“Thought about it?” Mel managed a sad smile. “I can’t tell you how many lists we’re on. Both of us agree that we could love a child that wasn’t biologically ours. We feel we have so much to give, but …” She sighed again. “I suppose it’s selfish, but we really want a baby. It might be a little easier to adopt an older child, but we’re holding out. We’ve been told it could take years. I don’t know how we’ll handle all those empty rooms.” She made her eyes fill, then blinked away the tears. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t go on about it. I get maudlin.”

“That’s all right.” Linda stretched her arm between the tables to squeeze Mel’s hand. “I guess no one can really understand like another woman.”

They shared an iced juice and a spinach salad for lunch. Mel allowed Linda to guide the conversation gently back to her personal life. As the naive and deeply emotional Mary Ellen Ryan, she poured out information about her marriage, her hopes, her fears. She sprinkled in a few tears for good measure, and bravely wiped them away.

“You aren’t thinking marriage yourself?” Mel asked.

“Me? Oh, no.” Linda laughed. “I tried it once, a long time ago. It’s too confining for me. Jasper and I have a very nice arrangement. We’re fond of each other, but we don’t let it interfere with business. I like being able to come and go as I please.”

“I admire you.” You coldhearted floozy. “Before I met Donovan, I had the idea that I’d go it alone through life, carving out my niche. Not that I regret falling in love and getting married, but I guess we all envy the woman who makes her own.”

“It suits me. But you’re doing all right. You’ve got a guy who’s crazy about you, and he’s done well enough that you’ve got a nice home. Just about perfect.”

Mel looked down at her empty glass. “Just about.”

“Once you have that baby, it’ll be perfect.” Linda patted her hand. “Take my word for it.”

*  *  *

Mel dragged herself home, tossing her gym bag one way and kicking her shoes the other.

“There you are.” Sebastian was looking down from the upstairs balcony. “I was about to send out a search party.”

“You’d do better with a stretcher.”

His smile faded. “Are you hurt?” He was already starting down the steps. “I knew I should’ve kept an eye on you.”