"What?"
They went outside again, and they were the only ones left in the church. He led her townapath.
"Before Vicki turned one, Mom walked away. We never saw heragain."
She covered her lips. "That'shorrible."
He shrugged. "What about your parents? Are they stillalive?"
She had figured her turn was next, and that he'd want to change the topic. She started the conversation. They followed a gravel pathway that led to a patio made of stone. Servants wore white jackets and people were already on the dancefloor.
"My dad is on a cruise with mystepmother."
He patted her hand as if offering her comfort. He was sweet as he asked, "And yourmother?"
She brushed her hair behind her ear. "Shedied."
"I'msorry."
The low softness of his voice said he meant it. She swallowed. Peter Morgan was the opposite of what he said abouthimself.
She licked her lips. "Why? I don't remember her. For a long time, it was just the twoofus."
They walked up a few stone steps and joined the party. A waiter offered them champagneon a platter. "It sounds like you like yourfather."
Jennifer glared at them, and Belle turned her head so she wouldn't see her. The last thing she needed was doubt. She kept her hand onPeter'sarm.
"He did his bestwithme."
Peter walked them to a table and set the drinks on there. She let go of her glass, so he could do the same with hers as he said, "My father did whatwas in his own bestinterest."
Her lips parted. "That's horribletosay."
Peter's lips curled as he stared over her head. "It's true. Everyone says I'm just like him. He raised metobe."
Her heart echoed in her chest. "I didn't know your dad. How am I supposed toseeyou?"
"Self-serving, controlling, vengeful, manipulating, ruthless andcunning."
"Absolutelyuntrue." She licked her lips. "Peter Morgan, you are way too hard onyourself."
He hugged her waist. His hands on hers distracted her. "I like that yousaythat."
She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed. "You're a good man. One day I'll have to prove ittoyou."
He stepped forward, and she shifted away. "For now, can I have thatdance?"
She twirled out of a hugand followed him. "Absolutely."
The soft sounds of an orchestra played in the fading sunlight. The nighttime would be here soon. Then all that would be left was the two of them. Right now she spun in his arms and that was all thatmattered.
