Midway during the feast, Fanny poked Simon on the arm. "This is one of those small moments called happiness." Simon nodded, understanding perfecdy. "I want to thank you for being so kind to Sunny when she beat you." Simon's eyes were puzzled as he nodded. That, he didn't understand.

"I cooked, you guys clean," Sunny said.

The kitchen was suddenly filled with good-natured kidding and laughter as everyone had an excuse for not doing kitchen duty.

Sunny saw him first, the laughter dying on her face.

"Looks like I missed a great party," Ash said. "Simon, it's good to see you. Mom, Devin, good to see you too." He ignored his wife as he walked around the table to shake hands with Simon and Devin. He clapped his sons on their backs before he took a seat at the table. "What were you celebrating?"

"Sunny beat me shooting baskets down at Chue's. This daughter of yours is pretty fast on her feet."

"Good night, everyone," Sunny said. In her haste to get out of the room she knocked over her chair. As she fumbled to right it, her face miserable, she managed to upend Sage's half-full cup of cocoa. In a dither she tried to mop it up with napkins, her brothers scrambling to help her. "Oh, shit," she muttered under her breath. It was Devin who saw Ash's raised arm and moved accordingly. It happened so fast, Fanny could only gasp.

"Sorry, old man, I didn't realize you were moving. Did the chair get you on the leg?"

"Yeah, it's okay. Sunny, come here. What did you just say?"

"She didn't say anything, I said, 'oh shit,' " Birch said.

"I heard him," Sage said.

"So did I," BiUie said.

What the hell. When in Rome ... "I heard Birch say it too," Simon said. "If my memory serves me right, I think that was your favorite expression when you were Birch's age."

Fanny felt like she should stand up and cheer. "Thank you," she whispered to Simon. "Time for bed," she said then. "Tomorrow's a big day. I'll clean up."

"Who's going to make me a fried egg sandwich?" Ash asked.

"Good night, everyone," SalUe said as she followed Devin from the room.

"Don't look at me, I can't cook. I'm more than willing to dry if someone else washes," Simon said.

"Don't look at me either," Fanny said coolly. "I'll wash, you dry," she said to Simon. She turned her back on her husband to fill the sink with hot soapy water.

"Well, I had a rough day, so I'm off to bed," Ash said. "Don't be too late, Fanny."

348 Fern Michaels Fanny shuddered as she plunged her hands into the soapy water. She didn't acknowledge her husband's comment.

Fanny didn't speak until she was certain Ash was upstairs. "I'm sorry you had to ... he like that and to hear ..."

"Listen, it never happened, okay. I need to know something first, though. What would have happened if Birch hadn't stepped in? Then we won't speak of it again," Simon said gendy.

"I don't know. Obviously Birch didn't know either and that's why he . . . said what he did. I'm surprised Sunny didn't get right in Ash's face and tell the truth. The fact that she didn't, stuns me." A tear dropped on Fanny's cheek. "I'm not going up there. I'm not. There's no way I'm going up there. I absolutely refuse."

"Okay, we've established you aren't going up there. Is it okay to ask where you are going to go?"

"I have any number of places I could go . . . can go. I can sleep with Sunny or Billie. I can go down to Chue's house. I usually end up at the studio. I had dead bolts put on both doors a while ago."

'Jesus. I'm a good listener, Fanny, and I never judge. What went wrong? I was under the assumption you and Ash had one of those heavenly miarriages. I can tell you I was damn jealous for a long time."

"Now that's about the funniest thing I've heard in a long time. I suppose I should laugh. I don't know what went wrong. Probably everything. A lot of it I think has to do with your mother. He thinks I look like her and act like her. He resented the help Sallie got me when the twins were born. Then I got pregnant again and things didn't get any better. Ash wanted a stylish, beautiful wife like the showgirls in town, and there I was, and ... he started having affairs, staying away, coming home drunk, and being abusive. He was never around for family things, never around for the kids' events. I was a single parent. I swear to God, I never complained. I bit my tongue, made excuses, lied . . . you name it, I did it. All in the name of family. I don't know why I'm telling you all this . . . maybe you should just go up to bed and forget about us."

"You're telling me because you finally got the courage to talk to someone. Even though we're related, I'm pretty much a stranger. For now. Whatever you say will never go any further than me. Go on."

"I started to sew to keep myself occupied. Billie, your mother, and my friend Bess persuaded me to start up the business. They all helped. Ash blames BUlie for making me independent. He never liked Bess, and you know the situation with your mother. No matter what I did, it wasn't right. I couldn't please him. He drinks too much, and he's nasty. Things got worse when your mother deeded Sunrise to me on my thirtieth birthday. I stayed up here and he stayed in town. It became a way of life."

"I'm sorry. At least now I understand why the boys have called me so much. Did you know they called?"

