To Love Twice

by McCoubrey, Heather

  “Mr. Kent, please. Give me something to take back with me!” Brent begged before Edward could close the car door.

  Edward started to close the door and then reconsidered. “If you were the last reporter on Earth, if my survival depended on you getting a sound bite, I’d still say No Comment.”

  With that he slammed the door and motioned for Jason to drive.

  Brent watched the car drive off and cursed under his breath. “Thinks everything is about him and can’t share. I’ll show him. Somehow or another, I’ll show him how it is. Scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.” Kicking at the curb, he turned around and headed back to the office. Mr. Kent wasn’t going to like what was coming down the road. Not now, and certainly not later. He’d find out what was going on in America, and he’d certainly find out who the little filly was that Mr. Kent was so gone on. Nothing got by Brent for long. Nothing.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “Edward, over here.”

  He glanced up and saw James waving to him from across the lot. He waved and worked his way toward his assistant.

  “James.” Edward nodded and shook hands with him.

  “Your trailer is over here,” James said as he led Edward through a maze of trailers.

  Stepping up into the trailer, Edward threw his coat onto the nearest chair. He walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottled water.

  After taking a long drink, he turned to James. “What’s on the agenda?”

  “First thing is a meeting with the director and writers. Starts in twenty minutes.”

  “Good, that gives me a few minutes to freshen up.” Edward finished the water and put the empty bottle in the recycling bin. Turning, he headed to the restroom to freshen up and change his clothes, but stopped in his tracks when James spoke.

  “So, what was so important that you had to delay your return?”

  “A personal matter. Nothing you need to concern yourself with,” Edward said tersely.

  “I disagree,” James argued with a bit of heat in his voice. “When the Edward Kent disappears for a whole weekend, I do need to concern myself with it. Especially since people look to me to know every step he takes.”

  Edward sighed. “Listen, I know we haven’t worked together for long. Understand that my personal life is off-limits. I won’t be discussing it with you or anyone.”

  A scowl appeared on James’ face. “I’m not asking for all the gritty details, Edward. I’m asking for common courtesy. You were off having a brilliant time, I hope, and I was here trying to assure people that you were well, and committed to this project, and not dead in some ditch.”

  Edward leaned against the wall and sighed. “I apologize, James. You’re right, that was selfish and rude of me. I will do my best to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

  “Apology accepted.”

  Edward turned his back to James, but paused to drop a bomb before he went into the bathroom. “I need a break, James. Once this project is complete, I want you to clear six months off my calendar.”

  “Wh-what? Six months? Consecutive?”

  Smiling to himself, Edward nodded. “A consecutive six months. I’ve been five years without a break, James. I’m burning out, and I don’t think you want Edward Kent burning out on your watch. Do you?”

  “No, sir. I don’t. What about the Jane Austen period piece? That’s your next project.”

  “Figure out a way to get them to graciously postpone. I’m sure you can handle it.”

  “Sir, six months? You’re not going into rehab are you?”

  Edward laughed and moved into the restroom. Speaking loudly, he replied, “Rehab, no. Vacation and spending time with family, yes. Make it happen, James.”

  He was running late for dinner. No one had been able to leave well enough alone. The director wasn’t happy with a scene, so the writers fixed it. Then the actors weren’t happy. Another fix, another argument. He understood everyone’s need to be happy, but going over one scene for three hours was enough to drive him to the rehab James had suggested earlier.

  Pulling out his blackberry, he quickly sent a text to his dinner date. “Mum, leaving studio now. Be there in fifteen. Writers, grrr. Sorry.”

  “Ok. I’m here at our usual table. Red or white?”

  “Red, please. See you soon.”

  True to his word, he walked through the doors fifteen minutes later. He smiled when he saw his favorite maitre d standing by the podium. “Barnaby! How are you? How’s your wife doing?”

  “Mr. Kent, nice to see you. She’s doing much better, thank you for asking. It was touch and go there for a bit, but she’s on the mend. Doctors are saying full recovery.”

