Overwhelmed by her response, he tumbled her into his lap and hugged her tightly, burying his face in her auburn curls. “You’re not disgusted by me?”
“Oh... Adrian...” His name sounded odd on her lips, but he liked hearing her say it. “Of course not. How could you ever think such a thing?” She pulled back and met his gaze earnestly. “You’re my best friend. I would love you no matter what you looked like... but this...”—she brushed a gentle fingertip across his scars—“this only keeps you from being too handsome to even look at.”
She laughed a little self-consciously and got back to her feet, putting the desk between them once again. Her words fell like a gentle rain upon the parched surface of his soul. Leave it to Fi to know exactly what to say.
“I wanted to tell you, at least a thousand times, but I didn’t want to put you at risk.”
She shook her head. “You knew I didn’t care about that. I would have been out there, masked, right beside you if I could have. No, I think your change of heart has more to do with your future bride.” She smiled wistfully. “I’m so happy for you both.”
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, wishing it were that simple. He suddenly wanted to confide in her, ask her what Vanessa had told her, but he forced himself to keep the words locked away, as usual. Angry as he was at his future bride, he knew how much she’d grown to depend on Fiona’s friendship, how much both women needed each other, and didn’t want to say anything to jeopardize that.
“She loves that boy,” he said instead. “I think we can give him a good home.” That much at least was true.
“Of course, you will,” Fiona told him warmly. “You’ll be a wonderful father, Adrian. I’ve always thought so.”
Her words made him suddenly imagine Vanessa holding a child,theirchild, a lovely little girl with her dark eyes and dimples. The thought was so beautiful he could barely stand it.
“Let’s go get Gabriel, shall we?” he told his old friend. “I think he’ll be very happy to know Vanessa will be his mother in truth from now on.”
Chapter Fourteen
The morning of Vanessa’swedding dawned cold and gloomy, the dreary gray sky matching her mood perfectly. Though she’d tried repeatedly to speak to Adrian since their engagement party, he’d refused every single attempt to mend their relationship. He hadn’t answered the notes she’d sent, and on the two occasions she’d tried to force her way into his house, he’d had his butler, Clinton, claim he wasn’t home.
Today, however, Clinton let her in, giving her a shy smile as he took her cloak. “Mr. Strathmore will be down directly, my lady.”
She paced the foyer, noticing that the six trunks that held all her worldly belongings had already been delivered. They sat in a haphazard pile just inside the front door. When she’d left her flat this morning, it had been for the last time. For better or worse, this was her home now.
Adrian’s house just a few blocks from Grosvenor Square was beautiful, a nearly new white stone edifice with wide windows and a deep red door, decorated in colors and fabrics that were as deep and gorgeous as he was. There was none of the clutter and bric-a-brac that was currently the rage.
She could be quite happy here, if only he’d give her a chance.
The sound of running footsteps surprised her. She glanced toward the top of the curving, elaborate staircase, thinking for one instant that Adrian was rushing to meet her, only to be taken off balance by the sight of Gabriel running toward her. He looked a bit awkward in a tiny suit and cravat but completely and utterly adorable.
“Vanessa,” he cried, launching himself at her from the third step up.
She caught him in her arms, breathing in the sweet little boy scent, her eyes welling with tears. Heavier, slower footsteps sounded on the stairs, and she glanced up to see Adrian slowly descending toward her, as though he was headed to the hangman’s noose instead of his wedding. Still, he wore the same outfit as Gabriel, and she knew he was to thank for bringing the boy here.
