Unfinished Business by Nora Roberts Page B

greet her customer. When she heard Dr. Tucker’s voice join her mother’s, Vanessa hesitated, then went in to meet him.
    â€œWell, Van, getting a look at your mother at work?”
    â€œYes.”
    He had his arm around her mother’s shoulders. Loretta’s color had risen. He’s just kissed her, Vanessa realized, trying to analyze her feelings. “It’s a wonderful place.”
    â€œKeeps her off the streets. Of course, I’m going to be doing that myself from now on.”
    â€œHam!”
    â€œDon’t tell me you haven’t told the child yet.” He gave hera quick, impatient squeeze. “Good grief, Loretta, you’ve had all morning.”
    â€œTell me what?”
    With these two, Ham thought, a man had to take the bull by the horns. “It’s taken me two years to wear her down, but she finally gave me a yes.”
    â€œA yes?” Vanessa repeated.
    â€œDon’t tell me you’re as thickheaded as your mother?” He kissed the top of Loretta’s head and grinned like a boy. “We’re getting married.”
    â€œOh.” Vanessa stared blankly. “Oh.”
    â€œIs that the best you can do?” he demanded. “Why don’t you say congratulations and give me a kiss?”
    â€œCongratulations,” she said mechanically, and walked over to peck his cheek.
    â€œI said a kiss.” He swung his free arm around her and squeezed. Vanessa found herself hugging him back.
    â€œI hope you’ll be happy,” she managed, and discovered she meant it.
    â€œOf course I will. I’m getting two beauties for the price of one.”
    â€œQuite a bargain,” Vanessa said with a smile. “When’s the big day?”
    â€œAs soon as I can pin her down.” It hadn’t escaped him that Vanessa and Loretta hadn’t exchanged a word or an embrace. “Joanie’s fixing dinner for all of us tonight,” he decided on the spot. “To celebrate.”
    â€œI’ll be there.”
    When she stepped back, he grinned wickedly. “After the piano lesson.”
    Vanessa rolled her eyes. “News travels fast.”
    â€œPiano lesson?” Loretta repeated.
    â€œAnnie Crampton, Violet Driscoll’s grandniece.” He gave a hearty laugh as Vanessa wrinkled her nose. “Violet snagged Vanessa this morning.”
    Loretta smiled. “What time’s the lesson?”
    â€œFour. She made me feel like I was the second-grade milk monitor again.”
    â€œI can speak to Annie’s mother if you’d like,” Loretta said.
    â€œNo, it’s all right. It’s only an hour a week while I’m here. But I’d better get back.” This was not the time for questions and demands. “I have to put some kind of program together. Thank you again for the box.”
    â€œBut I haven’t wrapped it.”
    â€œIt’s all right. I’ll see you at Joanie’s, Dr. Tucker.”
    â€œMaybe you could call me Ham now. We’re family.”
    â€œYes. Yes, I guess we are.” It was less effort than she had expected to kiss her mother’s cheek. “You’re a very lucky woman.”
    â€œI know.” Loretta’s fingers dug into Ham’s.
    When the bells jingled behind Vanessa, Ham took out a handkerchief.
    â€œI’m sorry,” Loretta said as she sniffled into it.
    â€œYou’re entitled to shed a few. I told you she’d come around.”
    â€œShe has every reason to hate me.”
    â€œYou’re too hard on yourself, Loretta, and I won’t have it.”
    She merely shook her head as she balled the handkerchief in her hand. “Oh, the choices we make in this life, Ham. And the mistakes. I’d give anything in the world to have another chance with her.”
    â€œTime’s all you need to give.” He tilted her chin up and kissed her. “Just give her time.”
    Â 
    Vanessa listened to the monotonous