And this is what I guess youd call a family room, Jack said as he led her into another large room with a stone fireplace and a coffered ceiling.
Lily moved about the room, took in the details. Built-in bookcases and cabinets completely encircled the room and the cabinets and ceilings were beautifully striated. Oversize chairs, two couches with undertones of forest-green and taupes. It was definitely a mans home. And there lying across the arm of one of the big overstuffed couches was the afghan from her apartment. She walked over to the couch, picked it up and held it to her breast. When she brought her gaze to Jacks again, her voice came out in a hoarse whisper as she asked, How did this get here?
I brought it, he confessed. While you were getting ready this morning, I went over to your apartment and convinced your building manager to let me inside so I could pick up a few of your things.
But why?
You said you didnt have time this week to see the house or move any of your stuff. I know the rushed wedding, coming here, its all been hard for you. I thought if you had a few of your things here, it might make you feel more comfortable.
That was very thoughtful of you. Thank you. His kindness and sensitivity moved her. She was coming to realize that kind, sensitive gestures were not uncommon for Jack. Shed known he was a kind and giving man from his work on the board. He hadnt simply opened his checkbook to help sustain the work they did at Eastwick Cares, he had also given of his time and himself. Shed also seen the way he interacted with his family. Even with his somewhat overbearing aunt Olivia he had shown nothing but patience and caring. She might not have planned this baby, but the better she got to know Jack the more convinced she was that he was going to be a wonderful father to their child. The truth was he would be the perfect husband for her in every wayif only he had married her out of love instead of duty.
Ill arrange to pick up the rest of your things and your furniture next week and move it in here.
Somehow, I dont think my furniture will blend very well with your things, she told him, which was the truth. Her furniture was like herplain, inexpensive, only reproductions of fine antiques. Whereas Jacks furniture was like himelegant, pricy and genuine antiques passed down through generations.
Well make it work, he assured her. I meant what I said, Lily. I want you to feel comfortable here. This is your home now, too. So if theres anything you dont like about the house, feel free to change it. Or if you decide you dont like the house itself, that youd rather a live in different architectural style, just say the word and well look for another place.
No. I love the house, Jack. Really. Its warm and welcoming. She looked at him. Its beautiful just the way it is. I wouldnt change a thing.
All right. But if you change your mind, just say so. I swear it wont bother me a bit. The important thing to me is that you and the baby are happy here. The vows I took today, I meant them, Lily. I want this marriage to work. I want us to build a life together.
So do I, she admitted and there was something about the way he looked at her that made her heart beat just a tad faster.
I know we havent discussed it much, but I want this to be a real marriage. I want to be a real husband to you and a father to our baby.
I understand. She did understand, Lily told herself. Jack was a sexy, virile man. He was also an honest one. He wasnt the type of man who would cheat on his wife even if he didnt love that wife.
Im glad. He cupped her cheek. Did you want to rest a while? Or would you like me to show you the upstairs?
The upstairs was just as impressive as the main floor. There were four bedrooms with baths as well as a sitting room with a fireplace. A huge office with ceiling beams and bamboo trim led to an outdoor terrace. Glass-fronted linen closets and a handy laundry chute lined one section of the hallway. There was another suite with a bath and a private wing that she could have fitted her entire apartment into.
This leads to the attic, Jack explained, indicating a set of stairs. We can save viewing it for another time. Im a little worried about you climbing the narrow steps. But it has two bedrooms, a full bath, a sitting area and a playroom.
A playroom?
He grinned. Im told the original owners had five children.
Lily swallowed. Five?
Sounds like a lot in this day and age, doesnt it? I imagine it wouldnt be easy to have a family that size. There were just three of us and mealtimes alone were crazy. But as nuts as my family makes me at times, I wouldnt trade any of them. And theres a part of me that thinks it might be nice to have a house filled with kids.
It sounded nice to her, too, Lily admitted silently.
