“I think it’s more than that. Or less.” I covered his hand on my knee. “You, Mr. Sherman, make me feel. That’s the extent of the sentence and at the same time, it’s overwhelming.”
“Then by all means, a hotel suite is best because I plan to make you feel every chance I get.”
I looked down at the way our hands had turned and the way our fingers had intertwined. Looking back up, I grinned. “Mom said you could have the guest room.”
“Someday if we have a daughter, I hope for the young man’s sake that I too am able to be as blind as your mother seems to be.”
The sound of the engines revving with power created a dull roar.
“You want children?” I asked, realizing it wasn’t a subject we’d ever discussed.
“You don’t?”
“I guess I assumed…”
“Don’t assume, Julia. I’ve told you that I’ve done things in my past that a better man would regret. You make me want to be more. Therefore, in answer to your question, yes, I’m open to children.” His gaze simmered as the engine’s hum grew louder and the plane lifted off the ground. “Especially if they see the world through their mother’s eyes. I’m enthralled by your innocence and wonder.”
“I think the ship has sailed on innocence.” My cheeks warmed. “And you are the one responsible.”
He shook his head. “Not like that. You see everything anew with wonder and delight. I imagine showing our children that life is filled with possibilities, and no one or nothing will hold them back.” Letting go of my hand, he sat back. “Then again, it’s fair to say a mini-me could test my patience.”
The thought of a mini-Van made my smile grow.
Listening to Van speak about children, about our children, settled over me with all the comfort of a warm blanket. It wasn’t because I was anxious to have children anytime soon. It was more about the fact that I wasn’t ready to rule out the possibility. A conversation I’d had with Vicki came to mind. She’d asked about Van’s age and if it bothered me.
His age didn’t, and yet the possible limitations due to his age had been gnawing at me without me even realizing it. After all, if we were both younger, the world would be balanced.
Is that how it was with Madison?
Before I could give that more thought, Van pushed a button below the windows and a table appeared, filling the space between us. He reached for the leather satchel and removed his laptop. “This is what I wanted to show you before we land.”
I took a deep breath.
Memories of lovemaking and discussions of limitless futures were done. It was time to do what I knew was my place and at the same time, somehow dreaded. It was time to get down to business. “About Wade?”
Van nodded. “You can do this, Julia. You were born to run Wade Pharmaceutical. Your interest in a more active role won’t be met with unanimous enthusiasm. If I’m correct, Marlin Butler is prepared to ambush you.”