“Probably Stan. He’s always been business-minded.” She cuddled and kissed the baby. She seemed to have already forgotten about the wet patch running down her back. Facing the thought of being separated from her only grandson had created a shift in Carol. Maybe not a total personality change, but definitely a small conversion.

“There’s something I want to talk to you about,” Vanni said. “It’s early, I know, but Paul and I, when Mattie’s a little older—we want more children. I really want more children. I’d like it if you welcomed them as much as little Matt. Along with us, of course. I know Mattie’s special, your biological grandson, but it would be so nice if we could count on you and Lance to open your hearts to any of his siblings.” Carol raised startled eyes to Vanni’s face. “Don’t worry—I certainly don’t expect you to turn your beautiful home into a clubhouse. I don’t intend to live that way, no matter how many boys come along. But of course, there could even be girls. I hope so—you’d be perfect for little girls…”

“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.”

“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.”