"No. It doesn't surprise me, though. They need and want a father. You're the next best thing and please, don't take that the wrong way."

"Never," Simon said. "How will you deal with tomorrow and the day after tomorrow? I'd like to help if that's possible."

"I don't know. I pretty much take it as it comes and try to deal with it at the time so things don't get out of hand." Fanny took her hands out of the soapy water and grasped the edge of the sink. She turned to face Simon, her eyes locked with his. "Do you ever feel like you want to chuck everything and run away? You know, when things start to pile up. My mother did that to my brothers and me. She just up and left us. She never came back. I think I can understand her now." She paused. "Y>oyou ever get restiess?"

"Twice a day. Someday I might just up and leave, too. Someday I'm going to wake up and say the hell with all of this. Then I'm going to buy a boat, christen it Someday, and sail away and not look back. I have a list of people who want to sign on as my crew. Put your name in now if you want to come along."

Fanny dipped her fmger into the soapy water, withdrew it, and made a big X on Simon's shirtfront. "Count me in." Her knees felt weak when he smiled at her.

"Can I walk you to wherever you're going?" Simon asked, hanging up the dish towel.

"If you like. I'm going to my studio."

"Mom told me about it. She called it your sanctuary."

"You really felt the need to share that with me, huh?" Fanny laughed.

He loved her laugh, loved her easy stride, loved the way she looked, loved her tell-it-like-it-is attitude. Ash had to be the biggest fool alive. "We're here. I'll wait until you lock the door."

"Good night, Simon. Thanks for walking me home. I think I can truthfully say no man or boy has ever walked me home before. It's a nice feeling. When I was in high school I always wondered what it would be like to walk home with a boy I really really liked, you know, have him hold my hand under a harvest moon wdth the scent 350 Fern Michaels of autumn in the air. I love the smell of burning leaves. Good night, Simon. I'll see you in the morning."

"You bet." He waited until he heard the sound of the dead bolt shooting home before he started up the path to the main house- the house he'd grown up in. He sat down on a low brick wall in the courtyard. It was new-Chue must have built it sometime during the past few years. He looked back at the dim yellow light in the studio windows. He wanted to run back down the path and bang on the door. And do what? He fumbled for a cigarette and lit it. He blew three perfect smoke rings, one right after the other. What a big, major accomplishment, he thought sourly. Since he wasn't going to go back down the path, maybe he should go upstairs and put his fist through his brother's smirking face. What he should reallj do was get back in his car and head for home before things got out of hand.

Even before the thought hit him, he knew he wasn't going to do it. What he was probably going to do was take the boys to Pennsylvania, garage the car, and hop a plane back here the next day. He'd stay until he was either asked to leave or until he couldn't stand it a minute longer. Whichever came first. It sounded like a reasonable game plan. A workable game plan. He could stay as long as he wanted. He had capable people working for him, making him money. All he had to do was call the office and say, you'll see me when you see me. Period.

And then what? Did he stay with his mother? Everyone would want to know why he was suddenly smitten with Nevada after all these years. Who would be the first to figure it out? Ash, of course.

Better to go back to New York where he belonged and forget about the person who put a big soapy X on his shirt, diat person who signed on for his runaway cruise.

Sallie and Fanny stepped from the car to sharp whisdes of approval. Ash added to the scene by putting his arm around his wife's shoulders and whispering, "You look gorgeous, honey." Fanny tried to shrug ofi'his arm, hut it only tightened more securely. "We need to talk, Fanny, and I don't mean later. I mean now."

"Ash, Fm down to the wire. I have so much to do and the Cole-mans will be arriving soon. I'll talk with you after the party. We'll talk in the garden the way we used to do."

"All right, after the party. Don't stand me up, Fanny."

"Don't ever threaten me. Ash. Those days are gone forever."

"You like my brother, don't you?" Ash said coolly.

"He seems like a very nice man. Yes, I like him. The children like him, and children, for the most part, are shrewd judges of character."

"I guess I'm supposed to make something out of that statement. The kids like him, but they don't like me, is that it? You like him too. Simon the Savior," Ash snorted.

"Maybe you need to pay more attention to your brother and try to be a littie more like him," Fanny snorted in return. "I want a divorce. Ash. I don't want to live like this any longer. Think about that before we meet in the garden."

"I told you . . ."

"I know what you told me. I was afraid of you then. I'm not afraid of what you c^n do any longer. The children have a voice now. Your slimy friends and their testimonials don't bother me. Your mother knows even>-judge in this state. If I have to, I'll appeal to her. You think about that too."

"Fanny, I don't want a divorce, I never did. You say you do each time we have a falling out. What happened to us? We were meant for one another, you said so yourself. You think about that until we meet in the garden."

