“Why wouldn’t my sister want us to get together and share life with her?” Rick asked

“Lindy is so young—she’s still just a child. What if she fears I may not care for her as much as I did, because I’m in love with you?” Vanessa replied.

“Are you?”

“Am I what?”

“In love with me?”

Vanessa felt her cheeks burn and she looked away. She wouldn’t answer his question. She couldn’t. Instead she took a different approach. “Rick, I’ve worked for four years on my advanced degree. I have six more months of work. Then I’ll be able to pursue a career I love.”

“Okay,” he said with a sigh. “Six months isn’t forever.” It just seems like forever when I want to marry you now!

Dear Reader,

We’ve come to the end of the CHILDREN OF TEXAS series. In the first four books Vanessa played a secondary role to her sisters’ and brother’s stories, and has been patiently waiting for her time in the sun.

As the youngest of the Barlow family, Vanessa had to grow up a bit before she was ready for her own story. In the meantime, she, along with Will and Vivian, looked for and found her other siblings. Each one was brought into the family and made to feel a part of it. The family has grown and babies have appeared.

Though Vanessa loves her siblings, and their babies even more, she has been lonesome at times because she didn’t have anyone special for herself. I wanted Vanessa to have her reward, but, as we all know, no reward really fills a void unless you work for it. I hope you’ll cheer on Vanessa through her struggles, and share in her happiness at the end.

It’s been a pleasure to bring you this family and all of its stories. I hope that you, too, have a family to share with. But remember, family doesn’t have to be of the same blood. Just reach out to those around you whom you love—and form your own family.

If you have any comments or questions, you can reach me at my Web site, www.judychristenberry.com.

Happy reading!

Vanessa’s Match
Judy Christenberry

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Judy Christenberry has been writing romances for over fifteen years because she loves happy endings as much as her readers do. A former French teacher, Judy now devotes herself to writing full-time. She hopes readers have as much fun with her stories as she does. She spends her spare time reading, watching her favorite sports teams and keeping track of her two daughters. Judy lives in Texas.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Epilogue

Prologue

“I need your help.”

Even through the haze of sleep, Vanessa Shaw recognized the voice that woke her at—She focused with difficulty on the bedside clock. Two a.m. Why was Dr. Cavanaugh calling her now? He was the head of the Psychology Department and Vanessa’s supervisor in her quest for her doctorate of psychology. For him to phone in the middle of the night, she knew the matter must be urgent.

“Yes, Dr. Cavanaugh, what is it?” she asked, clutching the phone with one hand and rubbing her eyes with the other.

“Sorry to wake you, Vanessa, but I need you.”

“Of course. Anything I can do.” One didn’t say no to Dr. Cavanaugh, even at two a.m.

Her mentor took her at her word and, without pausing, launched into an explanation. “There’s a fifteen-year-old girl in the hospital right now having her stomach pumped. She attempted suicide following her mother’s death in a car accident. The family attorney called and asked me to supply someone to be with her when she awoke and to help her through this tragedy.” Not waiting for a comment, he continued. “You’re the most senior female in the program, and a very good student. I’ve seen your work with some desperate cases, so I immediately thought of you.”

Vanessa sat up. Surely he didn’t expect her to fill the role he’d described. “Thank you, sir, but—”

“She’s part of the Austin family.”

It was a name she recognized instantly. The Austins had donated millions to the university.

“I don’t have to tell you how important this family is to the university.” The doctor’s voice deepened. “Or to your future.”

It wasn’t a threat; it didn’t have to be. Vanessa knew what she had to do.

She cleared her throat. “Yes, sir, I’ll be right there.”

Chapter One

Vanessa smiled as her patient, Lindy Austin, played with Vanessa’s niece, Jamie. Turning two and sweet as spun sugar, Jamie made Lindy laugh as they played with the plastic dollhouse and the toddler babbled on. Vanessa suspected it had been a while since Lindy had laughed like that.

Ever since she’d received the call that sent her to the hospital in the middle of the night five days ago, Vanessa had taken care of Lindy, and eventually brought her here to her mother’s house in the Highland Park section of Dallas, where Vanessa still lived. Lindy had said she couldn’t face going back to the condo she’d lived in with her mother.

Only Vanessa had gone to the condo to pack some clothes for Lindy. And she’d been disturbed by what she’d found. Richard Austin, Lindy’s half brother, had a lot to answer for. At the time of the accident he’d been in Japan on business and had ordered his attorney to make sure Lindy was taken care of. That had been the extent of Richard’s involvement. Because of the Austins’ connections to the university Dr. Cavanaugh got involved, but he knew little about Richard Austin.

Vanessa had so many questions about the man. But she couldn’t ask Lindy. The teen reacted badly to the mere mention of his name, which made Vanessa even more determined to protect the girl. How, she wasn’t sure, but she’d find a way.

“Vanessa?” Betty, the housekeeper, came into the morning room, breaking into her thoughts.

Vanessa looked up quickly. There was a hint of urgency in the housekeeper’s voice that alarmed her.

“What is it, Betty?”

“You have a caller. Shall I show him to the library?”

Vanessa paused. She started to ask the name of the visitor, but Betty’s gaze darted to Lindy and then back to Vanessa. So the caller was about her charge. “Yes, thank you.”

She looked at her sister, Jamie’s mom. “I’ve been expecting this visitor. Rebecca, can you keep an eye on everyone for a few minutes?”

She was glad Rebecca was here. There was a special bond between the sisters, perhaps because Rebecca was the first of her siblings found a couple of years ago. Not a day went by that Vanessa didn’t thank her mother, Vivian Greenfield, for telling her that she was adopted and offering to help Vanessa find her siblings. Four out of the five had been located, with the help of Will Greenfield, a private investigator and Vivian’s second husband. The last sibling would never be found: Walter Barlow, a soldier, had been killed in Iraq.

For being a devoted mother and for understanding Vanessa’s need to find her siblings, she would forever love her mother. Brothers and sisters had enriched her life immeasurably.

Too bad that wasn’t the case for young Lindy.

Vanessa gave her sister a thankful nod when she agreed. As the mother of two, Rebecca would do anything to protect Lindy, too, Vanessa knew. “I’ll hurry back,” she said.

Vanessa left the morning room and went to the library. She entered the room quietly, but she didn’t catch her visitor by surprise.

He turned and studied her. “Are you Vanessa Shaw?”

“Yes, I am.” When he said nothing else, she spoke up. “My housekeeper didn’t mention your name.”

“I’m Richard Austin, here to pick up my sister.”

Even his voice was cold.

Vanessa took a good look at the man she’d been obsessing about since she’d met his sister. He was tall, and dressed impeccably in what looked like a custom-made Italian suit. His dark hair had that just-cut look, and something made her believe it always did. The chill that radiated from his dark eyes came as no surprise to her. The man would never ease Lindy’s fears.

Keeping her reaction under wraps, she effected a professional distance, slowly walked over to the fireplace and sat down in one of the wing chairs. “Well, then, Mr. Austin, would you join me, please? I’d like to talk to you about Lindy.”

“There’s no need. Just bring the girl to me. I’m in a hurry.”

Vanessa said nothing, just stared at him.

Finally, he moved to the other wing chair. “Make it quick.”

Vanessa grew more determined. She couldn’t possibly hand Lindy over to this ice man. “What are your plans for Lindy?”

“I’ll return her to the condo and find a responsible person to take care of her.”

“But you won’t concern yourself with her?” Vanessa asked.

“What are you getting at? The girl is a stranger to me.”

