“You mean going through a lawyer who works with unwed mothers?” Mel gave a long, wistful sigh. “Actually, we did try that route once, about a year ago. We weren’t quite sure it was right. It wasn’t that the money was a problem, but we were concerned about the legality, and the morality. But it all seemed perfect. We even went so far as to have an interview with the mother. Our hopes were very high. Too high. We picked our names and window-shopped for baby things. It really looked as if it was going to happen. At the last minute, she backed out.”

Mel bit her lower lip, as if to steady herself.

“That must have been dreadful for you.”

“We both took it very hard. To get that close and then … nothing. We haven’t discussed trying that way again since.”

“I can understand that. But, as it happens, I do know of someone who’s had a great deal of luck placing babies with adoptive parents.”

Mel closed her eyes. She was afraid they would fill with derision, not hope. “A lawyer?”

“Yes. I don’t know him personally, but, as I said, you meet a lot of people in this business, and I’ve heard. I don’t want to promise, or get your hopes up, but if you’d like, I could check.”

“I’d be very grateful.” Mel opened her eyes and met Linda’s in the mirror. “I can’t tell you how grateful.”

*  *  *

An hour later, Mel swung out of the hotel and into Sebastian’s arms. She laughed as he dipped her back for an exaggerated kiss.

“What are you doing here?”

“Playing the dutiful, lovesick husband come to fetch his wife.” He held her at arm’s length and smiled. Her hair was fluffed into a sexy, windblown look, her eyes were deepened and enlarged with blending shadows, and her lips were the same slick fuchsia as her nails. “In the name of Finn, Sutherland, what have they done to you?”

“Don’t smirk.”

“I’m not. You look extraordinary. Stunning. Just not quite like my Mel.” He tipped her chin up for another kiss. “Who is this elegant, polished woman I’m holding?”

Not as annoyed as she wanted to be, she pulled a face. “You’d better not make fun after what I’ve been through. I actually had a bikini wax. It was barbaric.” Chuckling, she linked her hands around his neck. “And my toenails are pink.”

“I can’t wait to see.” He kissed her again, lightly. “I have news.”

“Me, too.”

“Why don’t I take a walk with my gorgeous wife and tell her how Gumm’s been putting out feelers on the estimable Ryans of Seattle?”