Chapter Twenty-Two
When Vanessa enteredMorgan and Anne’s house on Adrian’s arm, it was the culmination of so many dreams coming true. Gabriel pranced before them, absolutely thrilled to be reunited with his cousins, and Anne greeted them both with a wide smile that left no doubt that they were truly welcomed. For the first time in her life, Vanessa felt as though she were part of a family, and she couldn’t help but beam at her wonderful husband.
“Thank you for this,” she whispered, as the footman took her cloak.
Adrian raised a questioning brow, obviously not understanding her gratitude, but smiled in return.
That was twice she’d made him smile today!
“Come with me,” Anne coaxed, taking her hand and leading her down the elegant, white-columned entryway to a lovely sitting room done in shades of blue. “I’ve always wanted a sister,” she exclaimed, as she gestured to a comfortable-looking settee near a crackling fire. “I’ve so been looking forward to your visit!”
“Thank you,” Vanessa said with a happy laugh, a little overwhelmed by Anne’s kindness after the cold shoulder she’d been given by everyone else in Adrian’s life. “I’ve been looking forward to it as well. I’ve never had a sister either.”
The word sounded a bit foreign and awkward, but Anne didn’t seem to mind. As the two women made themselves comfortable, the men and the children spilled into the room, the children shrieking and clamoring for attention, and the men laughing good-naturedly.
They all piled over to an elaborate train set in the corner. Anne turned to Vanessa with worried eyes. “I know the children should go to the nursery, but Morgan and I do so love having them with us all the time. Adrian is used to it, but if you’d prefer a little peace and quiet...”
Vanessa laughed and shook her head, watching as Gabriel joined in the fun, looking the way she felt, hanging back a bit, but hope and excitement shining in his wide blue eyes. “No, please. I love this. It’s wonderful.”
Anne glanced over at the men, who were now giving the children horsey rides on the carpet. A wistful smile curved her lips. “Adrian looks happy and relaxed. More so than I’ve ever seen him. You’re so good for him.”
“I hope so,” Vanessa replied, her eyes tearing up a bit as she watched her handsome husband on his hands and knees, Gabriel clinging breathlessly to his back as he bucked across the floor. They did look very much alike. No one would ever guess that Adrian wasn’t Gabriel’s real father. “I’m trying very hard to be everything he needs me to be.”
Anne shook her head. “I never understood why it took so long for someone to look beyond his scars. Look at the man—he’s utterly beautiful, and he has such a good heart.”
“Well, I’m very glad the women in your circle are fools,” Vanessa said tartly. “Their loss has certainly been my gain.”
“You do love him, don’t you?” Anne gave her a searching look. “Morgan was so worried that you didn’t. The two of them are closer than you can imagine, and he would hate for Adrian to be hurt. But when I met you, I could see the love in your eyes. I told him he needn’t worry.”
“Yes,” Vanessa murmured, still a little taken aback by Anne’s frankness. She’d expected her new sister-in-law to be far more reserved. “Of course, I love him.”
“And the child? He truly doesn’t belong to either of you?” Anne pressed.
“He belongs to both of us,” Vanessa said, a bit testily, wondering where Anne was going with this. “But, no, neither of us are his natural parents. We... worked together to save him from... a very bad man. In the process, we both fell in love with him. When Adrian adopted him as a wedding gift for me, it was the most wonderful surprise I’ve ever been given.”
Anne smiled. “I knew I’d like you, Vanessa.” She reached out and took Vanessa’s hands, squeezing them conspiratorially. “I’ve never known anyone like you.”
Vanessa struggled to keep the smile on her lips. “An actress, you mean?”
Anne squeezed her hands even tighter. “I didn’t mean to offend you,” she told her hastily. “But, yes, I suppose that’s what I mean. All of the women I know have the same background as I do, and frankly, they are all a bit of a bore.”
Vanessa raised an eyebrow, unsure how to take her sister-in-law’s comment.
“What I am trying to say is... I suppose I’ve been dreaming that with you... perhaps I can be myself? I’ve always wanted a friend I could share secrets with, talk about things that truly matter, my hopes and dreams, the things that hurt and bother me, instead of making polite chit-chat about the weather and fashion.” Anne flushed and dropped her gaze. “You must think me such a loon. We’ve only just met.”