Without knowing, he was making her case for her. “And whose fault is that? According to Lindy, you’re always too busy even to talk to her.”

“That’s none of your business, Miss Shaw.”

“I think it is. I was at the hospital with her when she came to, after attempting to commit suicide. I’ve taken care of her for the past five days while you were too busy to find out how she was doing.”

“What do you mean she tried to commit suicide?” he demanded, frowning deeply.

“No one told you?”

“No!”

“She was alone when she was notified that her mother had been killed. Emotionally distraught, she swallowed her mother’s sleeping pills and almost died. Fortunately, your lawyer realized that might be a difficult blow to a fifteen-year-old and came to the apartment to see if she was all right.”

“Why didn’t he tell me?” Richard demanded, jumping to his feet.

“Perhaps he was afraid of displeasing you.” Her father had been an important businessman like the one in front of her, and he’d generated fear among his employees and everyone around him, no doubt like Richard did. Vanessa had learned to overcome that fear and had faced her adoptive father many a time. She would do the same with Richard Austin. She had to, for Lindy’s sake.

The man scowled at her. “Never mind. Bring Lindy to me.”

“So she can become distraught and try to kill herself again?” She wasn’t going to pull her punches.

“I said I’d find someone to take care of her!” he snapped.

“Leave her with me.”

She could see that she had caught him by surprise with that request.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Leave your sister here with me. I have room for her and I care about her.”

“She has a perfectly good condo to go to!”

“Have you been to the condo?”

He scowled again. “Once, when I bought it for them.”

“Well, let me tell you about the place she called home. I went to pack up Lindy’s clothes when she came to stay with me. The living room is beautifully decorated, the master bedroom lovely, the dining room elegant.” She speared him with a look. “But there’s no table in the kitchen, and Lindy slept on a pallet on the floor. Her clothes are few and cheap, but the master bedroom has a closet full of designer clothes and shoes. Whose fault is that?”

He came back to his chair and sank into it. “I left her with her mother, who had legal custody. What else should I have done?”

“Perhaps you could have visited occasionally. It wasn’t just you who lost your father. Lindy did, too.”

“You don’t understand!”

“Then tell me what I don’t understand,” she said softly.

“The damn woman tried to seduce me two days after we buried my father.”

“And you left Lindy with that kind of woman?” she demanded.

“She was her mother!” the man roared.

Vanessa drew a deep breath. “Please control yourself, Mr. Austin.”

“I damn well won’t if you’re going to keep accusing me of doing something wrong!”

“Couldn’t you at least have made sure she had the necessities?”

“The money I paid out each month was double what they were entitled to.”

“Well, now you can save all that money. Just leave Lindy with me. She needs a lot of love and protection right now for her to recover.”

Silence.

“You do want her to recover, don’t you?”

“Of course I do. But I know nothing about you.”

“At least you don’t know anything bad about me. You can’t say that about the woman you left her with nine years ago.”

“Do you have any references?” he demanded, starch in his voice.

“Yes, Dr. Cavanaugh, head of the Psychology Department. He sent me to the hospital. He’ll vouch for me.”

“Very well. I’ll contact him. If I agree to this arrangement, the two of you can move into the condo. I’ll make sure it’s furnished this time.”

“No.”

“What do you mean, no?”

“I want Lindy to stay here with me, where she’ll feel like she’s in a family.”

“A big house does not a family make, Miss Shaw.”

“My parents, my baby brother, the housekeeper and her husband live here. I also have two brothers and a sister nearby. In fact, my sister is here now with her two-year-old. Lindy is enjoying playing with her.”

“That would be an imposition. I’ll find someone to take care of her.”

“No!” Vanessa exclaimed, jumping to her feet. “I insist that you leave Lindy here. She’s not strong enough to be on her own.”

He paused, frowning. Then he said, “I suppose I could pay you for her upkeep and your care of her, if I decide it will be the best thing for her.”

“If you’ll leave her here, I won’t charge you anything.”

“I insist. I don’t believe in owing anyone.”

“Whatever—as long as you leave her here.”

“All right, I’ll let you know my decision after I make some calls. Here’s my card. If you need anything for Lindy in the meantime, let me know at once.”

“Thank you. Will you inform your lawyer?”

“Of course…after I speak to him about not telling me the truth about Lindy.”

With that, he was gone.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME? I spilled my guts! Rick Austin drove too fast as he left, his mind focused on the conversation he’d just had with the beautiful Miss Shaw.

He hadn’t told anyone about Anita’s behavior after his father’s death. He hadn’t explained to anyone, except to Anita, why he had moved his stepmother and his little sister out of the family home and into a condo. He’d had no intention of ever seeing his stepmother again.

It was something that had gnawed at his soul since his father’s death. He’d hated Anita from the first day his father had brought her home. She was a gold digger of the highest order and she was replacing his mother? He couldn’t believe his father could be so blind.

From that moment, his relationship with his father had been ruined. He’d moved out and found his own place as soon as he could, but he’d continued to work with his father because he understood that it was his job, as well as his desire, to learn how to juggle the various companies his father owned. One day he would be responsible for maintaining the Austin Group, the corporation that controlled all the companies.

At the office, his father had never challenged him about his attitude toward Anita. Which had made him feel guilty, but not enough so to do anything about it. By the time Lindy was born, he thought his father had realized the kind of woman Anita was, but it was too late. Rick knew his father would never give up Lindy.

Which was exactly what he himself had done as soon as his father died and Anita had shown her true colors.

Damn! He hated having to admit what he’d done. He hadn’t wanted to have anything to do with the woman who had ruined his happy family. He’d adored his mother, and he and his father had mourned her passing. For a year or so after her death, they’d been closer than ever.

Then Anita had entered the family.

In his anger and disgust, Rick hadn’t realized he was isolating himself from his half sister. She was only six years old, a cute kid, but he figured she’d grow up and be like her mother.

Suddenly he turned his car in the direction of the condo. He had to see if what Miss Shaw had said was true. He grabbed his cell phone and hit the button to automatically dial his lawyer, Joe Adderly. After two rings, Joe picked up.

“Joe? It’s Rick Austin.”

“Yes, Rick. What can I do for you?”

“Meet me at the condo, and bring the key.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll be right there.”

And he would, because Rick paid him a lot of money to be at his beck and call. One of Joe’s jobs had been to keep an eye on Lindy. At least Rick had done that much, though it hadn’t been much for a six-year-old. Rick now knew his lawyer hadn’t done a good job. But then, neither had he.

His lips tightened into a line as anger grew in him. He’d instructed his lawyer to visit Anita and Lindy once a month to give them the check and be sure Lindy was properly cared for. And to let Rick know if she wasn’t. He’d never heard a word from the man.

He screeched to a halt in front of the condo. Good, he’d arrived before Joe. He got out of his car and went upstairs to the second floor. But the condo was locked. He snickered. Joe had found his half sister on the verge of death but he hadn’t forgotten to lock the door.

Rick heard footsteps. He turned to watch Joe climb the stairs, a smile on his face.

“Hi, Rick. I didn’t even realize you were in town yet.”

“Really? How’s Lindy?”

“She’s fine,” the man said heartily.

“Where is she?”

“She’s still in the hospital. She’s going to be fine, of course, but they wanted to make sure.”

“I see. Would you unlock the door?”

“Yes, of course.”

The man stepped forward and inserted a key into the lock.

As he did so, Rick said, “And you visited the condo each month and saw Lindy?”

“Yes, and she was doing fine. I think it was just the shock of her mother’s death that upset her.”

