Page 43 of Gabriel's Angel

“Of course I am.” She held Michael over her head, and he began to bubble and smile. “I just haven’t thought it wise to take Michael in and interrupt.”

It was on the tip of Amanda’s tongue to remind Laura that Michael had grandparents who would delight in having him to themselves for a few hours. Again she bit the words back. “I’m sure Gabe wouldn’t mind. He’s devoted to the boy.”

“Yes, he is.” Laura retied the ribbons on Michael’s pale blue booties. “But I also know he needs some time to organize his work, his career.” She handed her son a small cloth bunny, and he stuck it happily in his mouth. “Do you know why Gabe is hesitating about a showing?”

“Have you asked him?”

“No, I—I didn’t want to pressure him about it.”

“A little pressure might be just what he needs.”

Frowning, Laura turned. “Why?”

“It has to do with Michael, my son Michael. I’d prefer it if you asked Gabe the rest.”

“They were close?”

“Yes.” She smiled. She’d learned it hurt less to remember than to try to forget. “They were very close, though they were very different. He was devastated when Michael was killed. I believe the time in the mountains helped Gabe get back his art. And I believe you and the baby helped him get back his heart.”

“If that’s true, I’m glad. He’s helped me more than I can ever repay.”

Amanda gave Laura an even look. “Payments aren’t necessary between a husband and wife.”

“Perhaps not.”

“Are you happy?”

Stalling, Laura laid the baby in the crib and wound the musical mobile so that he could shake his fists and kick at it. “Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“That was my next question.”

“I’m very happy.” She went back to folding and storing baby clothes. “It was nice of you to visit, Amanda. I know how busy your schedule is.”

“Don’t think you can politely show me out the door before I’m ready to go.”

Laura turned and saw the faint, amused smile on Amanda’s lips. Bad manners were enough out of character for her to make her flush. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I don’t expect for you to be comfortable with me yet. I’m not entirely sure I’m comfortable with you, either.”

A bit more relaxed, Laura smiled back. “I’m sure you’re always comfortable. I envy that about you. And I am sorry.”

Amanda brushed aside the apology and rose to roam the room. She liked what her daughter-in-law had done here. It was a bright, cheerful place, not overly fussy, and just traditional enough to make her remember the nursery she had set up herself so many years before. There were the scents of powder and fresh linen.

A loving place, she thought. She knew she wouldn’t have wanted any more for her son. It was very obvious to her that Laura had untapped stores of love.

“This is a charming room. I think so every time I step into it.” Amanda patted the head of the four-foot lavender teddy bear. “But you can’t hide here forever.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” But she did.

“You said you’d never been to San Francisco, and now you’re here. Have you gone to a museum, to the theater? Have you strolled down to Fisherman’s Wharf, ridden a streetcar, explored Chinatown, any of the things a newcomer would surely do?”

Defensive now, Laura spoke coolly. “No, I haven’t. But it’s only been a few weeks.”

It was time, Amanda decided, to stop circling and get to the point. “Let’s deal woman-to-woman a moment, Laura. Forget the fact that I’m Gabe’s mother. We’re alone. Whatever is said here doesn’t have to go any further.”

Laura’s palms were starting to sweat. She brushed them dry on the thighs of her slacks. “I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“Whatever needs to be said.” When Laura remained silent, Amanda nodded. “All right, I’ll begin. You’ve had some miserable spots in your life, some of them tragic. Gabe gave us the bare essentials, but I learned a good deal more by knowing who and what to ask.” Amanda sat down again and crossed her legs. She didn’t miss the flash in Laura’s eyes. “Wait until I’ve finished. Then you can be as offended as you like.”

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