Robert and I had always planned to give Michael a substantial financial gift when he married.
We wanted him and his future wife to begin their life without the struggles we had faced when we were young.
Michael was shattered by his father’s death.
They had been extremely close, and for nearly two years afterward, he buried himself in his work as an architect.
He rarely attended parties.
He stopped dating.
He seemed to believe that if he remained busy enough, grief would never catch him.
Everything changed eighteen months ago when he met Vanessa Clarke at a charity gala in Denver.
Vanessa was strikingly beautiful, with long dark hair, pale blue eyes, and a laugh that immediately drew people toward her.
She worked in public relations for an international fashion company and seemed to know every wealthy or influential person in the city.
