He took the cup from her. “What are we going to do?”
She lifted her chin. “We’re going to announce your engagement to India. We’re going to act as if this is all normal and perfectly okay. We’re going to avoid causing any ripples that may cost Byron the election or weaken Robidoux Tobacco. We’re going to be one big happy family and give no one any hint this development is in any way unwanted, unexpected or unsavory.”
“Why?” He had to ask. The brittle tone of her voice revealed she wasn’t happy with the decision.
“Because you love her, and India has such a big heart. Even though I’m furious with her, I don’t want her to become bitter. I’d rather her be happy and loved than forced into a relationship with someone she doesn’t care about. We both know those types of relationships are disasters.”
“You’d be okay doing that?”
She picked up her purse. “I am okay doing that, because it’s what needs to be done. Don’t worry, Travis. I’m angry about not knowing the truth, and it’ll take a while to get used to the idea, but my heart is bruised, not broken. I’ve lived with so many disappointments I think it’s gotten used to taking a beating.” She smiled sadly and went out the door.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
INDIA HAD TO get through three security and ID checks before she was finally let onto the top floor of Robidoux Tobacco. When she’d gotten to her sister’s floor, she’d been directed to sit in a hard, gray chair in the waiting area outside of Elaina’s office. Elaina was there. Her administrative assistant had already called and informed her of India’s arrival twenty-five minutes ago.
Coming here had been a risk. Elaina could have flat out refused to see her. Maybe that’s what she really wanted to do, but the potential for gossip kept her from kicking her sister out.
India had wanted to go straight to the hospital and check on Travis. She was dying to know how he was doing. Had he woken up? Had anyone in his family come to see him? Did he remember what she’d said? Did he still want to marry her?
She hadn’t gone to him. She needed to talk to Elaina first. Last night, after the adrenaline and fear of Travis nearly being killed wore off, all she could think about was Elaina. The look of betrayal in Elaina’s face was something she’d never forget. India loved Travis, but Elaina was her sister. Their dad wouldn’t always be there. One day he would die—kicking, screaming and fighting the grim reaper, but the day would come. Elaina and Byron would be all she had left. She didn’t want to lose her family over this.
The administrative assistant’s phone rang. She brought the sleek black receiver to her ear. “Yes, Ms. Robidoux, thank you.” She hung up and looked at India. “She will see you now.”
“Thank you.” India tried to smile, but her stomach was a jumble of nerves. How do you apologize for breaking your sister’s heart?
She entered, and Elaina sat perfectly behind her desk. Her hands folded on top of the desk while she watched India enter with cool, impenetrable eyes. India crossed over and sat in the chair across from her sister.
“I didn’t expect to see you,” Elaina said.
“We need to talk. You weren’t home when I got up.”
“I had an early appointment. Have you been to see Travis? Is that why you’re here?”
India frowned and shook her head. “No. I haven’t been to see him.”
Elaina’s brows rose. “Why not? I thought you’d have rushed to be by his side. Don’t you want to know how he’s doing?”
She did, but this was more important. “I need to apologize to you.”
“For falling in love with Travis?” Elaina’s tone implied India was being ridiculous.
“For everything. Falling in love with him. Not telling you what happened between us before you got married. Not telling you how I feel.”
“How can I blame you for that? It’s practically part of our family motto to keep our real feelings to ourselves.”
India shifted forward in her seat. “That doesn’t matter. You two may have broken up, but regardless of the circumstances, I shouldn’t have crossed that line. I’m sorry. I love you.”
Elaina’s mouth tilted up slightly. “I know you love me. I know this is killing you. The pain you feel for me is practically written all over your face. You really need to work on not showing all of your emotions.”
“Elaina, please don’t make light of this. I want to make this better. I broke things off with Travis yesterday before he was...” Her throat constricted and tears burned her eyes. She blinked rapidly. He was alive. He’d be okay. “Before the accident. I want you to know that if this is going to tear you and me apart—”
Elaina slapped her hands on her desk and leaned forward. “You’re giving him up?”
India blinked several times. “What?” The frustration in Elaina’s voice was the biggest surprise.
“Why would you do that?”
Why? That was not the reaction she expected. “Because being with him breaks us. Last night you said you’d never be okay with us together,” India said, even though Elaina’s reaction almost made her doubt her own memory. “You’re my sister. We aren’t always on the same page, but I want to find a way through this.”
“You’d really let him go for me?” Elaina sounded as if the notion of India giving up Travis for her was ludicrous.
India didn’t want to let Travis go. She’d rather find a way to give Elaina time to get used to the idea, but if Elaina needed a break from her, if she needed space, then India would give it. “I’d really do whatever it takes to keep our family together.”
“But you said you love him. Do you not love him anymore?”
With everything in me. “I do love him, but I love you, too. You’re my sister. I hope one day you’ll forgive me.”
Elaina rolled her eyes and sat back. “My God, you’re so dramatic. People say I’m like Daddy, but here you are preaching family sticking together. I don’t want you to give up Travis for me.”
