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Justin crawled into Phoebe’s lap and leaned his head back against her shoulder as they sat in the light of a standing lamp with a yellow silk shade, while a s aloud fro: Treasure Hunter, she enjoyed Justin’s spellbound interest as they neared the end of the chapter

“‘Stephen Ar rays slanted over the te to the ancient scroll, at precisely three hours after midday, a telltale animal shadoould reveal the entrance to the treasure cave As the radually appeared on one of the e’s feet, the treasure he had been seeking half his life lay in a deep, dark cavern’” Phoebe closed the book, sroan of protest “Next chapter tomorrow,” she said

“More now?” Justin asked hopefully “Please?

“I’lanced at West, as half reclining in the corner of the settee with Stephen against his chest The two of the soundly, with one of the toddler’s chubby arms loosely clasped around West’s neck

Justin followed her gaze “I think you shouldher

Her voice ca?”

“Then you would always have someone to dance with A lady can’t dance by herself or she would fall over”

Out of the periphery of her vision, she saw West stretching and stirring Holding Justin closely, she sentlemen prefer not to marry”

“You should use some of Granny’s perfume,” Justin said

Phoebe suppressed a laugh as she looked into his earnest face “Justin, don’t you like the way I smell?”

“Oh, I do, Mama, but Granny always smells like cake If you smelled like cake, Uncle West would want to marry you”

Torn between amusement and dismay, Phoebe didn’t dare look at West “I’ll consider your advice, dear” She gently eased Justin from her lap and stood

West yawned audibly and sat up Stephen was li soundly

Phoebe smiled and reached for the baby “I’ll take hiainst her “Coo upstairs to bed”

The boy cli “Good night,” Justin said cheerfully, and leaned forward to kiss his cheek It was the first tiesture toward West, who held very still and didn’t seem to kno to respond

Phoebe carried Stephen to the doorway but paused as West stood and reached her at the threshold in a few long strides

He spoke in her ear, too softly to be overheard “It would be better if we stayed in our own beds tonight We both need rest”

She absorbed that with a quick double blink, a chill running down her spine So She had to find out what it was

Chapter 30

Long after the children had been tucked into bed, Phoebe sat in her room with her knees drawn up and her arued silently with herself Perhaps she should do as West had asked, and not go to the cottage He was right, they both needed rest But she wouldn’t be able to sleep, nor did she think he would

How quiet it was, this late at night No movement anywhere, except for the anxious staccato of her own heart

That odd, blank look on his faceWhat e with?

Abruptly she cao to him but ht