“Why was she alone? Didn’t they have a housekeeper?”

“Yes, I believe they did. I didn’t think to ask—Well, who would I ask, after all? Lindy was in no shape for any conversation.”

“Of course.” Rick stepped through the door of the condo and saw what Miss Shaw had seen. A beautifully decorated living room. A dining room table and chairs that looked like it had never been used. He walked through to the kitchen and again, as she’d said, there was no table.

The lawyer followed along silently.

Next, Rick went to the master bedroom. It, too, was elaborately decorated. Rick opened the large closet and looked at some of the designer labels.

Joe smiled at him.

Then Rick turned to the second bedroom. After he walked through the door, he moved aside for the lawyer and folded his arms over his chest.

Joe gasped and turned to stare at Rick. “I—I don’t know what happened to the furniture in here!”

“What furniture?”

“Well, surely there was furniture. It’s Lindy’s bedroom, after all.”

“Have you ever seen Lindy’s bedroom before?”

“Well, no, of course not. I mean—it wouldn’t have been proper for me to go into her bedroom.”

“But you saw Lindy every time you brought over the check?”

“Absolutely!”

“And you’ve visited her in the hospital?”

“Of course, every day. I sometimes took my lunch hour and spent it with Lindy.”

“When was the last day you spent with Lindy in the hospital?”

“Why…yesterday, of course.”

Rick pulled out his cell phone and dialed the number he’d been given for Vanessa Shaw. He recognized the housekeeper’s voice when she answered. “May I speak to Vanessa Shaw, please?”

Joe was frowning.

“Miss Shaw? Rick Austin. Did you meet my attorney while you were at the hospital with Lindy?” He waited for her response, his gaze on the attorney. “And you were with her all the time?

“How long did she remain in the hospital? I see. Thank you, Miss Shaw.”

He hung up and turned to look at his attorney. “Joe, the woman who has been taking care of Lindy says she never saw you at the hospital.” The man started to answer and Rick held up a hand to stop him. “She also said Lindy left the hospital four days ago, so think before you tell any more lies.”

“I thought—I tried to do as you asked, but Mrs. Austin always said Lindy was out.”

“What time did you usually come over?”

“She asked that I come over around two.”

Rick put his hands on his hips and shook his head. “Joe, I didn’t think you were that dumb. Lindy was in school at two every afternoon, unless you came over on a Saturday.”

“I’m sorry. I—I made a mistake. It won’t happen again.”

“And how often have you lied to me in the past nine years?”

“Never about business, Rick. I swear!”

“Our relationship, business and otherwise, is over, Joe. I’ll let you know my new attorney’s name so you can send the files to him.”

“Rick, you can’t do this to me. It will ruin me.”

“You should’ve thought of that before you lied to me and failed to do what I asked. My little sister has been living in poverty while her mother was leading the high life! That wasn’t what I wanted, and I believe I made myself clear.”

Rick held out his hand for the key and stood waiting while his ex-attorney struggled to undo his key ring. While Joe did so, he pleaded for another chance, but Rick ignored him.

Once he had the key in his hand, Rick led him outside the condo, locked the door and pocketed the key. Without a word he walked away, Joe still trying to apologize and regain his trust.

After getting into his car without waving goodbye, Rick returned to the house where he’d left Vanessa Shaw. He felt he owed her an apology.

When he rang the doorbell, Betty recognized him at once and invited him in. She was leading the way to the library when another door opened and Vanessa Shaw came out with a young girl.

Rick stopped and stared. Could this slender blond lady be his half sister? “Lindy?”

The girl stared at him. Then, without a word, she crumpled to the floor.

Chapter Two

“What’s wrong with her?” For an instant Rick was frozen in place, then he rushed over to Lindy, about five yards away. Vanessa, he noticed, had reacted immediately and was cradling the girl in a maternal gesture.

“She’s been worried about your return. I didn’t tell her about your earlier visit. She wasn’t ready for it.” She pushed Lindy’s hair out of her face with a caring touch. “What are you doing here again?”

“I needed to talk to you.”

“You’re not going to take her away, are you?” Vanessa demanded sharply.

“No, not now.”

“Then go into the library. I’ll join you when I can.” She called out to Betty, who appeared almost instantly. “Will you help me get her upstairs?”

“A’course,” Betty agreed. “That poor child.”

“I could carry her wherever you’re taking her,” Rick suggested.

Vanessa shook her head. “I’m afraid she’ll wake up and you will frighten her all over again.”

The front door opened then and a middle-aged man stepped inside. “Hi—What’s going on?” he demanded.

Vanessa greeted him with gratitude. “Thanks for coming home now, Will. Could you carry Lindy upstairs?”

“Sure.” He frowned. “Is she sick?”

“No, just a little overwhelmed. Betty, will you come with us? Mr. Austin, you know the way to the library, don’t you? I’ll be down in a minute.”

The trio, with Lindy, disappeared up the stairs.

Rick turned and went into the library. He left the door open so that he could hear Miss Shaw come in.

“Hello?” a sweet voice said.

He turned around to find an attractive woman staring at him. “Uh, hello. I’m waiting to see Miss Shaw.”

“Oh. I’m her mother, Vivian Greenfield.” The petite woman crossed the room to shake his hand. “I don’t believe I’ve met you.”

Feeling like a gauche schoolboy, Rick hurriedly said, “I’m Rick Austin.”

“Oh, are you any kin to Lindy?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m her half brother.”

“Then I’m glad to meet you. We’ve enjoyed having Lindy stay here.”

“I hope—”

“What are you doing talking to my mother?” Vanessa Shaw demanded, making it sound as if doing so were a heinous crime.

The man who had carried Lindy upstairs entered behind her and patted her on the back. “Easy, Vanessa.”

“Yes, dear, why wouldn’t I talk to one of our guests?” Mrs. Greenfield asked.

“Because, Mom, he’s the one who abandoned Lindy for nine years.”

“I thought my lawyer would take care of everything!” Rick exclaimed. “Now that I’ve found out how careless he was, how much he lied to me, I’ve fired him.”

“Too bad,” Miss Shaw returned with heavy sarcasm.

“Would you stop ripping me up? I explained what happened. I left her with her mother.”

“Yes, because she had so much character!”

The middle-aged woman stepped forward. “Darling, I don’t think you’re giving him a chance.”

“I don’t see why I should!” Vanessa retorted.

Before tempers flared further Will told them all to sit down. Then he introduced himself to Rick. “I’m Will Greenfield, and this is my wife, Vivian, who is Vanessa’s mother. I gather you’re the half brother we’ve been waiting for?”

“Yes. I wasn’t told that Lindy had tried to kill herself. And my lawyer was instructed to visit with Lindy each month when he delivered the check, to be sure she was doing all right. I told him to let me know if there were any problems. Since I never heard from him…” He paused, staring at Vanessa. “I’ll admit I should’ve checked things out, but my stepmother had…had made it impossible for me to visit in her household.”

“She made a pass at him,” Vanessa said calmly.

“How old were you at the time, Rick?” Will asked.

“Twenty-two. My father had just died and I was off balance as it was. My response to her attempt to seduce me—which was more than a pass, Miss Shaw—was to get as far away from her as possible.”

“You should’ve fought for custody of Lindy,” Vanessa interjected.

“I didn’t have a choice about that. My father made me her guardian in the will only if I survived her mother. All I controlled was the money.”

Vanessa pressed on. “Well, you certainly could have used the money as leverage, couldn’t you?”

“Vanessa, that’s not really your business,” her mother said gently.

