“The one with its own bathroom,” Gillian called after him before she faced Elise again. “Can I get you anything? I made cock-a-leekie soup and homemade bread, but if you aren’t especially hungry, we have herbal teas, sodas, or water, if you’d prefer. I think there’s juice in the fridge too.”

“Water would be lovely. Thank you.” Faintly nauseous after the long drive, the idea of food made Elise’s stomach rebel. No doubt it would settle soon.

She glanced around, taking in the neutral furniture, the bright pops of artwork, and the citrus-colored scatter cushions. The comfortable sofas and overstuffed chairs made it just the sort of place to sink into after a hard day. “I like what you’ve done.”

“Thanks.” Gillian bustled to the cabinets and removed a glass, then filled it with water from the fridge. “After the fire, Jack and I drew up the plans ourselves. The contractor fought us about adding that beam.” Gillian indicated the beam between the kitchen and lounge before she handed Elise the glass of water. “But I convinced him our design would lead to other contracts.” An infectious smile spread across her face.

Real liking for Gillian and her optimism filled Elise. “Thanks.” Obligingly, she took a sip of the ice-cold liquid and determined to let it warm before she finished it off. Americans certainly enjoyed their refrigerated beverages.

“It was lucky for us the contractor finished when he did. We moved in last month, right before Richie was born.”

While Gillian chattered, Thierry’s large, hazel eyes followed Elise’s every move. It was slightly off-putting and made Elise wonder if she had dirt on her face.

“Thierry, can you greet our guest?” Gillian asked.

Thierry rose from the table, circled to her mother’s side, and slipped her small hand into Gillian’s. “We’re happy you could come.” The child’s thick, honey-blonde hair slipped forward and almost hid her features. “Did I do it right, Mummy?”

“Yes.” Gillian nodded.

“I’m glad to be here.” Elise wasn’t, though. This comfortable environment, complete with small children, was a knife thrust through her heart.

Jack’s cheerful home made her yearn for what she could never have—a family. She hadn’t considered, nor truly wanted, a family of her own. It hadn’t bothered her until the possibility had been removed. But Jack’s deep-seated happiness drove home the fact that she had changed her mind. And the reality had shaken her very soul on a much deeper level than Anders Gilmont had when he’d put her in the hospital.