He strolled to the library, coffee in hand, and considered his entire lifetime of work. What had it been for? He was fifty-eight. He had a good reputation in banking and investments. People sought out his advice and wisdom, yet he had never felt so alone and unneeded in his life.

He had pushed Scott aside for his disobedience, and with that action, Martin knew he’d lost some of Luke’s respect as well. A part of him had been proud of his sons and their independent streaks, but another part had resented and regretted that they no longer needed him. He had been certain that cutting Scott off from wealth would bring him back around to obedience, but like his mother, Scott wasn’t impressed with the things money could buy. He had always had the heart of a poet.

The grand library with two floors of books welcomed him with a roaring fire and draperies pulled back to let in the winter sun. Martin loved this room more than any other in the house and often sought solace here. He had taught Luke about finance in this room. Had tried to teach Scott as well. Scott had always been cut of a different cloth, however. Where Luke thrived on book learning and loved numbers, Scott wanted to use his hands—digging in the dirt, building something with the gardener. He loved the vast outdoors and made more than one trip to wilderness areas to learn about living off the land. Martin had never understood him but supposed it was some influence from his mother’s side of the family.

Poor Marie. How he missed her. She had been such a good stepmother to Luke and the perfect mother for Scott. She had been a great wife, with her wisdom and grace and gentle wit. He had truly enjoyed his years with her. How hard it was to be alone again.

He’d considered remarrying. There were any number of widows in the city who vied for his attention, and yet Martin hadn’t met any particular one who struck his fancy. He sat down in front of the fire and sighed. A baby in the house would give him something to focus his energy on. He would see that she had everything. The best of furnishings and clothes, the finest tutors and trips. Oh, the trips they could take abroad.

Martin set his coffee on the table beside him and smiled. He would pen a letter immediately to Luke and let him know his decision regarding the baby. He rubbed his hands together. Finally, there was something worthwhile to consider.

Luke went over the house design with the man he’d hired. “I like this very much. I think it’s exactly what is needed.”