Rick pressed his lips together. “I deserve her censure, Mrs. Greenfield. But I’m going to try to make things right. Miss Shaw, have you discussed your plan with your parents?”

He hadn’t expected to see such an expression of guilt on the confident young woman’s face.

“Mom, Will, I told him I wanted to keep Lindy here with me. I know I should’ve asked you first but—”

“Of course, dear,” her mother said. “She’s such a little darling. We’ll enjoy having her.”

“Sure,” Will agreed. “Actually, I figured you wouldn’t want to let her go.”

Rick frowned. “What do you mean? Why would you expect Vanessa—I mean Miss Shaw—to want to keep Lindy?”

Will smiled. “It’s family history. Vivian and her first husband adopted Vanessa when she was a baby. After her father died, Vanessa learned from Vivian that she had five siblings in the world. Viv hired me to find them. I fell for her and convinced her to marry me. And we found all five siblings. One died in the war in Iraq. Vivian and Vanessa have tried to have all of them move in with us,” Will added.

“And they didn’t?”

“Several of them did for a short time. But they’re all married now.”

“So why would she want Lindy?”

“Because she needs me,” Vanessa said firmly. “She’s a lovely girl, but she hasn’t been cared for and encouraged—she’s been ignored. I had to go buy her some clothes just to get her home from the hospital.”

“You mean you didn’t pack up any of her clothes?”

“Didn’t you see them in her closet?”

“Well, yes, but I presumed you’d picked out the best and packed them.”

Vanessa shook her head. “No, I bought her a couple of casual outfits to last her until I can take her shopping. And I ordered new uniforms for her school. She’d outgrown what she’d had for the past three years.”

“I’ll reimburse you at once,” he muttered.

“And Betty, our housekeeper,” Vivian began, “is in seventh heaven with a new person to cook for. She feels Lindy hasn’t been properly fed.” She paused. “Do you know if she’s had regular visits to a doctor?”

“No, I don’t.” He held up a hand in Vanessa’s direction. “I know, I know. I should have that information. As soon as I find another attorney willing to take on my personal business, I’ll—”

“Do you have someone in mind?” Vivian asked.

“No. I had no idea that I’d be needing a new one.”

“We can recommend Jeff Jacobs. His office is just a few blocks away,” she replied.

Will added, “Jeff is Vanessa’s brother-in-law. He’s a fine lawyer.”

“I need someone to give Miss Shaw temporary guardianship papers so she can take Lindy to the doctor or the hospital if necessary.”

“Temporary? You’ll leave her with me for at least a year, won’t you?”

“I’ll consider it, if the first few months go well.”

Vivian said, “We have that in place for Danny.”

Rick frowned. “Who is Danny?”

“He’s our almost-three-year-old son. In case there was an emergency and Vanessa was notified before us—though we seldom leave him—she would be able to take Danny to the hospital.”

“Did Jacobs handle that for you?”

“Yes, he did,” Will said, nodding.

“Maybe I’ll talk to him.”

“Why don’t you come to dinner tonight and we’ll invite Rebecca and Jeff, so you can meet him.”

“Mom, I don’t think…” Vanessa began.

As if her negative reaction had pushed him into making a decision, Rick said, “Thank you. I accept.”

“But what if Lindy—?” Vanessa protested.

“Surely as long as she knows I’m not taking her away from you, she can manage to be in the same room with me!” Rick said sharply.

“I think he’s got a point, Vanessa. And I remember you saying she’d have to face her brother sometime.” Will smiled at Vanessa.

“Yes, but I’m not sure she’s ready.”

“You’ll have the afternoon to talk to her, dear,” her mother said. “Betty will be thrilled to organize a dinner. I’m glad you’ve decided to join us, Mr. Austin.”

“Make it Rick, please,” he said.

“Of course, and call me Vivian.”

“I think maybe we’d better all go to first names,” Will added. “Seems we’ll be seeing one another regularly for a while.”

Before he replied, Rick turned to Vanessa. “Are you okay with that, Miss Shaw?”

She narrowed her hazel eyes. “If you insist…Mr. Austin.”

VANESSA CREPT into Lindy’s room, afraid the girl was still asleep. But Lindy was sitting at a window seat with Betty, who had stayed with her following the fainting episode. The housekeeper exited quietly.

When she saw Vanessa, Lindy seemed to shrink back.

“Do I have to go with him?” she asked in a quavery voice.

“No. He’s agreed to let you stay here with me,” Vanessa said with a warm smile.

Lindy bounded up as if Vanessa had pressed a button. “He did?” she asked incredulously. “Really?”

“Really, sweetheart.”

“Oh, Vanessa, I’m so glad! I can’t believe—”

“Wait, there’s a catch. He’s coming to dinner tonight.”

A curtain fell over her smile, and panic rose in her eyes.

“It’ll be okay, honey. He’s not as bad as you said he was.”

Lindy was unconvinced. “You’re just saying that because he’s handsome! That’s what Mom always used to say.”

“No, I hardly noticed his appearance.” But she couldn’t lie to Lindy. Hadn’t noticed? How could anyone help but notice his dark good looks? She revised her response. “Well, not much,” she said honestly. “But he explained why he didn’t come to see you.”

“Because he didn’t care about me.”

“No. I’m afraid your mother was the reason.” Under the circumstances Vanessa thought it best that Lindy know the truth. It might help the teen come to terms with her brother. “It seems she—she tried to seduce him after your dad’s death.”

While they hadn’t talked much about her mother, Vanessa had realized Anita wasn’t much of a parent. But she was all Lindy had had.

Lindy’s eyes widened in surprise. Then she looked away. A moment later she turned back to Vanessa, sadness shadowing her face. “No wonder he avoided me.”

Vanessa took her hand. “Lindy, he expected the lawyer to see you each month and determine how you were doing. The man was supposed to let him know if something was wrong.”

Lindy stared at her, saying nothing.

“Obviously, your brother should’ve checked that the lawyer was doing his job properly, but Rick fired him today when he discovered the man had lied to him.”

Lindy still said nothing.

“So, will you be all right with Rick coming to dinner?”

“Yes, of course. It’s your house.”

Vanessa paused. Then she asked, “Would you rather go back to the condo instead of staying here?”

“No!” was Lindy’s sharp reply, reminding Vanessa a little of Rick Austin.

“Okay, then, let’s go have some lunch, and later we’ll go shopping!”

“What for?”

“New clothes for tonight. Your brother is going to pay for whatever you need.”

“He doesn’t mind?”

“No, honey. He thought your mother was buying you pretty clothes. Instead your mom spent all the money on herself.”

Lindy’s eyebrows rose. “He wanted me to have pretty clothes?”

“He did,” Vanessa assured her. Tears filled her eyes at Lindy’s look of awe, and she blinked to dam them. Forcing a smile, she pulled Lindy to her feet. “Come on, let’s go eat.”

LINDY WAS SO EXCITED, she didn’t eat much lunch. She’d seldom been shopping, other than an occasional foray into Wal-Mart with an extremely limited budget. Today, Vanessa took her to the best store in Highland Park.

Because of Lindy’s fair coloring, Vanessa steered her toward a bright blue dress, modest but fashionable. “Try this one, Lindy. I think it’ll look good with your blond hair.”

The dress had cap sleeves and a heart-shaped neckline. The snug waist showed off Lindy’s slight figure and made her look a little older than her fifteen years.

“Oh, I think that’s perfect,” Vanessa said. “What do you think?”

“It’s beautiful.” Lindy spoke softly, staring at herself in the mirror.

