Chapter 195

Evelyn Sinclair had just set down her book when Madeline Kingsley pushed open the hospital room door.

"Evelyn dear," the elderly woman's wrinkled face creased into a smile. "I went to the temple today to get a fortune slip—they say it can predict the baby's gender."

Evelyn's fingers stilled. She lifted her gaze with practiced grace. "Grandmother, this isn't the Middle Ages. Do people still believe in such things?"

"Oh, but better safe than sorry!" Madeline leaned in conspiratorially. "They say it's incredibly accurate. The slip reads—"

"Grandmother." Evelyn's interruption was gentle but firm. "Boy or girl, this is Alexander's and my child."

Madeline's smile faltered. She tucked the slip away with a strained chuckle. "Well, of course..."

She turned to a food container and produced a steaming bowl. "Here, I made this specially for you."

The pungent aroma of vinegar assaulted Evelyn's senses. She frowned at the yellowish broth—it smelled like someone had emptied an entire vinegar bottle into it.

"How much vinegar did you add?"

"Just a dash," Madeline's eyes darted sideways. "Some hawthorn for appetite."

Evelyn stirred the soup and fished out a lemon peel. "Since when is this hawthorn?"

Madeline's cheeks flushed. "Must you be so difficult?"

"Testing the 'sour for boy, spicy for girl' theory?" Evelyn set the spoon down with a clink. "Why don't you try it first?"

She made to ladle some broth, but Madeline recoiled. "My—my blood pressure! Acidic foods are forbidden."

The standoff broke when the door swung open. Alexander Kingsley strode in, his sharp gaze flickering between them. "Having soup?"

Madeline suddenly found the wall fascinating.

Evelyn pushed the bowl toward him. "Your grandmother's thoughtful gift."

Alexander drank without hesitation, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Hmm. Appetizing."

Madeline brightened. "See? I told—"

"If by appetizing you mean battery acid," he set the bowl down, "then yes."

The older woman's face cycled through shades of red and white.

"Grandmother," Alexander's voice turned glacial. "Don't you have bridge games to attend?"

"I was just concerned about Evelyn's—"

"Concerned enough to check our child's genitals?" His laugh held no warmth. "Since when did the Kingsleys become sexist peasants?"

Madeline fled without another word.

Alexander poured Evelyn a glass of water. "You shouldn't have to deal with that."

Their fingers brushed during the exchange, sending a jolt through both.

"The doctor cleared me for discharge," she said abruptly.

He nodded. "You're coming home."

"I want my apartment."

"No." His refusal was absolute. "Security's inadequate."

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "Then you—"

"I'm staying with you." As if stating the obvious.

Her eyes widened. "It's tiny."

Alexander caged her against the bed, his breath warm on her cheek. "Tiny?" His low chuckle vibrated against her. "And I'm... not?"

Scarlet bloomed across Evelyn's ears.