“But last night you were angry.” Last night India wouldn’t have been surprised if Elaina had sneaked into her room and tried to smother her with a pillow.
“Yes. Last night I was angry. Angry that I didn’t see what was right in front of my face.”
“You knew...”
“Not that he was sleeping with you. You’ve always been closer to him. Travis and I were never in love. We were doing something fun and forbidden, and because we were reckless, we ended up in a...delicate situation. But you two...you two actually had something.”
“That doesn’t mean I should be with him.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t, but I’m not going to be the person to tell you to stay away from him. We’ll spin this and make it work. We can’t disturb Byron’s campaign, so I agree with your idea of waiting until after the primaries, and I won’t watch you try to avoid being around Travis without your heart breaking. Jesus, you two would drive me crazy. Pining for each other with unrequited love. Me, the evil sister who stood in the way of true happiness.”
“You aren’t evil. You not wanting us together is understandable.”
“I don’t feel things the way you feel them. But I do love you,” Elaina said succinctly. “Please, go to him. Be with the man who should have always been yours.”
She couldn’t believe the Elaina in front of her was the same Elaina who’d breathed fire the night before. “Are you sure?” Could her sister really be okay with this? Was Elaina actually giving her blessing?
“I’m more than sure. Now please, go to the hospital.” Elaina waved a hand toward the door. “I’ve got a lot of work today, and I can’t sit here and watch you try to make a martyr out of yourself over something that I really don’t care that much about.”
Elaina stood and walked around the desk. India stood as well and followed Elaina to the door. “I’ll be working late, but we can talk more later.”
; India wrapped her arms around Elaina. Her sister was stiff in her arms. Caught off guard by India’s show of affection. “Elaina... I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”
Elaina relaxed slightly. Her hand patted India’s back. “Please, let’s not make a big deal out of this. I’m still mad you didn’t tell me, but I’m going to be okay with you two together.”
India pulled back. Tears clouding her vision. The day before with Elaina was the closest they’d ever been. Even though she’d given her blessing, India knew she and Elaina would never have another day doing “sister stuff” again.
“Please don’t cry,” Elaina reprimanded. “You’re always so emotional. No wonder you’re in love. You’ve got too much heart.”
India wiped her eyes. “You have heart, too, Elaina. I love you.”
Elaina’s eyes shimmered. She blinked and turned away to open the door. “I’ve really got a lot to do.”
India left her sister’s office. A bittersweet joy filled her heart as she left the building for her car. Her life was changed forever and she was excited about the future.
CHAPTER THIRTY
“WHERE DO YOU think you’re going?” India said to Travis.
She rushed across his living room and gently eased him back onto the pile of pillows behind him on the couch. She’d walked out for just a few minutes to check on the meat loaf she was preparing. She hadn’t cooked in years but remembered meat loaf was one of Travis’s favorite meals. So far she hadn’t burned anything or had any major kitchen mishaps. When she’d left, he’d been about to doze off. Now he was trying to push himself up.
“The doctors said it was okay for me to get up and move around,” he said, humor shining in his eyes.
She placed her hand on his shoulder and tried to ease him back down. “For a little bit and only if you really need to.”
Travis laughed. “I’ve got to go to the bathroom.”
She looked down the hall toward the door to the powder room, then back to the couch. She should have insisted he stay in bed. The bathroom was much closer to his bed upstairs. What if he fell and opened his stitches? He could bleed out all over the floor and die on her watch before an ambulance ever arrived.
“Hey.” Travis cupped her cheek gently in his hands. He forced her to meet his eyes. “I’m okay. You don’t have to worry.” His voice was calm, soothing and full of understanding.
She knew he was okay. He’d survived with minimal damage. He was already itching to go back to work. His cousin had been arrested. His family hadn’t been able or willing to pay his bond. There were no direct threats on his life. Still, the memory of almost losing him...of her plans to give him up after he’d been shot, of never seeing him again...
“I know. I just don’t want you to break your stitches.”
He leaned forward and brushed his lips across hers. “I’m not. Did I ever tell you how cute I think it is that you’ve moved in to take care of me?”
“Someone’s got to make sure you don’t start lifting weights and overexerting yourself.”
She wasn’t officially moved in. In the aftermath of everything, her family asked for her and Travis to keep their relationship out of the public eye until after the primary election. After watching Travis recover, India didn’t want to pretend anymore, but for her family’s acceptance of her and Travis together, it was a concession she was willing to take.
Travis shifted forward so he could stand. Even though he didn’t need her help to move around anymore, he didn’t shoo her away when she placed her hand on his elbow to try to guide his movements. “Do you know how happy I am that you’re the one taking care of me?”
She smiled and relaxed. “Well, it was me or Camille, and I really didn’t feel like scratching out eyeballs.”
Camille had come by the hospital to visit Travis. India arrived right as she made the offer to nurse him. Travis firmly told her he didn’t need any assistance. India believed Camille finally got the hint there would be no rebounding with her and left shortly after.