“Okay, try on this pink dress, and the black one, too, though I think you’re too young for black.”

“Should I wear black because my mother—”

“We don’t want to be disrespectful to your mother, but frankly, she wasn’t much of a mother.”

“She wanted to look young so she could find a new husband,” Lindy blurted out, suddenly sounding wise beyond her years. “That’s why she didn’t spend any money on me.”

“Whatever her reasons, you should never have been treated that way.” Vanessa smiled at her. “And I promise that will never happen again.” They resumed their shopping, ultimately purchasing the blue and the pink dresses, not the black.

Then Vanessa took Lindy to her favorite salon for a trim and style.

“I—I’ve never been to a beauty shop,” Lindy said nervously.

Vanessa’s heart broke, but she hid her sadness. “I’ll stay with you, honey. Don’t worry, they’ll make your hair look great. You’ll see.”

Vanessa also arranged for Lindy to have her nails done. The child was overwhelmed.

“Are you sure Rick will pay for this?”

“Yes, he will. You’re still spending less than a quarter of the money your mother was spending every month. It’ll be fine.”

While the stylist was working on Lindy’s hair, she told Vanessa about a sale at another store.

“We’ll go there before we head home. I think you need some basics for your new wardrobe.”

“We’d better wait and ask Rick, Vanessa. He might refuse to pay.”

“He wouldn’t dare,” Vanessa said firmly.

“But he might think I was taking advantage—”

“Well, what do you think of your hair?” the stylist asked, interrupting their discussion.

Lindy looked in the mirror. Her blond hair was cut in layers, framing her face. “I think it looks great! I’ve never gotten it to look like that.”

“It should be easy now. And your nails look lovely.”

“Yes. I feel so—so elegant!”

“Good. That’s the whole point,” Vanessa said.

Once they were in the car, heading to the store the stylist had mentioned, Lindy balked. “But, Vanessa, I thought we would wait.”

“No, sweetie, we’re not going to wait. You’ve done without for too long.”

By the time they finally arrived home, they were laden with packages.

“I think you’d better take a shower and rest for a few minutes,” Vanessa told her. “I’ll be up later to help you get ready.”

“Oh, thank you, Vanessa. I’m so nervous about tonight!”

“You’re going to look great.”

Once Vanessa was alone, she removed the tags on Lindy’s purchases and took all but the dress the girl was wearing that evening down to Betty to be quickly laundered. She also wrote a note and took it downstairs.

After leaving the laundry with Betty, she asked Betty’s husband Peter, “Are you going to open the door for our guests tonight?” Usually Peter tended to the gardens and the cars.

“Sure will. Betty’s fixing a grand meal, so she’ll be busy.”

“Then will you please give this note to Mr. Austin and ask that he read it before he joins us?”

“Which one is Mr. Austin?”

“He’s the only one you won’t know,” she assured him.

Then she sprinted back up the stairs to get dressed herself. She’d bought a little makeup when Lindy wasn’t watching. Later, Vanessa intended to instruct her on how to apply it. But first she showered and put on a black dress that was a little more sophisticated than Lindy’s.

Her dark hair flowed around her shoulders, a perfect coiffure that she’d been wearing for a long time. Then she lightly did her makeup.

As soon as she was satisfied with her appearance, she went down to collect the laundry, now clean and folded, and brought it up to Lindy’s room.

Lindy jumped up when Vanessa entered. “You look beautiful!”

“Thanks. You’re going to look beautiful, too!”

“I don’t think—”

“Come on. I’ll show you.”

Once Lindy was completely dressed, Vanessa applied some makeup to the girl’s face. Then she turned Lindy to the mirror.

The girl stared at herself, reaching to touch the mirror. “Is this really me?” she asked softly.

In the flattering blue dress and slim heels, her hair and makeup lighting up her face, Lindy looked every bit the angel she was. Vanessa choked back her emotions. “Of course it is, honey. You got your mother’s beauty…and your father’s heart!”

“I hope so,” Lindy said softly, almost as if saying a prayer.

RICK WASN’T SURE he should’ve agreed to dinner with Vanessa Shaw’s family tonight. But he’d spent the afternoon checking on Jeff Jacobs and his partner, Bill Wallace. They’d received high marks from everyone Rick asked, so he wasn’t worried about meeting Jeff tonight.

He’d also made a few calls about Vanessa Shaw. She checked out, too. And he was grateful to her, he guessed. She was giving him a chance to redeem himself. He’d messed up and betrayed his father’s trust by excluding Lindy from his life. She’d been an adorable six-year-old, blond like her mother, and he’d figured Anita would mold her in her own image.

Maybe he could have prevented that to some extent, but it would have brought him into contact with Anita. That thought made him feel sick to his stomach. That was the reason he’d moved her and Lindy out of the house. He’d inherited it, with no stipulations. But he couldn’t live there with Anita in residence. So he’d bought her an exclusive condo and doubled the money she was supposed to get.

And felt like he’d satisfied his conscience.

Until Vanessa Shaw had come along to point out the holes in his plan. All of them affecting Lindy.

He was worried about meeting Lindy, all grown up. He figured she hated him, and he didn’t for a moment think Vanessa Shaw would try very hard to change Lindy’s feelings about him. Vanessa herself hadn’t shown him any approval.

However, he didn’t have much doubt about Vanessa being good to Lindy. She was young to be so protective of his sister, but maybe it was past time for someone to be kind to Lindy.

Still feeling guilty, he rang the doorbell at the Greenfield home, hoping the dinner would go smoothly.

An older man, one he hadn’t met, opened the door.

Rick nodded to him. “I’m Rick Austin.”

“Come in, Mr. Austin. I’m Peter, Betty’s husband. Uh, I’m supposed to give you this and wait for you to read it.”

Rick frowned as he took the note and read the flowing writing. Vanessa wanted him to know that his sister was wearing a new dress this evening and that he should compliment her on it.

He crumpled the note in his hand, leaving Peter watching him with a nervous expression.

“Thank you, Peter,” Rick said, hoping to ease the man’s apprehension. He resented the note because he knew how to behave. His own mother insisted on good manners. But maybe Miss Shaw—he corrected himself, Vanessa—had a point. He had seen his sister only once since she was six—today when she’d fainted at the sight of him. Maybe a pleasant compliment would enable things to proceed smoothly.

“Where am I to go, Peter?”

“This way, please.” He turned and started down the hall, and Rick followed.

When Peter opened a door across from the library, Rick drew a deep breath. Then, pasting a smile on his face, he entered the room.

Vivian immediately rose to greet him. Once again he was struck by the petite woman’s beauty. In her forties, she had strawberry blond hair with but a few strands of gray. She welcomed him and introduced him to Jeff Jacobs, his wife Rebecca, their children Joey and Jamie, as well as Jeff’s partner, Bill Wallace, and his wife, Chelsea, who was obviously pregnant.

Will invited him to sit down, and Rick did so. But he didn’t see Vanessa or Lindy.

Just as he was making conversation with the others, the door opened again. Vanessa, looking stunning in a chic black dress, entered the room, followed by a beautiful younger woman.

Rick stood and stared at the two women. He remembered the note he’d received. Of course, praise was due both for their appearance, but he couldn’t help seeing his stepmother when he looked at Lindy. Her blond hair and slender figure looked so much like Anita’s.

He crossed the room to greet them. “Hello, Vanessa. You look beautiful tonight.”

“Thank you,” she said coolly, and stepped aside for him to face his sister.

“You look very nice, Lindy. Like your mother,” he couldn’t help adding.