  Barnaby’s wife had been stabbed on the tube. The person hadn’t been caught and Barnaby’s wife had been in the hospital for several weeks. Edward made a mental note to send some more flowers and a card. “I’m glad to hear that. Give her my love.”

  “I will, enjoy your dinner.”

  Edward walked over to his table and leaned down to kiss his mother’s cheek. “Mum, sorry I’m late. How are you?”

  “Stop apologizing, Edward. It’s fine. I don’t mind cooling my heels for a few minutes. Besides, I’ve just returned from your Aunt’s house and I’m still enjoying the peace and quiet,” she laughed.

  “And how is Aunt Imogen?”

  “She’s good. Busy. That’s a woman you’d better not keep waiting!”

  “Indeed, she’ll box my ears!”

  Laughing, Charlotte Kent scrutinized her son’s face. As her only son, he held special place in her heart. She loved each of her three children, but Edward was near and dear to her heart. She suspected it was because he reminded her so much of his father. Daniel Kent had been a special man, and Edward was the same. Seeing nothing to cause her serious concern, she patted his hand. “How was America?”

  “Well, to be honest, it was amazing. And scary.”

  He was interrupted by the waiter. After giving their order, Charlotte touched his hand to get his attention. “A woman?”

  Smiling, he squeezed her hand. It was comforting to have someone who knew him so well. He nodded. “Yes. Her name is Kate. I met her about four months ago here in London. Chance meeting at Tempo in Mayfair. She was having dinner and asking the waiter about Pappagallo’s. I sat with her and we just fell into conversation. She went back to the States and when she returned last month, we went to dinner every night she was in town. Then she went home again and I got called back to Jamaica. We didn’t speak for a month. I called her when I got back to London and it was like time had stood still for that month. I hopped on a plane and spent the weekend with her.”

  Grinning broadly, Charlotte clapped her hands. “That’s lovely! But why are you scared?”

  “I don’t know? I feel like it should be harder. We should be going slower. We’re both a bit scared. It feels like we’ve known each other forever and were just waiting for the right time to meet again.”

  “Edward, the saying ‘too good to be true’ doesn’t apply to love.”

  Edward blanched. “Love? Mum, slow down. I’ve only known her a couple of months.”

  Sighing softly, Charlotte tutted. “Do you know how long I knew your father before I fell in love with him?”

  Edward groaned and rolled his eyes. “An hour. Mum, you and Dad have told us this story a million times.”

  “It’s not a work of fiction, Edward. It’s not a movie or a script or a book. It’s my life. It’s real and it happened. An hour was all it took and I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. It’s not inconceiveable to think it couldn’t happen to you.”

  “You don’t think I’m crazy?”

  “No, not in the least. In fact, I think it’s wonderful that you’ve finally met someone you feel this strongly about. When do I get to meet her?”

  Edward laughed. “Soon. She’ll be here in about six weeks for work, but I’ll be in Italy. She’s planning to come back with Mary when I return.”

&nbs
p; “Who’s Mary?”

  “Her daughter.”

  Charlotte clapped her hands again. “Oh, a grand-baby! You melt my heart, Edward!”

  “Mum! Don’t get too attached yet,” Edward warned. “What if it doesn’t work? What if I’m wrong?”

  “Edward, it’s not like you to be so serious and negative.” She reached for his hand again. “Love isn’t something to be stressed about. It has a life of its own. A little weeding here and there, some water and lots of sun and fresh air. That’s what it takes to have a beautiful garden of love and affection with someone. A wonderful story to tell your children and grandchildren.”

  “It feels so right, Mum. She’s so amazing. She’s kind and considerate, beautiful, a great sense of humor. She’s devoted to Mary and is an amazing mother.”

  “She sounds like the perfect woman for you.”

  “She doesn’t know about me, though.”

  “What? How could she have doubts as to the kind of person you are?”

