the sound of the car arriving, the doors opening, and footsteps coming up the steps. I wiped my hands on my slacks and touched my hair, making sure it was in place. I wanted, at least, to make a good first impression.
Jordan walked in, followed by Gina and Warren. Jordan smiled at me, setting down the suitcases and shrugging off his coat. He kissed my cheek, murmuring in my ear. “It’s fine, my darling. Relax.”
Then he turned and made the introductions. “Gina and Warren, this is Sandy. Sandy, these are my children.”
I smiled and held out my hand, hoping it wasn’t shaking. Gina looked like Anna, slender with light brown hair and brown eyes. Her expression was warm and open, and she ignored my hand and gave me a hug.
“Lovely to meet you,” she said.
Warren was cooler, his handshake firm as he nodded and stepped back. “Sandy.”
I smiled, not surprised. Jordan had warned me Warren might be more reticent.
“He took Anna’s death hard,” he explained to me. “He isn’t upset about me moving on, he’s just not…” His voice trailed off.
“Thrilled,” I finished for him.
He lifted one shoulder. “My son has trouble forming attachments. He was especially close to Anna. Give him a little time—he’ll warm up.”
Warren stood beside Jordan, a younger version, with the same build and eye color. He wasn’t unfriendly, but I could sense his apprehension. There was nothing I could do to help him, except allow him to get to know me and come to terms with the relationship Jordan and I had. I had no plans on letting Jordan go. I only hoped Warren would warm to me.
“I have a late lunch ready,” I offered. “You must be tired.”
Gina wrapped her arm around mine as we walked to the kitchen. “Dad is going to take us and show us the condo later.”
“It’s lovely. I think your father will be happy there.”
She squeezed my arm, her voice low. “I think he’s happy now.”
I laughed, liking her very much. There was a warmth to her that reminded me of Jordan. An openness in her expression and manner. I recalled Anna being more reserved, which meant Warren probably took after her. She was always kind and friendly, but she held herself back, unlike Jordan who seemed to encompass everyone around him with his friendliness. I would let Warren warm up in his own time.
“I’m glad you think so,” I responded.
“Warren will come around.”
I side-eyed her, trying not to laugh at her wink.
“My brother is a bit slower, but he’ll get there. I think you’re good for my dad. He’ll see that.”
I reached for the coffee. “I hope so.”
Lunch helped. Warren relaxed and asked me a lot of questions. He was fascinated with BAM and the work they did.
“Dad always talks about them. They treat him very well.”
“They treat everyone well.”
“They’re huge in the land market. Real estate development. Their company is associated with excellence even out in Alberta.”
I nodded. They had various dealings in other provinces, although Bentley preferred to stay close to home. “I am very proud to work for them.”
“As am I,” Jordan offered.
“And you look after all of them?” Warren asked.
I laughed. “In a manner of speaking, yes.”
Jordan spoke up. “Bentley often says Sandy is the glue that holds the place together.” He smiled at me indulgently. “I would have to agree.” He lowered his voice. “She looks after me very well.”
Warren studied us wordlessly, then smiled, looking very much like Jordan. His voice was surprisingly light and teasing when he spoke.
“Spoken like a man in love, Dad.”
Jordan smiled so widely, his eyes crinkled. He reached over and squeezed my hand. “I suppose I am.”
Warren laughed, taking a sip of his coffee. Gina winked at me, as if to say, “Told you so.”
I was so flustered, I blushed. Jordan laughed and kissed my hand.
I stood. “I should go and let you get at it.”
I was surprised and shocked when both Warren and Gina shook their heads. “Stay,” Gina urged.
“Many hands, light work, Dad always says,” Warren stated. “Besides, we want to get to know you.”
And right then, I knew it would be okay.
“I would love to.”
Jordan smiled, his gaze taking us all in.
“Perfect.”
The following June
Sandy
The sun glinted, catching the light on the water outside the window. The day was lovely, warm, and perfect. I shut my eyes again and focused on the soothing sound of Chopin playing through the speakers. In the background, I heard the murmurings of happiness from my girls as they waited