The front door opened as the prisms disappeared in a shower of light. Samuel and Marie’s loud, angry voices carried throughout the vast foyer and beyond. Nathaniel and Anton’s attention immediately went to the two people half way up the grand stairs.

Nathaniel’s booming voice superseded the two coming from above. He saw the tear stained face of his love and the menacing expression of his son. “What in the hell? ...” He watched as Marie’s expression turned toward him with obvious relief.

The next instant would replay over and over in his mind. Samuel’s hand was on Marie’s arm. She spun toward Nathaniel. Anton rushed forward, as if sensing the future. Amanda appeared at the rail above, seemingly to witness the commotion. But no, alas she had her own agenda. His daughter-in-law’s voice transcended the foyer, “The doctor said we all should be in Sharron’s room; it’s almost time.”

Samuel moved upward toward his wife. Did he push Marie? No, she simultaneously pulled away from his grip. Physics were nonnegotiable. The law of conservation of energy states energy can neither be created nor destroyed. It can only change form or be transferred from one object to another. As the two angry individuals exploded from their point of origin, they each used the contained momentum to propel themselves in their own desired direction.

The stair on which Marie stood was maybe ten or eleven inches wide. In her haste to reach Nathaniel, her sandaled foot misjudged the step. In slow motion, Nathaniel watched helplessly as his new love and the life of his unborn child tumbled downward. Her form rolled vulnerably, hitting each step with increased speed and power as she neared the marble landing.

Anton’s agility and quickness allowed him to reach her before she connected with the rock hard floor. Nonetheless, Nathaniel, Amanda, Samuel, and various curious staff, gasped in horror and stared powerlessly as Anton held Marie’s limp body.

The most precious possession that ever comes to a man in this world
is a woman's heart.
-Josiah G. Holland

Chapter 26

Claire woke slowly, enjoying the soft luxurious hotel sheets against her bare skin. Before her mind registered her location, she snuggled happily into the blankets. Suddenly, her knee contacted a warm leg. Claire gasped and stilled. Only inches away she heard the unfamiliar sound of rhythmic breathing and felt radiating heat. Opening her eyes she saw Harry’s tussled blonde hair. Momentarily, her mind replayed scenes from the night before as her knee mindlessly moved against Harry’s leg. It’d been so long since she’d awakened with anyone. She smiled and relished the softness of his leg hairs against her smooth skin.

Turning slightly toward the clock, Claire adjusted her eyes and read the numbers: 10:27. At first, she wondered where the morning had gone. Then she remembered dawn breaking through the dark sky, when they finally submitted to exhaustion and yielded to sleep. Dismissing the idea of leaving their secure haven, Claire peacefully closed her eyes, curled her body close to Harry, and savored the closeness.

In the recesses of her mind she recalled Harry’s confession; he’d anticipated them together since she purchased her first cellphone. Smiling, she contemplated her first thoughts of a union – when Harry first asked her to play video games. Although, she told Courtney his anti-Tonyisms drew her in; she acknowledged to herself, his unwavering kindness, concern, and support held her captive.

Grinning into her pillow, she recalled Harry’s prowess between the sheets. Prior to Tony, she’d been in a sexual slump. Simon was many years earlier, and they were just children. Between the two, there were a few nameless, meaningless men. Unquestionably, Tony’s sexual abilities were boundless. Nonetheless, the daunting reminder of his nonconventional introduction into her life and bed darkened every positive memory.

Gratified with Harry’s skills, Claire snuggled into the soft sheets, enjoyed his warmth and floated in and out of consciousness. Nearing eleven, Claire stirred as Harry eased his way out of bed. Her damaged self-esteem waited patiently for him to return. When he didn’t, she freed herself from the warm cocoon, shyly wrapped herself in her robe and wandered into the sitting area.

Tentatively stepping into the bright room, Claire found Harry standing in the sunshine, peering through the large window. A glistening vista filled with buildings and shimmering sea filled the large pane beyond his silhouette. Despite the beautiful view, Claire’s gaze focused on Harry’s firm bare torso, trim waist, and perfectly faded jeans. They were the same jeans from last night and hung perfectly around his hips with the top button undone. As she admired the vision, she noted the absence of visible boxer shorts. Suddenly contemplating their location, her insides tightened. If they are still in the bedroom -- it meant -- under his jeans...

Smirking, Claire shook her head and listened as Harry spoke on his Blackberry.

“That’s fine, send the email to me and I’ll review it.” “No, that can wait until Monday.” “Be sure Lee knows.” “Yesterday?” “No, I wasn’t aware.” “Have Lee call me as soon as he’s off the call.” “Thank you Rachel. I’ll check in later today.” He turned around and saw Claire.

Momentarily she feared her eavesdropping would upset him. However, Claire’s anxiety dissipated as Harry’s eyes lightened and a smile filled his handsome face. Slowly he walked closer keeping his glimmering eyes locked on hers.

Though he spoke into his Blackberry, his expression revived Claire’s feelings from last night. “Yes,” he said, “forward everything to my personal email. I can get it from my phone.” His eyebrows rose as he neared and discontinued his conversation, “Good bye, Rachel. You know how to reach me.”