  Edward laughed. “No, not like that. I mean, she doesn’t know I’m ‘Edward Kent’,” he explained, using air quotes when he said his name.

  “How?”

  “Well, I’m making some in-roads in America, but I’m not as famous there. I don’t think she’s made the connection.”

  “Do you think it’ll matter?”

  “I hope not. She’s very private and I don’t know how she’ll feel about living in the public eye – something that will definitely happen if we take our relationship to the next level.”

  “Well, there’s only one way to find out.”

  “True. I felt safer visiting her in America. There’s less of a chance that I’ll be recognized. Although, we’ve been photographed, a few times here and once there. I was able to brush off the ones she noticed.”

  “When they visit, will you be in London or out at the estate?”

  “We’ll go out to the estate. It’s private and I won’t have to worry about the paparazzi.”

  “You said she’s bringing the baby?”

  “Yes, Mary, but she’s not really a baby. She’s five and the sweetest little thing.”

  “Where’s the father?”

  “Died, about five years ago. I don’t know the whole story. I think it’s still pretty painful for her to talk about yet.”

  “Is she ready for this?”

  “I’m not sure. And I don’t know if she knows. I do know she’s scared and worried at how fast we’re moving,” he said. He looked up with a mischievous grin. “I guess we’ll just have to see how it grows.”

  Smiling, Charlotte patted his hand. “Yes. Take it a day at a time, but be sure to care for it. Otherwise it’ll wither.”

  Ready to change the subject, Edward sipped his wine. “How are my sisters?”

  “Oh, I have some news and I can’t believe it took me so long to tell you! Meaghan is pregnant! But, you didn’t hear that from me,” Charlotte added sternly. The huge smile on her face lessened the effect her stern voice had.

  “She is? That’s bloody brilliant!” Edward was so pleased. Meaghan and Rufus had been trying for seven years to get pregnant. “I have to call her. I’ll take her to lunch this week. They must be over the moon.”

  Charlotte was shaking her head. “No. I mean, they are thrilled, but she’s on bed-rest.”

  “What? Already? How far along is she?”

  “Twelve weeks, but the doctors don’t want anything to go wrong. They are taking all the precautions.”

  Edward nodded in understanding. Six miscarriages had taken their toll and he was of the same opinion. Do everything to keep her safe. “I’ll go visit her this weekend. How’s Izzy?”

  “She’s herself. Apparently she broke up with Nico, but that’s not really any big upset. She’s top of her class at University.”

  “Fabulous. And you, Mum,” Edward asked as he placed his hand over hers. “How are you?”

  Charlotte squeezed his fingers in understanding. “I’m fine. I have good days and bad days, like everyone else. I miss him, everyday.” She paused to take a sip of water. “I’m thinking about taking a cruise this winter. Get away from the snow and cold.”

  They’d lost Daniel Kent six months ago to a heart attack. They’d all been to church together and were sitting down to lunch, when he collapsed next to the table. Edward had immediately started CPR, but it hadn’t helped. The doctors said he had died before he even hit the floor. The wound was still raw and Edward tried to block all thoughts of his father. Their father had been a rock, the rock, of the family.

  “Do you want company?”

  “I would, but who would go with me?”

  “Me. I told James to work out a six month break after this project.”

  “Are you serious? When was the last time you took some time off?”

  “I think it’s been about five years. I’m due, don’t you think?”

  “Indeed. Oh Edward, I would adore that, truly!”

  “Then it’s set.” Edward pushed his plate away. “Dessert, Mum?”

  “No thank you, I’m full. But I wouldn’t mind some tea, please.”

  Edward ordered her tea and a glass of port for himself. “Thank you for having dinner with me, Mum.”

  “Thank you for inviting me. It makes my heart happy to know you kids still need me.”

  “Always. You’re our Mum.”

  “I want to meet your Kate when she come to visit. And I want to spoil little Mary. You’ll tell me when they’re coming?”

  “Like I could keep it from you!”