Lindy appeared stricken, and she let out a gasp.

Vanessa wrapped an arm around the child. “It’s all right, Lindy. He didn’t mean that.”

“What do you mean?” Rick demanded. “She does look like her mother.”

“The woman you hated? Does that mean you hate Lindy, too?”

“No, of course not—I mean—I don’t know her!”

“Exactly. Let me assure you, she may look like her mother, but that’s where the resemblance ends!” Vanessa exclaimed.

“Dear,” Vivian said, “aren’t you asking a little too much of Rick to react as if he knows his sister? He’s scarcely seen her in nine years.”

“And whose fault is that?” Vanessa demanded.

Jeff stood and joined Rick. “Maybe you should cut him some slack, Vanessa. He may have been careless, but he had no choice about leaving her with her mother, unless he knew of any abuse. Any court would agree with that.”

Vanessa wasn’t satisfied with legal obligations. “That still doesn’t—”

At that moment Betty stepped into the room. “Dinner is served.”

And that ended their conversation…for the time being.

Chapter Three

Vanessa had asked her mother to seat Lindy next to her, in case the girl continued to be nervous about her half brother. Vivian had done as Vanessa had asked, but she’d put Rick Austin across the table from Lindy.

However, much to Vanessa’s surprise, Lindy seemed eager to talk to her brother.

“Rick, do you still live in Dad’s house?” Lindy asked in a quiet moment.

He frowned. “Yes, of course.”

“It’s a wonderful house,” Lindy said. “I remember thinking it was like a castle.”

Rick gave her a surprised look. “A castle? It doesn’t look anything like a castle.”

Lindy withdrew immediately, and Vanessa intervened, telling Rick, “You’ll have to remember she was only six years old. Is it here in Highland Park?”

“Yes, of course. I didn’t think,” Rick said, apologizing at once. “Would you like to visit the house?” he asked Lindy. “I’ll be out of town next week, but I’ll let my housekeeper know you’d like to drop by, if you want.”

“Is it still Mrs. Abby?” Lindy asked, but her enthusiasm seemed to have disappeared.

“Yes, it is.”

Lindy turned to Vanessa. “She’s a lot like Betty, Vanessa. You’ll like her if you meet her.”

“Of course, honey, I’m sure I will. Maybe your brother will tell us a convenient time. We wouldn’t want to show up at an inappropriate moment.” She sent a pointed look to Rick to let him know she’d understood his parameters…and didn’t like them.

He squared his jaw but said nothing. Fortunately, Rebecca asked him a question that caused him to turn away.

Vanessa felt Lindy withdraw beside her, but she couldn’t follow suit. She sensed that she had to be on alert whenever the man was near. He was dangerous, in so many ways. He was way too handsome. His good looks could make a susceptible woman believe anything he said. She wasn’t susceptible, of course.

After they left the table, she whispered to Lindy, “Have you changed your mind about visiting the house?”

Lindy shrugged. “He doesn’t want me there. I’ll manage without seeing it.” Her voice showed the hurt she was feeling.

When they settled for coffee in the morning room, Vivian invited the children to join them, saying she seldom saw Rebecca’s two anymore. After the children arrived, Vanessa noticed Lindy relax for the first time that evening, losing her self-consciousness with Jamie, Rebecca and Jeff’s youngest.

A glance across the room told her she wasn’t the only one who had noticed the change. Rick Austin had his eye on his sister, too. Good. She intended to have a word with Mr. Austin before he went home tonight!

Rick leaned close to Vivian and asked a question, then Rick, Jeff and Bill stood and left the room.

She asked, “Where are they going?”

Vivian said, “Rick asked if I minded if he talked to Bill and Jeff in private.”

“Is he coming back in here?” Vanessa demanded.

Will said, “Why wouldn’t he?”

Vanessa didn’t say anything. Since her parents had supported Rick several times, she didn’t want to tell them that she intended to chastise him in private. All the clothes she’d bought Lindy were worth nothing if her brother didn’t show some acceptance. He was like an absentee father figure for Lindy. Vanessa didn’t think it would be easy to make up for all the years of emotional neglect without some assistance from Rick.

She breathed a sigh of relief when the men returned half an hour later. All three looked pleased with themselves, so Vanessa guessed Rick had hired Jeff and his partner to handle his private affairs.

But he had better not think he could pass off Lindy to his lawyers. She wouldn’t allow that. Besides, that plan had already failed.

Bill and Chelsea left first, Chelsea explaining apologetically that she had to go to bed early these days because of her pregnancy. Vivian immediately told her she had done the same. Rick stood to take his leave, too.

After a cautious glance at Lindy, Vanessa stood and moved to his side, asking for a private moment in the library.

“Why?” he asked.

“Because I would like to talk to you about your half sister.”

“Look, I arranged with Jeff and Bill to handle everything. They’ll give you the money for whatever you need to buy her. I don’t think you’ll be unhappy.”

“This is not about the money!” she protested in a low voice. “Can we go to the library, please?”

“Fine!” He turned around, holding the door open for her.

After another quick look at Lindy, still playing with Jamie, Vanessa walked past him to the library across the hall.

She waited by the door until he entered and then shut it. “Please sit down.” It was an order, even though she said please.

“Look, Vanessa, I’ve taken care of everything. If you’ll talk to Jeff, you’ll see.”

“Jeff can’t handle this problem.”

“Why not?”

“Because he’s not Lindy’s big brother! For some reason, she craves approval from you.”

“Fine. I approve of her. Will that do?”

“You just don’t get it, do you. Your stepmother didn’t only deprive Lindy of clothes and furniture. She deprived her of love. The child is an emotional wreck, and only someone in her family can make that go away. Since you’re the only one she has, it has to be you!”

“What do you expect me to do? I don’t even know her.”

Vanessa drew a deep breath. She needed to stay calm and focused. “Why do you think your father made you Lindy’s guardian if anything happened to her mother?”

Rick glowered at her.

Good, she thought. He needed to think about what he was doing.

“He didn’t have anyone else to take care of her,” Rick said, his voice low.

“That’s what I would assume. Wouldn’t he expect you to do what you could for her? To heal the hurts her mother inflicted?”

“He married her. Not me!”

The bitterness in his voice told Vanessa she still had some work to do.

“How about I make a suggestion, and we’ll discuss whether or not you can handle it,” she said softly.

“What?” he barked.

“Instead of telling Lindy she can go see the house when you’re not going to be there, why not invite her to dinner and welcome her?”

“She said she wanted to see the house. I said she could.”

“I didn’t know Lindy’s mother or her father. But I know which one she loved the most. Remember your emotions when your father died? Well, Lindy felt at least that bad. You were old enough to take care of yourself. She was left to a mean, hateful woman who gave her no love at all. Would it be so hard to let Lindy into your heart just a little bit?”

“Her mother—”

Vanessa put up a hand to stop him. “I know her mother was impossible. But Lindy’s not. She’s sweet and lovable. And she needs your approval. Please?”

“Fine! I can be home for dinner on Wednesday. I’ll tell Mrs. Abby the two of you will be there.”

“I don’t have to come. You two—”

“No. You’re the expert about all those emotions. You need to be there.”

He’d trapped her, and there was no way out. “All right, I’ll come. Wednesday night at seven?”

“Yes.”

“You won’t forget?”

“No, I won’t. Now, if you have no objection, I’ll be on my way.”

“Wait! You need to invite Lindy yourself. And then tell her goodbye.”

“Damn it! I told you you were invited!”

She stared at him.