Fanny stared at her husband vvdth her mouth hanging open. "What happened to z^.^'There is no us. It's just you. The marriage didn't work from the beginning, and we both know it. I at least tried. This is the end of the discussion. Don't look at me with those narrowed eyes, Ash. I'm not buying into your silent threats. Get it through your head, you can no longer intimidate me. Now, I suggest you put on your party face and act like the host you're supposed to be."

"Hurry, Fanny, we need to get ready," Sallie said from the kitchen doorway. "Sweetie, I couldn't help but hear. I'm so sorry. Abide by your conxdctions, and you'll never go wrong. That's all the adace I'm going to give you. Sage just finished hanging the paper lanterns. They're going to look so festive when it gets dark. The band arrived while we were in town. Mazie tells me everything is running smoothly. I didn't know there was such a thing as a portable dance floor. I guess I really am behind the times. So, tell me, what did you think of Simon?" Sallie asked on her way up the back stairway.

"It's hard to believe Simon and Ash are brothers. They're so different. I like his sense of humor and his forthrightness. I can understand why he's such a successful businessman. He gave me the impression he was going to come back. It wasn't anything he said, just an impression."

352 Fern Michaels "If that's the case, then things will run smoothly. Simon has that rare knack of making things right. He knows what to say at just the right time. WTien you walk away from Simon you always have a smile on your face. Ash always makes me grit my teeth. I notice you do the same thing."

"It's all wrong, SaUie. I think it was wTong from the beginning. Let's not talk about this today, okay?"

"Okay. I'll see you in twenty- minutes. You look gorgeous, Mrs. Thornton."

"And you, Mrs. Thornton, look ravishing. I plan to dance all evening if someone will dance with me," Fanny said airily.

"I'll be right behind you," Sallie said just as airily.

Twenty minutes later the two Mrs. Thorntons met in the upper hallway.

"Ravishing," the young Mrs. Thornton said.

"Gorgeous," the elder Mrs. Thornton said.

"I'll second that," Simon said, whisding his approval.

"A man of discriminating taste," Sallie said.

"Allow me," Simon said, extending both arms. Sallie took one, Fanny the other.

Fanny allowed a small smile to tug at the corner of her mouth as she winked at her escort. She would not think about the meeting in the garden with Ash. This day was for the twins, and for her too.

"They're here," Sunny bellowed at the top of her lungs. "Ohhh, Mom, would you look at Riley. Is he a hunk or what? Too bad he's our cousin. Do I look okay, Mom? Fm getting my ears pierced, did I tell you that? He's changed so much since I saw him last. Did I change. Mom? Wow, Uncle Moss is here too. That should tell us all something. Aggie's wearing those pearls, and this time she has matching earrings. Her snoot is higher than ever. Billie looks as pretty as you, Mom, but you're prettier. Uncle Seth looks like he just sat on a beehive." She wound down like a clock whose batteries were low. Fanny stared at her helplessly.

"Look at it this way, Fanny, she's starting to notice things," Simon hissed in her ear. "Excuse me, ladies."

"Moss, it's good to see you," Simon said, extending his hand. "Just think, if it wasn't for our conversation that day on the Big E, none of us would be standing here now."

"Every time I see you I want to call you Jessup. You're lookin'

good, Simon. This place looks better each time I see it. Reminds me ofSunbridge."

"Billie, you look beautiful," Fanny said, hugging her tighdy.

"Moss decided to come along as we were getting in the car," Billie whispered in her ear. "How's it going? I had no idea Simon was so . .. so . .."

"I didn't either," Fanny whispered in return.

"I could use a drink," Seth growled.

"I have two waiting, with your name on both of them," Sallie laughed. "It's good to see you again, Seth. Agnes, it's nice to see you too."

Ash joined them. His mood was expansive, his smile affable, as he shook hands, complimenting Agnes, who preened like a peacock.

From that point on the guests began to arrive, car after car.

The party was under way by noon, music rocking across the mountain, young people whooping and hollering as they frolicked in the pool to the loud music. Relatives visited and watched the youngsters with indulgent smiles on their faces. Some of the friends and business associates from town discussed the casinos until Sallie playfully waved her finger under their noses, indicating this was a social gathering. Texas beef, compliments of Seth Coleman, sizzled in the open pit manned by Chue and a cousin. Phihp's plump chickens twirled on a spit, browning to perfection. The gay red-and-white-striped tents held long tables with outrageously beautiful flower arrangements, thanks to Chue and his greenhouse. Adding to die fun theme were clusters of colorful balloons and gaily wrapped going-away presents piled to the top of the tent. It would take the boys hours to unwrap them all.

