My Lucky Groom

out candles?”
    “Like that exactly.”
    “You’re afraid if you tell me, it won’t come true.”
    Ventura felt her chin tremble. “Oh, Mary, what if it never comes true?” She hunched forward with a sob, and Mary wound her arms around her.
    “Hey, you listen to me. If it’s a good one, then it’s bound to. You’re a great person, Ventura. You deserve good things. They’ll happen. Just you wait and see.”
    “I think I love Richard!” Ventura wailed.
    Mary pulled back with a start and met Ventura’s bleary eyes. “What? You mean , you’re still crushing on him?”
    “No!” Ventura sniffed. “I mean , I want to have his babies.”
    Mary’s eyes went wide. “Ricky and Elisa?”
    Ventura nodded, tears streaming from her eyes. “And other ones too.”
    “Oh my God.” Mary tugged Ventura back toward her chest and hugged her tight. “How on earth did this happen? What about Charles?”
    “I don’t know,” Ventura said with a whimper. “He’s such a great guy!”
    Mary patted her back. “Does Richard feel the same?”
    There was silence as Ventura collected her thoughts.
    “Ventura?” Mary asked again. “Does Richard feel the same?”
    She broke Mary’s embrace and grabbed a napkin off the coffee table to dab her eyes. “He wants me to stay the nanny.”
    “Ha!” Mary said, indignant. “So what? He can have his cake and eat it too?”
    “No, nothing like that. He wants us to continue as we were. Totally on the level.”
    “Can you do that?” Mary asked with concern.
    Ventura drew a breath. “I don’t know.”
    Mary stared out the window for a prolonged beat, as if considering something. “Ventura,” she finally said, “there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you, but I wasn’t sure how you’d take it.”
    “Go on.”
    “There’s a new opening at the Daily Globe .”
    “Really?”
    “I’ve hesitated in mentioning it because you’ve been so happy at Richard’s.”
    For the first time in the past few hours, Ventura felt hopeful. “But it’s in journalism, right?”
    “In a way.” Mary grimaced. “Actually, I’m hiring my replacement.”
    Ventura blinked. “Mary,” she said with quick understanding. “You’ve been promoted?”
    “To Editorial Assistant,” Mary said, smiling proudly.
    “That’s terrific.”
    “Thanks. So you’ll consider it?”
    Ventura stared at her as the weight of Mary’s words sank in. Ventura might finally have an opportunity to break into journalism. While working as an administrative assistant certainly wasn’t ideal, it would be a start. Still, she felt conflicted about leaving Ricky and Elisa. She’d truly grown attached to those kids…and, obviously, far too attached to their father.
    “How soon do you need to know?”

Chapter Nine

    Nanette stood in the foyer, dressed in a white-and-blue top and bright red hot pants that showcased her varicose veins. “Are you girls sure you won’t change your minds?” she asked as they scurried toward the door with a picnic basket. “Kevin has some really nice friends.”
    “I’m sure,” Mary whispered to Ventura with a giggle.
    Ventura smiled brightly. “We already have dates, Nanette. Remember?”
    “Oh, that’s right,” she said with a pleased purr. “One of them’s on account of me.”
    Yes. Ventura amazingly owed it to Nanette that she’d met Charles. And Mary had Ventura to thank for meeting Jason. Now the four of them would be double dating for the Fourth. Mary had packed supper for her and Jason, while Charles had promised Ventura a special picnic. She was looking forward to this day and getting far away from thoughts of working for the Blakes. She was still considering Mary’s generous offer and was nearly certain she would take it. Of course, she’d need to apply and likely compete against others. It wasn’t a done deal, but having Mary influence the hiring would certainly help.
    “We’ll see you later,” Mary told Nanette, hurrying out the door. It was a short walk to the Capitol, where they’d be meeting the boys. Ventura could hear the National Symphony tuning up already. The weather was pleasantly warm, with a light breeze blowing as dusk closed in. Ventura hadn’t seen Richard since their night on the Ferris wheel. It had been nearly a week now, but somehow, between downtown meetings and stints at the office, he’d managed to keep himself hidden. Well, maybe that was for the best. She needed time to forget about being in his arms, and space to