifted Mani as he raised his arms to be carried. She cuddled him close with a look of sheer contentment. “Where’s the kitchen?” she asked Mani.

  He pointed to the doorway where Kalia stood and wiggled excitedly.

  They settled Mani in his high chair and sat down. It was an animated lunch. Fiona was curious about Kalia’s pregnancy and the details of Mani’s birth. Kalia told them about Mack and how Mani responded to his music. She learned that Alexandre had played saxophone and wondered if Mani would have a musical ear. It was wonderful to learn about Alexandre with Fiona and Alain in an atmosphere of happiness and pride and to see the joy and wonder in their eyes as they watched Mani.

  The afternoon flew by. Alain checked his watch and looked regretfully at Fiona. “It’s getting late, and we have dinner plans with friends.”

  Fiona sighed. “This afternoon has gone by far too quickly,” she said, watching Mani. She stood and went over and hugged Kalia. Pulling back, she held Kalia’s hands in her own. “Thank you, Kalia, for sharing him with us. He is such a joy. Alexandre would be so proud. We’ll keep in touch, oui? I will need to visit again.” She waved her hand in dismissal. “I know it is rude to invite myself, but I will need this as I need to breathe. And you are welcome to come to us at any time for any length. We’d thoroughly enjoy that. I am grateful for the technology that will allow us to video call. But I will need to hug you both soon.” She hugged Kalia close. “Thank you,” she whispered in Kalia’s ear.

  “Of course,” Kalia said quietly. “Mani is lucky to have two sets of grandparents to love him. You’re welcome to stay with us. When he’s a bit older, I’d like to visit and show him his father’s roots. I think it will mean a lot to him as he grows.”

  Alain stepped forward, and Kalia was embraced in a bear hug as he wrapped his arms around her. “Thank you, Kalia. You have no idea what this means to us. We feel privileged to have met you and Mani. I’ve never seen Fiona happier.”

  After another round of hugs and kisses, Kalia and Mani waved Fiona and Alain on their way.

  “Bientôt,” they promised. They would see each other again soon.

  Kalia set Mani down to play while she tidied up the kitchen and sent up a silent prayer of thanks to Alexandre. Maybe someday she would have been brave enough to contact his parents. Maybe. But she could see how much it meant to them. And it felt right. She felt their love and support. She would never close the book on that chapter of her life with Alexandre. She didn’t want to. But she could turn the page and move forward. She thought of Mack and realized how lucky she was to have found love again, to find someone who loved her and Mani. The package deal, she thought with a smile.

  She heard a noise at the back door and turned to look. Mack walked in, closed the door, and started to shrug off his coat.

  He looked up to see Kalia smiling at him. “Hi,” he said simply.

  “Hi,” she replied with love in her eyes.

  “How’d it go?”

  “Good.” She sighed and slipped into his arms. “Good. I didn’t have to tell them. They saw Alexandre in Mani, and they knew before I said anything. But it was lovely, Mack. Fiona just glowed. She looked so happy. Alain too, but I think he was happy to see some of the grief leave Fiona. They love each other very much and already love Mani. Unconditionally. No questions asked. They simply do.”

  Mack pressed his lips gently to Kalia’s forehead. “I know how they feel.”

  Emotion swirled in Kalia’s heart. “I love you, Mack.”

  Mack’s arm tightened around her. “I love you too, Kalia.” He pressed his lips to hers.

  Mani squawked. Kalia looked down to see Mani teetering beside them, tugging on Mack’s pant leg.

  Mack looked down. “Hey, big guy. I love you, too.” He picked Mani up and smiled when Mani snuggled against them.

  Chapter 27

  The next morning, Kalia woke up with sunlight peeking in through the curtains. She reached across for Mack, but the bed was empty. And it was awfully quiet. She glanced at the clock and bolted upright. Nine a.m.? Couldn’t be. Mani was always up by seven. She grabbed her robe and belted it around her waist as she dashed to the nursery. The door was open and the crib empty.