Travis chuckled and kissed her again. “Everything is fine. We’re fine. I survived, and I will live a very long time, God willing. It’s okay for us to be happy.”
India closed her eyes and let out a slow breath. When she opened them, she felt calmer. She’d never forget the fear that clutched her heart after hearing Travis was shot, but she was going to appreciate every damn day they had together from here on out.
“I know,” she said. “But I may need you to tell me that again later on.”
“I’ll be happy to.” He nodded toward the hall. “Now, can I go to the bathroom?”
She scrunched her brow as if thinking about it. Travis gave her a don’t-play-with-me look. She laughed and stepped back. “Yes. Go on and be careful.”
She watched him walk steadily and surely to the bathroom. He was recovering quickly, but he was still in pain. The doctors had once again told him how lucky he was the shot hadn’t been a little more to the left. Though Travis said he understood he’d lost a lot of blood and needed to take it easy, he was also a man used to being active. Sitting around waiting for others to do things for him made him irritable. Except when it came to her. He seemed not only grateful but amazed she’d left the estate to be with him.
Honestly, there was no place she’d rather be.
The doorbell rang shortly after Travis disappeared into the bathroom. He’d gotten a constant stream of visitors since returning home. Friends, clients, neighbors all wanted to wish him well, drop off a casserole or just check in while blatantly trying to get the story about why Travis’s cousin shot him. Visitors that were noticeably absent: his family. He hadn’t said anything, but India knew his family’s lack of concern bothered him.
Which made it even more surprising to open the door and find Travis’s mother standing on the other side.
“Mrs. Strickland, what are you doing here?” The words were out before India could consider how they might sound. Yeah, it might be rude to ask a mother why she’d come by her son’s home, but only if the mother had bothered to visit any other time. Travis’s parents hadn’t shown up in the hospital or called after the incident.
“I came to see Travis,” she said. Her lips tightened and she looked at India as if she came to visit Travis once a week instead of when hell froze over. “Can I come in?”
India glanced over her shoulder toward the car. “Are you here alone?” She didn’t see anyone in the car. She eyed the woman’s bag, which was large enough to hold a gun.
Mrs. Strickland sighed. “I’m not here to finish what my sorry excuse for a nephew started,” she said irritably, as if she’d read India’s thoughts. “I just want to check on my son.”
India studied her for several seconds. She didn’t want anything to upset Travis, but she knew he’d want to hear whatever it was his mom came to say. India nodded and stepped back. “Come on in.”
Juanita stepped over the threshold and looked around. India didn’t have to ask if it was her first time in Travis’s home. She led his mom farther into the house, toward the living room.
Travis came back down the hall as they walked into the living room. He froze midstep. Staring at his mom with the same wariness India had at the door.
“Mom. What are you doing here?” His voice was guarded.
Juanita rolled her shoulders. “I can’t come check on my son? You’re just as bad as her.” She pointed to India.
“It’s not as if you’ve visited me before.” His voice remained cool, but India noticed the stiffness in his shoulders. She went to his side. She wanted to take his hand, but she didn’t know his family and obviously couldn’t trust them not to let the entire town know she and Travis were together. She guessed Travis understood because he shifted closer to her.
“Well, you’d never been shot before,” Juanita snapped. She nodded toward one of the end chairs. “Can I
sit down?”
“Yes,” Travis said stiffly.
India glanced at Travis. “Do you want me to give you some space?”
He shook his head. “No, you can stay,” he said before focusing on Juanita. “So, why are you really here?”
Juanita sat in the end chair. “To check on you. Your dad didn’t want me to come, but here I am.” At first she sounded defensive, but when Travis winced as he lowered to the couch seat, her tone and face softened. “I swear I had nothing to do with Mitch’s boy shooting you. I’ve told Mitch not to come around anymore. We may have our differences, but you’re still my son. I know things have been rough, but I don’t want you dead.” She lifted her chin. “I’m sorry. I’d like to come see you more often, if that’s okay.”
India and Travis both stared at his mom. India remembered the stories Travis told about his family. For years Juanita never went against his dad when he’d pushed Travis away. India had seen the hurt he tried to hide as he talked about his family. She hoped this wasn’t some sort of joke, because if it was, India would go to hell and back to make sure his family never got to him again.
Travis cleared his throat. “Does Dad know you’re here?”
Juanita gave a stiff nod. “He does.”
“And what does he have to say about this?”
“He doesn’t think I should be here. He’s stubborn,” Juanita answered, straightening her back.
“I know.”
Juanita glanced at India as if looking for a way to get through Travis’s monotone responses. India just stared back. If Juanita wanted to fix this, she’d do it on her own.
“Believe it or not,” Juanita said, “he thinks Mitch and Devon went too damn far.”
“Did he say that?” Travis asked skeptically.
“He did. He was afraid you were dead. Give him time. He’ll come around,” Juanita said softly.
They sat in silence for several heartbeats. Unable to help herself, India placed her hand on Travis’s back and rubbed. She didn’t care if Juanita gossiped. She couldn’t let Travis go through this without knowing he had her support. No matter the decision.
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