“Fine!” He rose and headed for the door.

She’d won the round, so why wasn’t she happy?

Because spending another night with Rick Austin was the last thing she wanted to do. For many reasons she thought it best to keep her distance from him—not least of which was the fact that the man was too attractive for his own good.

Or for hers.

RICK ENTERED THE OTHER ROOM, trying to put a smile on his face. It was what his father would’ve wanted, he told himself. He hated to think that he’d failed the man. He knew his father had loved Lindy, his cute, precocious little girl.

But now she was a child-woman and reminded Rick so much of her mother. A shiver ran through his body at the mere thought of Anita. He controlled himself and walked over to his sister where she played with Vanessa’s niece.

“Lindy, I was thinking, if you don’t mind waiting until Wednesday to come see the house, I’d be free that evening and you and Vanessa could come to dinner. Would that be all right?”

He watched Lindy’s face light up like a spotlight and acknowledged to himself that Vanessa had been right. He hadn’t been sure until then.

“Oh, Rick, that would be wonderful!” Her gaze shifted to Vanessa, who’d come in behind Rick. “Wouldn’t it, Vanessa? Can we go on Wednesday night?”

“Sure, Lindy. I’m free then if you are.”

Lindy giggled, reminding Rick again that she was still maturing. “You know I’m free, Vanessa.”

“Okay, then we’ll plan on Wednesday night. What time, Rick? Will seven be okay?”

Rick turned around to glare at Vanessa while no one else could see him. She was playing him. They’d already agreed on the time. “Yes, seven will be fine.”

“Then we’ll look forward to seeing you Wednesday at seven.”

He nodded and remembered to smile at Lindy one more time. Then he turned to Will and Vivian, who, it appeared, had been watching them all with interest. “I’ve got to go now. I enjoyed the evening and I’m very pleased with Jeff and Bill. Thanks for referring them to me.”

Will stood and shook his hand and Vivian kissed his cheek. Her warm gesture surprised him.

“Come to dinner anytime you please, Rick. We always have plenty of food and we love the company.”

He wouldn’t take her up on it, but the offer was sweet. “Thank you, Vivian.”

After he left the house, he got into his car to drive home. He had a lot to think about. And he couldn’t help feeling a surge of anger toward Vanessa Shaw. He’d forgotten she was studying to be a psychologist. She’d make a good one, he remarked to himself. She’d certainly found the right button to push and he’d done exactly what she wanted.

Normally he wasn’t that easily manipulated. Dinner Wednesday evening wouldn’t be exactly as she’d envisioned it.

He hit a button on his cell phone.

A silky voice answered. “Hello.”

“Sharon, it’s Rick.”

“Oh, hi, lover. I missed you tonight.”

He chuckled. That was her standard greeting, though he seldom saw her because of his travels. “Good. I’m having an intimate dinner party on Wednesday evening at seven. It will just be you, my sister and her guardian. Can you make it?”

“I didn’t know you had a sister. But of course I’ll be glad to come. I’m delighted to finally meet your family.”

“Good. I’ll see you then.”

He shut off the cell phone, thinking about what she’d meant. When it hit him that Sharon thought he was getting serious about her, he almost stomped on the brakes. Damn! He’d let Vanessa get under his skin and trick him into doing the right thing. Then he’d tried to outsmart her, and now look at the mess he was in.

Sharon was a good date, presentable, sophisticated. She didn’t require a lot of maintenance, either. But he, unlike his father, did not intend to be caught by a pretty face or a good body. His stepmother had taught him that lesson.

Should he call Sharon back and cancel? No, he needed protection from Vanessa.

What was he thinking? He didn’t need protection from any woman! He could handle himself…couldn’t he?

THE EFFECT RICK’S INVITATION had on Lindy was remarkable. She always seemed to be smiling. And thinking about Wednesday. Monday, after a relaxing weekend, she announced, “It’s only two days until Wednesday.”

Vanessa looked up in surprise. “Well, yes, Wednesday is always two days after Monday, Lindy.”

“Yes, but we don’t always have an invitation to Rick’s for dinner, you know.”

“Ah, yes, I forgot about that.” At Lindy’s alarmed look, she hastily added, “Temporarily, of course. I have it written in my day planner.”

“Oh, good. I was thinking maybe I could wear my new pink dress.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“What will you wear?”

“Me? I don’t think it matters what I wear. Rick will be focused on you, not me.”

Lindy kept her head down, saying nothing for several minutes, but Vanessa waited patiently.

“Maybe…maybe Rick only invited me so you’d come,” she finally said, almost in a whisper.

Vanessa put her arm around the young girl. “I can guarantee you that’s not the case. Don’t even give it another thought.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. I think he realized he should be there the first time you come back to the family home. That’s what his father would’ve wanted—Let me rephrase that. That’s what your father would’ve wanted.”

Tears filled Lindy’s eyes. “I can’t really remember him,” she confessed. “When I think about him, I remember how he made me feel, rather than what he looked like.”

“Don’t you have a picture of him?” Vanessa asked, shocked.

“No. Mom didn’t have any pictures of him. I asked her once, but she said no.”

“Maybe while we’re over there Rick will let you have a picture of your father.”

“Do you think he might? I’d like that.”

Vanessa made a mental note to call Rick later, when Lindy wasn’t around.

Just then, the phone rang downstairs, which meant it was for her parents. Vanessa ignored it. Betty would answer it if her mother wasn’t available. To her surprise, Betty called up the stairs for her.

“Excuse me, Lindy. I’ll go see what Betty wants.”

She quickly ran down the stairs to the kitchen.

“Vanessa. Your sister is on the line, wanting to know if Lindy could baby-sit tonight,” Betty said. “She didn’t want to call on your line because she figured Lindy would hear the conversation. She thought you should decide if you thought it was okay before she talked to Lindy.”

“Oh. I’d better talk to her.” She went to the phone in the library. “Becca? It’s Vanessa. You need Lindy for tonight?”

“Yes. Jeff wants me to accompany him to dinner with one of his clients. We’ll be home before ten. Do you think Lindy could baby-sit?”

“She probably could, but you could bring the kids over here.”

“I know, but I thought it would be good for Lindy’s self-esteem, and the kids will be in bed asleep when we get home, which will be nice.”

“Okay. Do you want to talk to her?”

“I’ll call on your line, if you want, and we can pretend this conversation never happened. Okay?”

“Sure. Give me a couple of minutes to get back upstairs. And, Becca? Thanks.”

Vanessa could hear the smile in her sister’s voice. When Rebecca said, “I wasn’t around when you were little. It’s the least I can do. And it helps me, too.”

After hanging up, Vanessa hurried upstairs. Rebecca was right. Baby-sitting would help Lindy’s self-esteem. She composed her features so Lindy wouldn’t know what was happening until Rebecca called.

Lindy looked up. “Is everything okay?”

“Sure. Betty wanted to see if we’d be happy with what she was thinking about for dinner. But I told her we always love anything she fixes,” Vanessa said with a smile.

Before Lindy could ask what was for dinner, which Vanessa realized would have been the snag in her story, the phone rang again. “Hello?” Vanessa answered. “Oh, hi, Becca. Yes, she’s here.” She handed the phone to Lindy, who looked apprehensive.

That apprehension turned to delight as Lindy listened to Rebecca’s request. After agreeing to the offer, she hung up the phone and turned to Vanessa in excitement.

“She wants me to baby-sit! She said the kids like me and she thinks I’ll be responsible! Isn’t that amazing?”

“I think it’s perfectly normal. How much is she paying you?”