  A squeal of happy laughter pierced the air, and she let out a breath.

  She followed the noise downstairs and stopped in the doorway of the living room. Mani sat on the floor in his pajamas, with bits of rice cereal in his hair, clapping and grinning at Mack.

  Mani squealed again.

  “Hey big guy, you gotta keep it down. You’re gonna wake your mom,” Mack said, tickling Mani’s belly.

  Her heart melted, and she had to clear her throat before she spoke. “Good morning, you two.”

  Mani looked over and his eyes lit up. “Ma … ma.” He held out his arms.

  “Did you hear that?” Kalia laughed. “He said mama.” She picked Mani up for a hug and kissed his forehead. “You said mama. Aren’t you a clever one?”

  “He is,” Mack said, getting to his feet. He leaned over and pressed his lips gently to Kalia’s. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning. Thanks for getting up with Mani. What time did he wake up?”

  “Six thirty or so. I heard his music box playing. You were sound asleep, so I thought I’d see if he’d be okay with me.” He stroked Mani’s hair. “We figured out how to make cereal, didn’t we big guy?”

  Mani pumped his legs, and Kalia grinned. “That’s great. He was up at five for a feed, but he fell back asleep. I guess I did, too.”

  “Well, he seemed content with cereal. He might need his diaper changed, though. I drew the line there.”

  Kalia chuckled and rubbed Mani’s back. “Not a problem. I changed him at five so it hasn’t been that long.” Mani turned in her arms and rooted for her breast. “Ah. Hungry for more, are you?”

  “I’ll grab a shower while you feed him. Would you like a coffee first?”

  “I’d love that.”

  They walked into the kitchen, and Mack waved her to sit down. “Go ahead. I’ll get the coffee for you.”

  She settled Mani at her breast, and he latched on hungrily. Mack moved around the kitchen, whistling under his breath as he fixed a coffee for her. Nothing sexier t
han that. Loose T-shirt over his broad shoulders, morning scruff, radiating happiness. She could wake up to that sight every single day.

  Mack walked over, leaned down, kissed her, and handed her the coffee. “You’re beautiful.”

  Kalia smiled. No make-up, ratty hair, sleep in her eyes. You’re a sweetheart. “I love you.”

  Mack’s grin widened. “I love you, too.”

  Mani stirred, and Mack pulled away ruefully. “Make that a cold shower.”

  Kalia’s heart swelled with love. She’d need a cold shower, too.

  Mani finished with the first breast, and Kalia burped him before putting him to the second one. When his eyelids drooped and the sucking slowed, Kalia patted his back and carried him upstairs. After changing his diaper, she put him in his crib and covered him with a light blanket.

  On her way out of the nursery, she eyed the jewelry box she’d left on Mani’s dresser. Alexandre’s ring, she thought with a sigh. She opened the lid and the diamond and sapphire winked back at her. Emotion swirled through her and love enveloped her in a hug.

  “Hey.” Mack stood in the doorway, his hair damp, a towel around his waist. He reached out his hand.

  Kalia closed the box and set it on the dresser again. She placed her hand in his, and he drew her close, softly shutting Mani’s door behind them.

  Mack framed Kalia’s face with his hands and kissed her. The kiss deepened when she opened her lips and rose on her tiptoes to press against him.

  Mack pulled back. “It’s nap time, is it?” he said, with a twinkle in his eye.

  “It is.” She pressed a kiss to Mack’s throat. “But I hope you’re not interested in sleeping.”

  Mack wiggled his eyebrows. “Hell, no.”

  Kalia made quick work of Mack’s towel. Mack hiked her up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her into the bedroom. They tumbled onto the bed, and Kalia ran her hand down his abdomen, following the path of coarse hair on his belly as it dipped below his waist. Mack stripped her pajamas off and crushed his lips to hers. His fingers swept from the curve of her breast, across her ticklish midriff, and brushed her hip. They danced lower, never stopping, stroking, taking time on the sensitive spots, making her writhe and groan.