Authors: Sandra Lea Rice
Philippe drew in a deep breath. “I admire your loyalty to her, and I do believe you love her. I know she loves you. I told you once, as long as you take care of her and make her happy, we have no problem.” He faced Adrian. “As her father I can and will give permission for the two of you to legally wed. It will be done here before you leave.”
A rush of relief washed through Adrian, and the tight band of fear that had wrapped around his chest eased. “I would be most grateful. She loves you, and you are always welcome at Spencer Ranch.”
Philippe frowned. “What of her family here?”
“This has not been an easy decision. I have responsibilities in both England and America. We will travel between the two countries. She was happy in Texas,
Don
Philippe. I would see her happy again.”
Philippe stood quietly for a moment. “We also have holdings in America, both land and mines, and I have agreed to oversee them for Cordova. She carries your child, but the child is also ours. Can you accept that?”
Adrian clasped Philippe’s hand. “Easily.”
Fernando slipped into a coma and passed away in his sleep on Christmas night. Although Esteban and Rafael mourned the sudden loss of their father, they had been taught to manage Cordova Holdings, and with Fernando’s illness, had been doing so for the last few years. Both progressive men, Adrian knew they would take what their father had started into the future. Adrian had willingly added his offer of support.
As the time drew near for them to leave, Angeline became quiet and withdrawn. Adrian knew it had to be bittersweet for her. She loved her new family, but if they did not leave now, she would be too far along in her pregnancy to make the trip back safely to England.
They both wanted the child to be born at Windsford Hall. It helped when Philippe had assured her it would not be long before he followed, and promised to join her at Windsford Hall in time for the birth of their child.
Although Jeffrey and Edward would stay in England, Penelope planned on traveling with Michael to America to meet his family. Afterward, they would visit Spencer Ranch and spend some time with Adrian and Angeline.
The coaches waited in front of the hacienda. Angeline hugged her grandmother and kissed her cheek. “I believe you would like America, and I would love to show you where we live. Please consider it.”
“I will, I promise. But do not forget to visit here as well. This is also your home.” Maria touched Angeline’s cheek. “Lord Adrian, you are a good man. Make her happy.”
“I will do my very best,
Dona
Maria.” Adrian tucked Angeline’s arm through his and led her to the coach. His gaze flicked to his uncle as he followed Michael and Penelope to the other coach. Jeffrey glanced back at Maria, who stood watching. He gave an imperceptible nod and Maria smiled in return, then Jeffrey stepped into the coach.
Philippe kissed Angeline’s forehead. “I will see you soon,
mi vida
, go with God.”
Adrian helped Angeline into the coach, then shook Philippe’s hand. “We will see you at Windsford?” At Philippe’s nod, Adrian stepped inside and sat beside Angeline.
As the team started forward and the coach swayed, Angeline snuggled against him. “It’s hard to believe it’s over.”
“No, my love, it is just beginning.” Adrian ran his hand over her swollen belly and drew in a deep breath, filling his senses with the fragrance of roses, and held the familiar scent close to his heart, just as he held the woman he loved more than life itself.
Angeline lounged on a blanket near the lake at Spencer Ranch. While she cooed at her newborn son, Christian, who lay on her lap, she glanced up at Phillip Michael, her two-year-old toddler.
Clairece and James were busy trying to skip rocks across the lake’s surface. Angeline smiled warmly at Virginia. Cortland, his head nestled in his mother’s lap, lay sleeping while Virginia played with his soft blond curls.
With a cry of pleasure, Angeline watched Michael and Penelope approach, each carrying a little girl. At almost a year old, the twins were learning to walk. With their bright red curls dancing around their faces, they greatly resembled their mother.
Penelope dropped down on the blanket beside Angeline and Virginia. “Their father spoils them terribly.” Her eyes sparkled to see Michael hold one of his daughters high over his head, laughing at her squeals of delight.
Angeline settled the baby in her lap and smiled at Penelope. “Have you heard from Uncle Jeffrey? Adrian said he’s been busy.”
“My father has begun to travel somewhat and sees my sister and her family in France on a regular basis. He’s traveled a few times to Spain on some business, although I’m not certain what it was.” Penelope looped her arms around her daughter and snuggled her.
“There’s quite a lot to keep everyone busy with a family like this one. I would love to see Rafael and Esteban and meet Esteban’s new wife. Adrian has promised we shall go when the children are a little older.” Angeline kissed the sleeping babe’s cheek.
“Hello, my love, we have a visitor,” Adrian announced, strolling up to the informal picnic.
Angeline peeked past him and laughed. “Edward! How wonderful to see you. You’re becoming quite the traveler I hear, looking after things for Cordova now as well.”
Edward beamed. “Yes I am, and I’ve come to enjoy it. They always have the most wonderful tea for me.
Dona
Maria sends her love, as do your uncles.”
Edward’s gaze lit on the large pitcher of iced tea sitting on a small table.
“You must try this tea, Edward. It has a touch of mint and is sweetened with honey,” Angeline suggested, hiding a grin.
“I would enjoy it very much, thank you.”
With his glass of tea, Edward settled back under a large tree in the shade. He wasn’t nearly as nervous around her as he used to be, and Angeline was happy for that. He was such a dear man. He sipped his tea and observed the children play.
At the sound of horses, Angeline handed the baby to Adrian and jumped to her feet, running to meet their visitors. She rushed toward Philippe, throwing herself into his arms.
Philippe hugged her and chuckled. “I have missed you too,
mi vida
.”
“I know it’s only been a few short months, but it always seems much longer. Come, I want you to meet someone.” She led Philippe to where Adrian stood rocking his son, and retrieved the sleeping babe.
“Meet your grandson, Christian.” Angeline handed the infant to Philippe.
He held the babe and studied the little face. “
Cristiano
,” he whispered softly. With one finger, he gently brushed the fine, dark hair from the baby’s forehead, then bent to place a kiss on a little pink cheek. After a moment, he gave the baby back to Angeline.
“Two wonderful sons.” Philippe patted Adrian on the back.
“Yes they are. Phillip Michael, come and see who’s here,” Adrian called to his oldest son who was busy chasing a duck.
Phillip, squealing with delight, ran toward them. “
Abuelo
,” he shouted in Spanish.
“
Si, niño
, you are learning well.” Philippe caught the little boy and tossed him high in the air. When he ruffled the child’s dark blond hair, he was rewarded with a broad smile and a show of dimples. “You are becoming such a big
niño.
” Philippe sat the child on his feet. Phillip ambled off after the same duck that had wandered closer for scraps of bread.
Edward shifted his gaze from the children to encompass the people who had become like family to him, and treated him as such. Yes, life was good, he thought, taking a large swallow of the honey-sweetened tea.
Very good indeed.