Saved by the Cross (Cross 3)

19 - New generation

Gray looked at her. She nodded, and he relaxed and then she smiled. They communicated like a married couple. How bizarre. He shrugged, again as if he read her mind.

Monty arrived carrying Ana who looked happy to see a roomful of people smiling at her. Sofia followed behind and her beauty struck Doyle. Her camera lens could do amazing things with her high cheekbones.

"Sofia, you could model."

"Hmph." Rosa let her opinion out as she took Ana from her father.

"No. My hips are too big."

Monty put his hands on his wife's hips. "I think they're perfect."

She laughed. "Perfect for bearing your child."

Rosa nodded. "Only my sister delivers a baby and is perfectly fine the next day. You looked like you never had this beautiful bebé."

Sofia brushed her sister off. "Doyle doesn't want to hear about this."

She smiled. "I'm set up. Perhaps I should start with just Ana."

She had Ana sit and pose in different ways. Behind her the adults tried to get her to smile for each click. Doyle smiled when it became clear Gray had the best luck at getting her to laugh. He sat on the floor next to Doyle, and his shoulder brushed her legs.

When they placed Lina beside Ana, the older child smiled without encouragement. Clearly, she was used to being a ham for the camera.

As Doyle concentrated on her work, she hoped to impress Gray. During their time together, he thought she was someone different. Aside from being from a prominent family, she had a job, a talent. Showing off felt like she was proving herself to him.

After the two girls, she took a few with Monty, Sofia and Ana. When she looked down at Gray, his smile said it all. He loved the beautiful family.

When Sofia stood, she said, "You'll stay for dinner."

Doyle looked around. "I hadn't expected an invitation." Wanting to spend more time with Gray, she said, "Thank you. I'd like that."

Monty handed Ana to Gray. "I have to change, before Rosa takes over my kitchen."

Sofia and Rosa were already busy in the kitchen leaving Doyle and Gray, as she packed up her equipment.

"I'd help but my hands are full."

Doyle smiled as Ana tugged on his nose. Turning she took out her phone to text Percy. Her mother liked to know who was home for dinner.

"Everything okay?"

She turned around. "Yup. Just letting my family know I won't be home."

He laughed. "Seriously?"

She smirked. "I know it's a little ironic."

"More than a little. I hated to hear they had worried, but I was sorry you had to leave so abruptly."

"Are you sorry about who I am?"

Gray looked at her. His eyes were hard to read. "Yes, and no. You are you, but we are from different worlds."

Doyle shook her head. "Our worlds are changing. Look at how Monty lives. My brother lives similarly. My siblings and I don't get bogged down in all the bullshit my mother is obsessed about."

Monty appeared barefoot wearing faded jeans. "You two look serious. I'll take her before she gets too hungry. Continue." He disappeared into the kitchen and Doyle continued to pack up. As soon as she closed the case, Gray smiled. "I'll load them into the car."