Chapter 4

Her father, Conrad, set down his teacup. "It's good to have you home. The house is livelier with you here."

I smiled at them.

Diane guided me to the couch. Then she looked at her daughter.

"You've been married seven years now. Isn't it time you two started thinking about children?"

I glanced at Talia. Her expression changed, and she reached for the fruit platter.

"Mom, have something to eat first."

"I'm talking about something important, not snacks. You're both getting older. You know better than anyone that it doesn't get easier to have children if you keep waiting. You're a doctor, for heaven's sake."

"I know," Talia said after a pause.

Satisfied, Diane patted my hand.

"Don't let her walk all over you, Wes. If she doesn't treat you right, tell me. I'll straighten her out."

I lowered my eyes. "All right."

My phone vibrated.

I'm downstairs, Bastien wrote. I'll bring the order up now.

Please do, I replied.

Diane was still talking.

"You two have been together since you were young. Talia had nothing when you met her, and you stayed beside her while she built her career. You cared for this family whenever she was too busy. A son-in-law like you doesn't come along twice."

Talia sat stiffly beside me.

Conrad nodded. "We've seen everything you've done for us. Talia, if you ever betray his trust, you'll answer to me."

Diane laughed and placed my hand over Talia's.

"I know my daughter. Talia's loyal. She's not like those women who go bad the minute they have a little money."

Talia flinched beneath my palm.

I nearly laughed.

Then the doorbell rang.

Talia shot to her feet as if she'd finally found her way out. "I'll get it."

I rose too. She shot me a dark look, but I followed.

She opened the door.

Bastien stood there with several boxes stacked in his arms, beaming.

"Hey! Your Thanksgiving order—"

The rest died in his throat when he saw her.

"Talia?"

For a moment she looked as shocked as he did.

"Who's there?" Diane called from the living room.

Talia recovered abruptly and tried to push Bastien back into the hallway.

"You need to leave."

He blinked. "But the pies—"

"I said go."

Her whisper was frantic.

"Since he's here, why not invite him in?" I said calmly. "There are a few things we ought to clear up."

She spun toward me. "Wesley, shut up."

Her parents had reached the hallway by then. Talia was still trying to usher Bastien out.

I raised my voice.

"What's the hurry? He's right at the door. Aren't you going to introduce him to your family?"

"Wes!" Talia snapped.

I looked past her to the people gathered in the house.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet Bastien Delorme." I spoke slowly, making sure every word landed. "He's my wife Talia's new boyfriend."

The house fell silent.