Second Chance Pass (Virgin River #5)(74)

“Do you mean that, Vanessa?” Carol asked, her eyes a bit wide.

“There will be boundaries,” Vanni said. “You have to check with me before you make any plans that affect me, my son, my life, my relationship, my—”

“Of course.”

“If you get any little granddaughters’ ears pierced without my permission, you’ll pay,” Vanessa said, lifting one brow meaningfully.

“Oh heavens, of course I wouldn’t…”

“And you’d better show Paul the gratitude he deserves—he’s still a wonderful friend to Matt.”

“I’m sorry I said that,” Carol said. “Thinking a doctor would be better for my grandson…”

Vanni surprised herself with a laugh. “I guess you’re not the first mother or grandmother to try to hook up your loved ones with someone as prestigious as a doctor. And Cameron is wonderful—smart, sensitive, kind. What I’d like you to see is that Paul is at least his equal. And that you have a great gift in Paul as Mattie’s stepfather—because Paul will do everything to keep Matt alive for him. Paul was so loyal to Matt, so committed. That’s something no other man can give us, Carol.”

“I guess I can see that. Are you still angry with me?” she asked.

Vanni shook her head. “You should make amends with Paul.”

“Is he furious?” Carol asked, snuggling the baby close.

“He hasn’t said a word. But still—he deserves much better than he got. Long before I fell in love with him, he was wonderful to me, to your grandson. You should apologize.”

“You’re right, though I dread it,” she said. And as if planned, the door from the garage to the kitchen opened and Paul came in.

“Well, this is a surprise,” he said when he saw Carol. He went first to Vanni, dropping a kiss on her forehead and again, that possessive hand on her shoulder. “How are you, Carol?” he asked.

“Repentant,” she said. “I’m sorry, Paul. I didn’t realize what was happening.”

Paul gave Vanni’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “It’s behind us, Carol. Let’s move on.”

“That’s decent of you under the circumstances. Any chance I can squeak in another attempt at dinner before you leave town again?”

“I’m afraid that isn’t going to work out,” he said. “We have plans and I’d rather not cancel them. But we’ll be back next week and try again then. Of course you’re always welcome in Virgin River—you know the general would make you welcome anytime.”

Vanessa frowned, not knowing they had any plans before leaving town. She wondered if maybe Paul was more angry than he’d allowed to show.

“I guess I’ll have to live with that,” Carol said, jostling the baby close to her.

“I’m going to leave you women to your visit. I need a shower,” he said, heading for the master bedroom.

After about twenty minutes, Vanni felt for the first time since she met Carol that they had reached an understanding. Pleading the need to get ready to go out—a complete lie—Vanessa escorted Carol out the door. She then carried the baby with her to the bedroom and put him in the port-a-crib. The shower had stopped and she stepped into the master bath. Paul had a towel around his waist and was brushing his teeth. When he saw her he gave a spit and a rinse, wiping his mouth on another towel.

“Something’s wrong,” she said.

He smiled. “Depends on your perspective. And how did you get to know me so well, so fast?”

She shook her head. “I feel like I’ve been with you forever. What is it?”

“It’s not mine. The baby. She’s closer to four months than three.”

“You know this for certain?”

He nodded. “We had an ultrasound. Your friend Cameron made arrangements for me. And he found the situation very humorous, by the way.”

“Wow,” she said, taking that in. “Did he hope you’d learn it was your baby and I’d toss you by the side of the road?”

“No, Cameron’s actually a much more decent guy than that. He has a real soft spot for responsible parents. He didn’t do it for either of us, but for the baby in question. A child deserves parents who care.” He opened his arms. “Come here. Press yourself against me.”

She walked into his arms.

“It was very sad,” he said, holding her close. “She was sorry, of course. I forced the issue of the ultrasound for positive proof even after she swore up and down it wasn’t mine. I threatened with legal action. I had to be sure.”

“You don’t seem relieved,” she said.

“Oh, I am. It wouldn’t have been easy to be a halfway-decent father, not being partnered with the mother. But the fact is, she isn’t going to have any father for that baby. I don’t know her very well, so I don’t know much about her friends and family, about what kind of support she’ll have. But I know she doesn’t have a man in her life. That has to be hard.”

“It is,” Vanni said, a fact she knew only too well. “Maybe she’ll get lucky like me, and one will come to her.”

“I hope so. There’s no question—she stands a better chance of having that in her future without me in the mix.” He kissed the top of her head. “I can’t ever love anyone but you. I’m all in.”