“He said Sam would talk my ear off if I let him.”
Julie laughed. “That he will. Before he and I got married, I was worried how I was going to keep myself occupied. I don’t share my husband’s passion for grapes and fermenting. Sam suggested I open a training facility and then found us a vineyard with a large stable, riding ring and extensive paddocks. Our activities couldn’t be more different, and yet somehow it feels as if we’re working together.”
“It sounds like a perfect arrangement.”
Julie’s blissful expression gave Bella a momentary pang. This was the sort of harmony her parents shared. Dad was in charge of the fields and the livestock. Mom looked after the heart and soul of the farm: her husband and her children. Together they kept the farm running and the family solid. Resentment over her parents’ decision to have so many children had kept Bella from recognizing how well they worked together. Sure, her brothers and sisters had complained about wearing hand-me-downs and having to share toys and electronic devices, but there was no question they’d all grown up in a loving household.
“I hope you don’t mind my asking,” Julie began. “But how is it you are spending the summer with Blake and Drew? I thought you told Blake you didn’t want any contact with Drew.”
The question caused Bella’s stomach to wrench. Obviously Julie knew a great deal about Blake’s business. Bella debated how to answer, then decided he wouldn’t mind if she explained. “You probably think there’s something wrong with me.” She wouldn’t blame Julie if she did. “I must be a horrible person to not want this amazing child in my life.”
“Horrible is a little strong.” Julie’s hesitation made Bella like her all the more. “At first I assumed you were just in it for the money. But the way Blake had described you, that didn’t make sense.”
Curiosity got the better of her. “How did Blake describe me?”
“I believe he called you the perfect mother.”
Bella felt the jolt clear to her toes. Her muscles quivered in the aftermath of the shock. “When did he say that?”
“Last summer. I’ve known Blake for a lot of years and I don’t remember ever seeing him as happy as he was last year. When he and Victoria came to our five-year anniversary party last August, you and the baby were all he talked about.”
“Oh, dear,” Bella murmured beneath her breath.
Had Victoria overheard Blake’s description? Was that what had prompted her to demand Bella stay away from Drew? If Blake was right and Victoria was feeling insecure about being a mother, that could explain why she acted as she had. “I think he was really stunned when you left. He thought you were planning to be a part of Drew’s life.”
“I did what I thought was best for all of them,” Bella explained. “And to be honest, it was no easier for me.” Feeling tears burn her eyes, Bella inhaled deeply, striving for calm. Those days following Drew’s birth had been some of the darkest she’d ever known.
“I think I understand. It would have killed me to give up my daughter.” Julie’s quiet sympathy pulled Bella back from the edge. “And it looks like you’re making up for it now. He obviously adores you.”
Bella glanced down and realized Drew was staring up at her in that unnerving way he had. Their eyes met and he grinned. His expression was so adorable Bella couldn’t help but smile back. She knew it was crazy to feel as if Drew recognized her as his mother. After all, she’d only been back in his life for a few weeks. But every time she thought about having to leave him again, a ball of agony settled in her chest.
“Here come the boys,” Julie announced. “And my daughter, Lindsay. I can’t believe Blake got Sam away from his tanks in time for lunch.”
Blake and a tall blond man, carrying a four-year-old with copper ringlets, closed the distance to the patio with matching long strides. Setting down the little girl, Sam introduced himself to Bella with a bone-crushing handshake and tossed Drew in the air, making the boy scream with delight.
Since the weather was perfect, Julie insisted they eat outside. Halfway through the meal, Drew began to fuss and Bella went into the kitchen to heat up a bottle. By the time she returned, Blake had calmed the boy down and insisted on feeding him so Bella could finish her lunch.
Remembering what he’d said about satisfying her every whim, she couldn’t help but appreciate his actions. Granted, Drew was his son, but she was the one getting paid to take care of him. Blake could have expected her to let her meal go uneaten while he continued his uninterrupted. But that wasn’t his parenting style.