  Chapter Twenty

  The time dragged by slowly in Kate’s opinion. She and Edward spoke on the phone several times a week. During the week, he always called after Mary was in bed, ever conscious of how much the down time with Mary meant to her. On the weekends, he would call during the day so that he got the chance to talk to Mary. An ocean between them and still Mary had him wrapped around her tiny finger.

  After Kate’s talk with Erin about her relationship with Edward, she had decided a second opinion was warranted. Georgie had gotten Tim to agree to watch Mary and Kate had escaped with Georgie on an overnight heart-to-heart disguised as a spa getaway.

  Georgie, having known more about Kate’s life with Brad, was a little more cautious with her advice than Erin was. But in the end, their advice was similar in that the relationship wouldn’t get anywhere unless Kate tried. Taking it one day at a time was the smartest solution, but not be so cautious as to ruin a good thing.

  And that’s what Kate was doing, taking it one day at a time. She looked forward to their phone calls. They spoke about almost everything. The one thing she wouldn’t discuss on the phone was Brad. She felt that it was a conversation that should be done in person, where they could look into each other’s eyes and know what was in their hearts.

  She felt as if Edward was holding on to his own secret. She wouldn’t push though, figuring he’d tell her when he was ready. Or maybe he was waiting to do the in-person conversation as well.

  She was pretty nervous about meeting his mother, although she felt as if she knew her already. One of Edward’s favorite topics was his family. He was devoted to them and she loved that about him. In fact, there wasn’t much about him that she didn’t love.

  She’d spoken on the phone a few times with his sister, Meaghan. Poor girl was bored out of her mind on bed-rest. Kate couldn’t fathom spending her whole pregnancy in bed.

  Looking around the apartment, Kate tried to think of anything she’d forgotten to pack. “My mind is a blank.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I have no idea if I’ve packed everything we’ll need.”

  “Well, let’s start with the most important thing…do you have Lovey?”

  Laughing, Kate nodded. “In my purse. It was the first thing I packed.”

  “Well then, you’re all set. They have stores in England. I’m sure you can buy whatever you’ve forgotten.”

  “Good point.” Kate picked up her
purse. “Let’s get out of here. Who knows how long it’ll take to get through security.”

  Georgie walked over to help with the luggage. Frowning, she sent a questioning look to Kate. “You certainly didn’t take after Mom in the packing department. This bag is so light, is it empty?”

  “No, I didn’t want to get hit with the heavy bag fee. I only packed enough for five days, I figure we can do laundry. Meaghan said she’d let me borrow a hairdryer and stuff. Their outlets are different anyway, so that saved me having to buy a converter too.”

  “Impressive. I can’t pack like this. I have to have a couple options for each day. Who knows what I’ll actually feel like wearing that day,” Georgie laughed.

  Shaking her head in amusement, Kate ushered them out the door and locked up.

  “Thanks for the ride, Georgie.”

  “Not a problem. Those parking fees can get ridiculous.” Georgie looked in the rear-view mirror at her niece. “Mary, are you excited about the plane ride?”

  “Whee!”

  Kate was so excited to be able to take this trip with Mary. They were going to have the best time.

  Tired, hungry and at the very limit of her patience after trying to keep Mary occupied for the flight, Kate was a bundle of nerves. Of course, Murphy’s Law would reign supreme keeping Mary awake the entire flight only to have her fall asleep ten minutes before the plane landed.

  So overwhelmed with keeping Mary in her arms as she struggled with her luggage, she almost missed the tall man holding a sign with her name on it. He seemed familiar to her, but she couldn’t place him. He was tall, nearly six feet, and muscular. Kate couldn’t imagine he had an ounce of fat on his body. His eyes were silver and his nose slightly crooked. He had a scar running through his left eyebrow and was dressed head to toe in black. Stopping in front of him, she quietly spoke to him. “Excuse me, I’m Kate Walker.”

  The man inclined his head. “Ma’am, Mr. Kent sent me to pick you up. He got caught up at work.” The man folded the sign and stooped to pick up her luggage.