Second Chance Pass (Virgin River #5)(75)

“But you felt sorry for her. Even after she tried to trick you,” Vanni said.

“I did,” he admitted, holding her, tightening his embrace.

“Out here, you’re all muscle, a hide like leather,” she said, running her hands over his upper arms, shoulders and chest. “You have a soft underbelly. You’re a soft touch.”

“I know. Mush. Nothing but mush.”

“Tell you what I’ll do for you,” she said, looking up at him. “When Mattie’s a little older, I’ll have this IUD removed. We’ll get you started on your own small herd.”

That made him smile. “That would be nice, Vanni.”

“Will you be all right? No regrets now?”

“One regret,” he said, looking down into her eyes. “I wish I hadn’t told your father about it.” She laughed at him. “Now he’s got that on me forever.”

“Well, he tripped you up. I told you—he’s very good. Tom and I learned early not to try to slip anything by him. Welcome to the family.” She grinned. “You didn’t want to try to have dinner with Carol and Lance while we’re still in town?”

“Nope,” he said. “Believe it or not, I’m dead tired. I’d rather spend all day on a roof in the hot sun than do the kind of business I did today. It wore me down. I feel better now, after a shower—if you’d like to go over there, we can call her, tell her we had a change of plans. Just say the word.”

Vanni thought briefly about explaining to Paul that she and Carol had turned a corner, that much of Carol’s attitude had to do with being afraid she might lose another generation of her offspring to Paul’s nurturing and homespun mom. Maybe someday, she thought. For now it would be enough to give Carol a chance to demonstrate she could stop controlling everything.

“No. I think it might be a good idea if Carol begins to understand she’s not in charge of everyone’s life. We’ll catch up with her early next week.” She smiled. “It isn’t likely I’ll ever pass up a night alone with you. Except,” she said, hearing a little fussing from the bedroom, “I do have another man in my life, and I think he’s drenched.”



Paul and Vanni were back in Virgin River Friday night for another weekend. Paul and Walt turned some hamburgers on the grill and Walt seemed especially jovial. For the first time in such a long time, Vanni asked herself if her dad was ever lonely. It had probably been a long, quiet week—she and Paul out of town and Tom spending every second with Brenda—and it seemed as though Walt was relieved to have them home.

After the dinner dishes were done, Vanni went to settle the baby in bed. Paul found the TV on in the great room, but Walt was out on the deck with a cup of coffee. Paul stuck his head out the back door and said, “Sir, if you can spare a few minutes from that sunset, I’d sure like to talk to you about something.”

Walt turned. “By all means.” He threw an arm wide and indicated Paul should precede him to the great room. Walt clicked the TV off and chose the chair facing Paul. “What’s on your mind, son?”

Paul scooted forward a bit. “Well, it’s no secret I’m in love with your daughter. I want to marry Vanni. Do I have your blessing? Your permission?”

Walt shook his head and chuckled. “Haggerty, you sneak down the hall after I’m in bed every night—you’d damn sure better marry her. In fact, it might make sense for you to put the baby in that bedroom you’re not using—save a trip or two, let the child have some space…”

Paul felt a stain creep to his cheeks and thought, I’m over thirty-five—how the hell does this man make me blush? “Yes, sir. Good idea, sir. Thing is—we’ve been talking…”

“How about that little mess up in Grants Pass?” Walt asked.

Paul scooted forward a little more, surprised. “Vanni didn’t tell you? A misunderstanding, sir.”

Walt let go a laugh. “That must’ve made your day.”

Paul hung his head briefly. “Actually, it’s a sad situation and I regret that I… Well, I’m relieved Vanni doesn’t have to deal with it.” Right then Vanni came back to the great room. She went to Paul and sat on his lap. “We’ve been talking about getting the wedding done the weekend before Tom leaves. It’s quick, but neither of us wants anything flashy—just a simple ceremony with friends.” He squeezed Vanni. “We’re anxious to make it legal, and we want Tom with us for that. Do you have any objection to that idea?”

“You realize that’s only three weeks away?” Walt said. “Think you can do it that fast?”

“We do, Dad,” Vanni said. “We’ve talked out some of the details. We’d do it right here, if that’s okay.”

“What about your family, Paul?”

“I think we can count on them, sir. In fact, there’s another thing regarding my family—my dad and brothers support the idea of starting a Haggerty Construction division here, serving the towns around here. I think there might be enough work to keep me busy—and if that’s the case, we can make our home in Virgin River permanently. Of course, I won’t know till I try—but while I’m looking for building contracts, I have the Middleton and Valenzuela jobs to keep me going.”