Secret Paradise

“Mama?” a tiny voice said through the baby monitor.

Nikki stood. “I’ll get her,” she said quickly, then left before anyone could argue.

Monica watched her sister go, then returned her gaze to J.D. “Are you going to see him?”

“When I can. He’s in a secret location, and I’ll wait for word from his brother when it seems safe.”

“Call him back and tell him to tell Lucian about the baby.”

J.D. searched her face, confused. “The baby? What baby?”

She took his hand and placed it on her stomach. “Ours.”

“You’re pregnant?”

She winked.

For a moment J.D. just stared at her, not knowing what to say or even how to feel. At first he felt an almost intoxicating joy; then, as he thought of his friend, guilt and sadness mingled with it.

“He’s in a coma,” J.D. said in a grave tone. “There’s no point.”

“But part of him may hear. The part that wants to live.” Monica caressed the side of his face. “He will live.”

J.D. gathered her close. He closed his eyes, determined to believe her—feeling her warmth and strength and courage. She was right. Lucian was a tough SOB. He would rise like the phoenix.

“Good job!” Nikki said, clapping her hands when Starla threw a stick for the family dog, Baxter, to retrieve. It had barely gone a foot, but Nikki acted as if little Starla had the makings of a javelin thrower. Starla giggled, delighting in her aunt’s praise, and Baxter picked up the stick, his tail wagging. They played in the front yard, where Nikki had taken them after Starla’s nap. She enjoyed being in the outdoors, especially on warm summer days like this. Were she alone, she would be lazing on the porch with a cool glass of iced tea.

“Now it’s my turn,” she said when Baxter dropped the stick at her feet. She picked it up and threw it far enough to give the dog some exercise.

“Good job!” a voice said behind her.

Nikki turned and saw her sister coming out of the house. She held up a hand. “Stop right there.”

Monica paused, puzzled. “What?”

“Do I know you from somewhere? You look vaguely familiar. Has anyone ever told you that you should model?” Nikki chuckled as she took a seat on the porch step.

Monica made a face. “Shut up,” she said in good humor.

“Don’t you sometimes miss those days?” Nikki asked, referring to her sister’s past as a top fashion model.

Monica sat on the porch step above hers. “No. When I’m here, I feel richer than I’ve ever been.”

Nikki could see it. Her sister glowed with good health and happiness. “I’m glad.”

“I’m sorry I snapped at you earlier.”

Nikki shrugged. “Wouldn’t be the first time we argued about a man.”

Monica lowered her head and Nikki fell silent, because they both knew that was true. Nikki had never taken to Monica’s first husband, Delong Price, who’d whisked Monica away and launched her as the international beauty named Venus: a symbol of sex, glamour and elegance. But now those days were over. Nikki looked around her. Her sister and J.D. owned a slice of heaven here. They called it a farmhouse, but over the years it had expanded into a magnificent piece of architecture, while retaining its wholesome feel and charm. Nikki found herself spending any free moment she could find visiting her sister and her family.

She’d never been this close to her sister since they were children. Delong had liked to keep Monica to himself, and if she wasn’t with him, she was working. Now she had her own business and a more relaxed schedule and a man who let her be completely herself. Nikki liked J.D. At first glance she wouldn’t have selected him for Monica. He was handsome, with the cool command of a businessman and the slight ruthlessness that went with it, but she’d never seen that side of him. Only kindness. At times Nikki imagined meeting her own J.D. but always brushed the thought aside. Her sister’s life could never be hers. She did wonder about Lucian though. Anytime J.D. or Monica talked about him, she found herself listening closer. He intrigued her. She knew he’d come to visit a few times, but they always seemed to miss each other. Monica had once mentioned that Lucian had commented on her design skills.

They’d allowed her to infuse the farmhouse with their African American and Native American heritage, and she’d used aging cedar, with ancestral images hand carved into the walls. The front door featured unique symbols of good fortune, but she’d learned what Lucian liked most were the series of retractable skylights she put in the family room. She would have liked to find out what else he’d like, but now it seemed she might never get the chance to meet him.

Baxter returned and dropped the stick in front of them. Monica picked it up and threw it. Starla giggled and Nikki clapped and said in mocking tones, “Good job! Beautiful and strong.”

Monica playfully punched her in the arm. “You’re a nuisance.”

Nikki rested back on her elbows and looked up at the sky. “Did you tell him about the baby?”

“Yes, just a few minutes ago.”

Nikki looked at her, curious. “How did he take it?”

“He’s thrilled.”

“I would have waited until another time.”

Monica shrugged. “I know J.D. He needed something to smile about. He’s really worried about Lucian.”

“I hope your friend makes it.”

Monica pulled a picture out of her pocket and handed it to her. “This is his house.”

Nikki took the photograph and stared at the expansive mansion. “I know. You showed it to me before.” She’d been amazed by the honeymoon photos Monica had shown her of Lucian’s island. Lush, romantic, exclusive. She would have loved the chance to see inside his house. But she’d never been bold enough to invite herself. However, although there were pictures of the island and mansion, there were none of the man. In one photo she’d seen a shadowy figure in the background, but it had been too blurry to make out any features. Monica had told her Lucian didn’t like to have his photo taken and kept to himself.

Nikki handed the photo back to Monica, confused as to why her sister had given it to her. “Most of it has been burned, right?”

“Yes, he’s going to need to rebuild.”

“I’m sure he will.”

“And redesign it.”

Nikki frowned, suspicious. “Where are you going with this?”

“He’s going to need you.”

Nikki laughed. “Me? Why me?”

“Because you’re the best.”

Nikki smiled. “And?”

“And what?”

Nikki narrowed her eyes. “You’re up to something.”