Agnes Ames, resplendent in a bright blue designer outfit, walked the property, her eyes cataloging and calculating the cost of the party, all the while comparing it to one of Seth's Texas barbecues. She needed to come up with a dollar amount because it would be the first thing Seth would ask on the way home. She watched out of the comer of her eye as Seth cornered Philip. She smirked, knowing exactly what he was asking: did chickens bring in as much money as beef? Then he'd want to know the cost of chicken feed. She'd hear all the details the moment they started for home.

Agnes sucked in her breath as her eyes traveled across the yard to where her son-in-law Moss was standing with Ash, Simon Thornton, and John Noble, Bess's husband. She'd never in the whole of her life seen four such handsome men in one place. She looked around for her daughter and was dismayed to see her huddled wdth Fanny and Fanny's friend Bess. She could just imagine what they were talking about. Her stomach started to react. It would be just like Billie to decide on the spur of the moment to leave Moss because of his phikin-dering ways. And exactly where would that leave her? She fingered the pearls at her neck. She was the Mistress of Sunbridge, and she had no intention of giving up the title. Not now, not later, not ever.

She wasn't blind to her son-in-law's infidelities, infidelities that Seth condoned. Her job was to hold Billie in line, to make sure her daughter didn't do something foolish like file for divorce and take young Riley, heir to the Coleman dynasty, with her. She knew that was what Billie intended to do. The question was, when would she do it? She stared now at her beautifiil daughter, who was talking animatedly with Fanny Thornton. Two beautiful women who had come into their own, on their own, each giving support to the other. Ash Thornton, she knew, was an alley cat, just like her son-in-law. She'd learned that by eavesdropping, something she did on a regular basis. And then she raced to Seth and reported her findings. She hated herself for betraying her own daughter, but she wgis too old to give up the good life she'd grown accustomed to.

Agnes didn't like the way the three young women were huddling, didn't like the speculative looks in their eyes. They were comparing husband notes, and the men were coming up drastically short. She needed to do something, but what? She could feel Seth's eyes boring into the back of her head. Mustering all the willpower she could, she turned and marched across the yard to where Seth was sitting with SaUie. He looked like an ugly predator ready to snatch his grandson fi"om her daughter's arms if a divorce was imminent. She hated herself for aiding and abetting this cantankerous old man. She swadlowed hard, her fimgers on her pearls when she took her place next to Seth.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Agnes?" Sallie asked.

"Very much. The air is so crisp and clean up here. It reminds me of the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania. It's different here now-things have changed in the past few years."

"Absolutely. A family lives here now. There are nicks and scratches everywhere, dogs and cats, bicycles and baseball bats. Some days you can't get in the front door. It's good to hear the laughter and even the squabbhng. The only problem is, this littie family is lopsided. My son doesn't participate much. I find it particularly amazing that Fanny has managed to keep it all together. I imagine you both must feel the same way about Billie, proud of her plans to start up her own business. Fanny and Billie work so well together. They trade strengths. One day, mark my word, Billie will be a famous textile designer."

"And where's she going to get the money to do that? My boy isn't going to approve of his wife starting up her own business. She belongs at home with the family. Ain't that right, Aggie?"

Agnes decided to travel the low road. "Billie hasn't said anything to me about it. I'm her mother, I think I would know."

"No money for such foolishness," Seth growled again, not liking Agnes's response.

"That's not true, Seth. Fanny is going to back her. Bess and John are prepared to buy into it too. I don't think money will be an issue. The way I see it, Thornton money is just as green as Coleman money." Sallie leaned closer to her brother. "She's had enough, Seth, just the way Fanny has had enough. I'm not proud of what my son has been doing these past years. I don't see where you have any right to be proud of what your son is doing to Billie. She's a wonderful young woman with brilHant ideas and the energy to put those ideas to use. Neither you nor Moss will be able to hold her down. If you try, you'll regret it. As you know, I'm a gambling woman. If you'd like to place a small wager, I'm more than willing."

"That's the biggest damn fool thing I ever heard," Seth snarled. "Aggie, what do you have to say to this?"

"Not much, Seth," Agnes drawled. Maybe she was backing the wrong horse. Sallie was right, Thornton money was just as green as Coleman money, and there were indications there was more of it. Maybe she should switch gears and head for the high road right now. Common sense dictated she straddle the center line, for now, to see if it was going to be a Texas wind or a Nevada bonanza. Her long fingers with the manicured nails caressed her pearls.

"What in the goddamn hell is that supposed to mean. I want an answer, Aggie. She's your daughter, ain't she?"

"I gave you my answer, you simply didn't like it. In case you haven't noticed, Billie has a mind of her own. It's been a long time since she's listened to either you or me. You can't lead her around the way you lead around your horse." There was such distaste in her voice that Sallie's eyes widened.

"Leave my horse out of this. You better rein in that little gal of yours real quick, Aggie."