“Paying me? Oh, no, she shouldn’t pay me!”

“Why not?”

Lindy gave her a shocked look. “But I’m just—Isn’t that something you do for each other?”

“Maybe, and she knows that I’d baby-sit for her, but she wants to have the kids in bed on time in their own beds. That means someone has to be inconvenienced by coming to her house. And that means she’ll pay you.”

“And you think I should accept it?”

“Yes, I think you should.”

“I’ll give the money to you, of course.”

“Why would you do that?”

“To help pay for the things you’ve bought me.”

Vanessa smiled and shook her head. “Your brother is paying for everything. You can offer him the money if you want, but he won’t take it.”

Lindy seemed thrilled, and wandered off to her room with a big smile.

Now that she was alone, it was time for Vanessa to put into action her earlier plan. Lindy wanted a picture of her father, and that’s just what she would get. No matter that Vanessa had to go to Rick to get it.

Chapter Four

When Rick answered his cell phone after he got back to his hotel, a familiar voice sounded in his ear.

“Hi, Mrs. Abby. Everything okay?”

“Of course,” his housekeeper replied. “But I have a question. Miss Shaw called earlier today. She asked if you had a spare picture of your father for Lindy. Apparently the child doesn’t have a photo of him.”

Rick couldn’t think of anything to say. While he was annoyed that Vanessa had called, a sadness niggled at the thought that Lindy didn’t have a picture of her own father. Every child should have that, he thought, and again he took responsibility for not thinking of that nine years ago. He’d just assumed Anita—He pulled up short on that thought; he should’ve known better than to expect anything from that woman.

Before he could reply, Mrs. Abby continued.

“Miss Shaw suggested I might find a photo or duplicate one so you could give it to Lindy Wednesday night. When I said I would, she said not to do it without checking with you first, because she didn’t want to make you mad.”

Rick growled inwardly. The sadness and sympathy he had felt for Lindy were pushed out by anger and indignation, thanks to that incendiary comment. To believe that—and to say it to his housekeeper! That was all he needed, for Vanessa to make him sound like an unfeeling animal.

“She sounded very nice on the phone,” Mrs. Abby said. “Why would that make you mad?”

“It wouldn’t have. She’s a difficult female, that’s all.”

“Hmmm. Whatever you say. Well, I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

“Uh, Mrs. Abby,” he said quickly, stopping her from hanging up. “How did Miss Shaw get my number at the house?”

“She said she’d spoken to your attorney.” She paused. “That was all right, wasn’t it?”

“Fine.” No sense bringing his housekeeper into his feud with Vanessa. “I’ll be home late tomorrow night. Don’t wait up for me.” He always said that, and she always did anyway.

“Yes, sir.”

Rick shut off his cell phone before he let out a few choice words about Vanessa Shaw. She’d already disrupted his sleep since he’d met her. Now she’d managed to upset Mrs. Abby, too.

Of course he wouldn’t mind giving Lindy a picture of their dad. He hadn’t realized she didn’t have one. Dad would’ve wanted—He wasn’t going to think about what his dad would’ve wanted. Not now. That only led to thoughts about that damn Vanessa Shaw! And his own guilty conscience.

He was tired. Tonight he wanted to get a good night’s sleep—at least one good night before he had to face Vanessa Shaw again.

VANESSA PICKED UP Lindy from her baby-sitting job when she called to say Rebecca and Jeff were home. Since they only lived five minutes away, it didn’t take long. Lindy seemed happy, but when they got in the car, after saying goodbye, she almost exploded in excitement.

“Jeff paid me fifteen dollars, Vanessa! Fifteen dollars! I’ve never earned any money before. Can you believe he paid me that much?”

“Hmmm, I thought the going rate was maybe twenty dollars for the night,” Vanessa said. “I didn’t realize Jeff was cheap. I’ll have to complain.”

“Vanessa, no! You can’t complain! I—”

Vanessa laughed. “I’m teasing you, honey. I think fifteen dollars is a generous payment.”

“Oh! I can’t believe you did that to me!” Lindy shouted before she began giggling. “You had me so worried.”

“I’m glad you’re not upset. And I’m glad you have a sense of humor. You’ve been too serious way too long.”

“I know. But I didn’t have anything to laugh about.”

Vanessa reached out and caught Lindy’s hand. “But your life has changed now, and you need to do a lot more laughing.”

“Yes,” Lindy agreed with a smile.

They rode in silence the rest of the way home. But when they were walking up the stairs on their way to bed, Lindy asked, “Do you think Rick laughs much?”

Vanessa didn’t want to answer that question. But she believed in being honest if she could. So, after they reached the top of the stairs, she stopped and looked at Lindy. “No, honey, I don’t. But I don’t think that’s any of my business.”

“But, Vanessa, it’s my business, isn’t it?”

“I suppose so.”

“And I’m your business, aren’t I?”

“Yes, of course, honey, but—”

“So that makes Rick your business, too.”

Vanessa turned and continued on to Lindy’s room. Lindy followed her. When Vanessa got to the room, she sat down on the bed and patted the space beside her for Lindy.

“Sweetheart, don’t you want to be my business?”

“Yes, of course.”

“I’m glad. But Rick doesn’t want to be part of my business. And if he doesn’t want that, then there’s nothing I can do for him.”

“Maybe…maybe Wednesday night you could tell some jokes?” Lindy asked hopefully.

Vanessa chuckled. “Obviously you’ve never heard me tell a joke. I’m no good at that.”

“Really? Do you know any jokes?”

“No, Lindy, I don’t. If you laugh, maybe he’ll catch on. Maybe just being around you will help him laugh more.”

“But I don’t think I’ll see him much after Wednesday night. After all, he won’t have the excuse of showing me the house.”

“Perhaps you can invite him to dinner over here again later on. And I think we should invite Mrs. Abby to lunch before you start back to school. She’ll want to see where you live, and meet Betty. That way, she’ll know you’re being well taken care of.”

“I haven’t seen her since I was six, when Dad was alive. Do you think she’ll care?”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you. She called tonight to confirm Wednesday and she wanted me to tell you how much she is looking forward to seeing you.”

“She did? You know, she and my mom didn’t get along. I thought maybe she’d think I was like Mom, too.” A worried look settled on her brow, and Vanessa couldn’t help but put an arm around her.

“I don’t think there’s even a chance she’ll think you’re like your mom, honey. There’s not a mean bone in you.”

“Mom wasn’t mean, Vanessa. I don’t want you to think that. She just—just didn’t think of anyone but herself. She told me it was because she grew up poor.”

Vanessa didn’t want to hear the woman’s excuses. It didn’t matter how she grew up. A child was a child, and she needed love and care from a parent who put her first, regardless of the mother’s upbringing. But she’d spare Lindy another lecture tonight. Instead she said, “Well, Mrs. Abby will like you just the way you are, I promise.”

Lindy smiled and nodded. “I’m so looking forward to Wednesday!”

“I know you are. But try to get some sleep between now and then or Mrs. Abby will think I’m working you to the bone!”

As Vanessa rose to leave, Lindy laughed. Vanessa bent to kiss the girl’s cheek. “Good night, honey. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night.”

Vanessa went back downstairs. She wanted some decaf coffee before bed. She needed to think.

Betty was still in the kitchen when she entered.

“Why, hello, child. I thought you’d gone up already,” Betty said.

“No, I thought I’d fix a cup of coffee.”

“I’m fixing a pot now for your parents. They’re in the library if you want to join them.”

“All right, I will. Thank you, Betty.”

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