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says she wants to see the baby but I think she s just checking up on me. She always does that
when I sit. She says the care of someone else s child is a big responsibility. Alicia flashed her
grin.  That s okay. I m sure I ll do the same thing with my kids. One thing about the
Vanettas, we surround each other.
Upstairs, Sarah organized everything she needed. Her treat for the day was going to be
a long, relaxing soak before she dressed. By the time she returned home tonight, she would be
a married woman again, even if only a hired one. Life is certainly strange, she thought.
Submerged in the hot water and bubbles, she closed her eyes and just let her thoughts
drift.
I wish I knew what s in store for Reno and me.
Would she ever reach a point where she knew all the pieces to the puzzle? Was she too
optimistic in thinking she could make it work?
She shook herself. What thoughts for her wedding day.
She heard Reno come up the stairs and looked at her the little clock on the vanity.
Three thirty! She d have to hurry. She stepped from the tub, wrapped herself in the oversize
towel and padded into her room. The sight of Reno in her doorway froze her in place.
 Oh! She clutched the towel to her body, unable to make herself move.
 I m sorry. I had something to give you.
She waited for him to leave but he never moved.
His gaze raked her body, still flushed from her bath, her hair escaping from the topknot
she d pulled it into. The towel covered her more than some outfits, but she felt naked,
exposed. His eyes felt as if they were devouring her. She clutched the terrycloth tighter to her
body, wanting to move but frozen to the spot.
 I-I have to get dressed, she stammered.
 Yes. He seemed to rouse himself.  I ll check back in a little while.
Sarah sat down on the bed as soon as he left, trembling from head to toe. The fire in his
eyes had stimulated her beyond belief. What would he have said if she d done what she
wanted to, thrown the towel to the floor and leaped at him? She had to get a grip or she d ruin
everything.
She took extra pains with her hair and makeup. When everything else was in place, she
put on the ivory suit and slipped into the matching heels. The last thing she did was remove
the slender chain from around her neck that held her original wedding ring. It was the hair
shirt she d worn every day since Mike s death. Now she put it in the little jewelry box on the
vanity. The door to that part of her life was closed.
 Goodbye, Mike, she whispered.  I ll always remember the good times.
She was just tucking the pearl comb into the back of her hair when Reno tapped on her
open bedroom door.
 May I come in?
 Yes, of course.
They were both good at pretending the earlier scene had never taken place. Standing
Judith Rochelle 42
behind her, reflected in the mirror, he looked incredibly handsome in his dark suit and snow-
white shirt. The cloth hung impeccably on his large body, the shirt setting off his dark good
looks. She knew his feet would be encased in the familiar trademark boots, polished to a high
gloss.
He cleared his throat.  You re an extraordinary woman, Sarah. I appreciate the fact
that you ve agreed to do this. It appears to be working out well with the child. I want you to
know I m very grateful.
Not the romantic speech she d hoped for in the unlikely event she ever remarried, but
certainly not words to take lightly. If gratitude were what she got, she d take comfort from
that.
 I appreciate that.
With great care he reached around in front of her and handed her a small box.
 What s this?
 Just a little wedding gift from the groom to the bride. I believe it s appropriate.
She opened the box with fingers that shook a little, and then gasped. Nestled on blue
velvet were a pair of exquisite pearl and diamond teardrop earrings.  Oh, Reno they re
gorgeous. How did you know I love pearls?
 You re mother is a great source of information, he smiled, obviously pleased with
himself.  She was only too happy to make a suggestion. I see she was right. They re perfect.
He reached to take them out of the box for her, and their fingers touched for the briefest
instant. They stared at each other, wrapped in the heat they generated. Then Sarah broke the
spell.
 This is very thoughtful of you, she breathed. She turned and would have hugged
him without thinking, but she caught herself.  I ll treasure them.
He watched while she fastened them in place.  You re a beautiful woman, Sarah.
Today you re absolutely radiant. I m proud that you ll be taking my name.
Sarah wanted to cry. It was the most personal thing he had said to her since that
momentous dinner.  Thank you, was all she could manage.
He took a slim leather portfolio from his pocket, all business again.  Here s your
checkbook, with money already in the account. I ll put money in every month for your
personal everyday needs, and for the child s. Spend it, save it, do whatever you wish with it.
Sarah looked at the checkbook and stifled a gasp.  This is so much, she protested.
He went on, as if she hadn t spoken.  There are also two credit cards in your name.
You don t need to worry about a spending limit. Use those whenever you can and save your
cash for when you need it. I think that should take care of everything.
She didn t know what to say. He had done what he said he would, and now she would
do her part.  I think I m ready, she finally managed.  Let me check on Alicia and the baby
and we can leave.
Alicia was just in the process of changing Lexie. Sarah bent over and planted a soft kiss
on the tiny forehead.
 Mama, the baby cooed.
 Yes, sweetie, Mama will be back soon. Have fun with Alicia.
The teenager hefted the baby to her shoulder and smiled.  Don t worry, we ll have a
great time, won t we, cutie pie?
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