The master bedroom is down this way, he said and Lily followed him down the hall. He opened the door and motioned for her to enter.
The master bedroom was actually a suite and every bit as lovely as the rest of the house. A stone fireplace took up one wall. A huge mahogany bed took up another. There was a couch and there were more overstuffed chairs. Everything had been done in varying shades of brown, ranging from ivory to mocha. The adjoining bath had his-and-hers sinks, a steam shower and a tub big enough to swim in. There was even some high-tech television built into the mirrored bath wall. Again, it was a room designed for a man.
This door over here connects to the room next door. I thought you might want to use that room as a nursery. Its close, so wed be able to hear the baby cry or to handle late-night feedings.
Lily didnt miss the we and knew that he expected them to share the room and the big bed. And the truth was, she re minded herself, there was no reason they shouldnt. Yet despite the wedding ring on her finger and the baby growing inside, she couldnt help feeling cheated.
The dressing rooms and closets are over here. My things are in here, he said and led her into a huge walk-in dressing area and closet. He flipped the light switch and revealed a closet lined with dozens and dozens of suits, shirts, ties and shoesall neatly arranged on racks and shelves. I thought you could use this one, but we can swap if youd like, he offered and opened the door to another dressing room.
She walked over to the vanity table and stared down at her own brush, mirror and the cut-glass perfume bottles that she collected. She picked up the mirror, ran her finger tips along the silver edges. Then she put it down and walked over to the closet. The thing was the size of a small bedroom and there, hanging neatly on the racks and folded on the shelves were the clothes she had packed in the suitcase that morning. She turned and looked at him.
I had them brought here today while you were getting ready, he explained. I knew it was going to be a long day and I didnt want you to have to worry about unpacking.
Thank you. Thats was very thoughtful of you.
He nodded and they exited the dressing room. My mother had the caterers pack up some food for us from the reception. Would you like to rest a bit while I go down and get dinner ready?
That sounds good, she said and suddenly realized how tired she was.
Then you go ahead and relax. Ill let you know when its time to eat. He kissed her on the forehead and started to leave, only to stop when he reached the end table next to the bed. I almost forgot. Theres one other thing I brought from your apartment, but I wasnt sure where to put him. He pulled open one of the drawers and took out her old battered teddy bear.
Then you go ahead and relax. Ill let you know when its time to eat. He kissed her on the forehead and started to leave, only to stop when he reached the end table next to the bed. I almost forgot. Theres one other thing I brought from your apartment, but I wasnt sure where to put him. He pulled open one of the drawers and took out her old battered teddy bear.
Bentley, she said and took the stuffed animal he held out to her. She clutched him to her. The worn brown bear had been a Christmas gift shed received from Ellen and Mick Davidson. She had been six and they had been her foster parents for nearly a year by then. They had wanted to adopt her and had begun the paperwork necessary to make her their little girl. Shed been thrilled. At last she was going to have a family, a real mother and father. She had even begun to call them Mom and Dad. Then, in January, Ellen Davidson had discovered she was pregnant with twins. It had been a miracle. After years of trying and failing, they had given up on having a baby. And now they were having two at once. Of course with two babies of their own on the way, they could no longer afford the expense of an adoption. There was also the problem of needing a bigger house that they couldnt afford if they had three children. As much as they loved her, the two little babies needed them more. After they had packed her things and driven her back to the orphanage, Ellen Davidson had been crying. So had she, Lily recalled.
Please. I promise Ill be good and I wont eat too much or take up too much room, Lily sobbed and clung to the woman she had thought would become her mother.
You are a good girl, Ellen told her and, taking her by the shoulders, she eased her back. Tears ran down Ellens cheeks. Youre going to be fine, Lily. And Bentley here is going to keep you company. Arent you, Bentley? You take care of our Lily until her new parents come, okay?
Then she handed him to her and Lily clutched the bear to her chest. What if no one wants me?
They will, sweetheart. I promise they will. Before you know it another couple are going to come through that door,