Page 115 of Girl Anonymous

Raine beamed at them. “A baby. I’m so excited about a grandchild. I know you two are wondering about nature versus nurture, and whether the little girl will be an incarnation of Benoit. Especially—” with a tilt of her head, she indicated the backyard where Fedelma had held them hostage “—after this.”

Dante gravely nodded. “It’s true, Mère. I want this baby with Maarja, and at the same time I think—am I resurrecting Be­noit Arundel? Or, God forbid, Èrthu, first lord of the Arundels?”

Maarja put her hand to her belly. “We’ll be good parents. We’ll make all the difference.”

“Of course you will!” Andere agreed. “But…listen to what Raine has to say.”

Raine leaned forward, intent on imparting some great news. “Maarja, you know I have Arundel blood flowing in my veins.”

“Yes. I had gathered you were part of Benoit’s breeding program.” Maarja winced.

“Blunt, but true. I am an Arundel. I have my share of the wiliness and determination and, when needed, the ruthlessness.” Raine focused on Dante. “The man who captured and claimed me did not sire my child.”

It took Dante a moment for that to sink in.

Dante gaped, as stunned and singed as if struck by lightning. “What? Me? Not… I’m not…”

“Benoit is not your father.” Raine formed every word to make an impact.

“Wow,” Maarja breathed. She hadnotseen that coming.

“So worry no more about whether the babe will be the embodiment of evil.” Raine smiled at the newlyweds, enjoying their astonishment and knowing she had given them the gift of fearlessness in the face of looming parenthood. “The baby will be all we wished; assertive, intelligent, forceful, and inventive. My dear boy, I predict she’ll rule our world.”

“Of course she will.” Upright and proper with his old-world courtesy, Andere said, “Allow me to offer my congratulations on your marriage and the upcoming happy arrival. I currently have no gift to present, so let me offer this; please feel free to call on me at any time to babysit. As you both know, I love children.” Reaching into his pocket, he brought forth a handful of French lemon candies and placed them in the center of the table as a reminder of who he’d been to them, and a hint of his place in their lives.

In Maarja’s mind, the missing piece of the puzzle had been placed on the table, and at last the pieces clicked into place. She took them apart and put them together again. She looked at Dante, wanting to know if his comprehension matched hers.

His lips were pale, his jaw clenched. Shock still held him wound tightly in a tangle of emotions. So…yes.

Maarja recovered first. “Thank you, Andere. The baby, whatever its gender, will be privileged to have both of you in its life.”

“I’m glad you understand,” Raine said. She exchanged a smiling glance with Andere.

He picked up her hand and kissed her fingers. “Ma chérie, you’ve come so far in these past weeks, working with the trainer. After this arduous day, are you too tired, or would you like to put the therapy to the test and sway to the music?”

“What a wonderful thought. It’s been so long since I’ve danced with you. Yes, let’s do that.” Raine allowed Andere to assist her out of her chair and guide her toward the dance floor.

As the older man passed, he paused and pressed his hand on Dante’s shoulder.

Dante recovered enough to put his hand over Andere’s and press back.

His acceptance was enough to bring emotional tears to Maarja’s eyes. So many changes! Good changes, mostly. Healing changes. Challenging changes. But she was up to the tasks, and of course,she trusted that Dante would lead the way through every difficulty.

When they sat alone, Maarja unwrapped a candy and handed it to Dante. “Sugar will help with the trauma.”

He put it in his mouth and let it dissolve. He closed his eyes and took a long full breath as if it were the first one in many minutes. “I… He… She… Did you comprehend what they…?” He couldn’t seem to articulate his thoughts.

Fine. Maarja could help him. “Yes. Benoit Arundel is not your biological father. Your mother, a wise and determined woman, chose a different man, one you and I know to be honest and upright. That does relieve any pressure I feel about carrying a child born with evil welded into its bones.”

He nodded numbly.

“I like Andere. He’s strong but not vicious, willing to stay in the background until needed, then he steps up to help. Doesn’t need to drive a hot car or a big truck. You said he could always do what needed to be done. He’s a quiet hero who has nothing to prove.” She studied Dante. “Now that I know, I can see him in you.”

Dante opened his eyes and stared at her. Touched his own face as if seeking the similarity.

“Not your looks, so much, but, honey, that car that’s parked at the curb…that’s the antithesis of a hot car.”

Dante grinned. “Yeah. But it moves! When it’s not stuck in traffic.”

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