The Other Side - J. D. Robb [100]
“And to Mark, who will soon be joining our family.”
Mark Deering, charming owner of a successful Internet software company, had long headed the list of California’s most eligible bachelors. No one was surprised that he had finally lost his heart to a woman like Christina Crenshaw. She was her parents’ pride and joy. A brilliant student while at Harvard, with an MBA from Wharton, she had taken over an executive position at her father’s company, one of the most solid advertising agencies on the West Coast. Under her leadership the company managed to land Lyon Entertainment, an account they’d been coveting for years. The future of Crenshaw Advertising looked even brighter with Christina leading the way.
Ted looked down into his wife’s shining eyes before adding, “My only wish is that Mark and Christina will come to know the happiness her mother and I have enjoyed for the last thirty years.”
While the others cheered and drank their champagne, Ted took only a sip before setting aside his glass to draw his wife close. “I don’t need champagne tonight, babe. Nothing could make me happier than seeing those two together.”
Vanessa brushed her lips over her husband’s cheek. “I know what you mean. Look at them, Ted. They’re so perfect together, aren’t they?”
“You bet.” He caught his wife’s hand as the piano player started the last set of the night. “Come on. I want to dance with my best girl.”
Watching them glide and dip in perfect rhythm, cheeks touching, eyes closed, Noelle Morgan, one of Christina’s best friends since childhood, leaned across her escort. “I’m always amazed at your parents, Chris. Nobody their age should act like that.” Her tone lowered with sarcasm. “My dad isn’t even that goofy over his latest child bride.”
“I don’t know.” Christina glanced across the room where her friend’s father was whispering in the ear of the gorgeous redhead who had recently become his fifth wife. “They look pretty cozy to me.”
“Give them time.” Noelle’s lips turned into a pout. “My dad’s wives have a shelf life of approximately five years. Once they turn thirty, they realize they’ve outgrown him.”
Christina was still laughing when her parents ambled over. She was on her feet at once, eager to hug them both. Ted and Vanessa drew their daughter into the circle of their arms.
“Happy?” Ted whispered against her cheek.
“You know I am, Dad.”
“Then your mother and I are, too.” He clapped an arm around Mark’s shoulders, drawing him into the circle as well. “We need to get home now. Mrs. Mellon never falls asleep until she knows we’re in for the night.”
Christina smiled at the mention of the woman who had been the Crenshaw housekeeper for the past twenty-five years. Both Mrs. Mellon and Bonnie Waverly—caregiver-tutor to her little brother, Tyler—had suites of rooms in the Crenshaw home. Blond, blue-eyed Tyler was called their bonus baby by her parents. Their late-in-life son had the face of an angel, but by the time he was three, they all realized something wasn’t quite right. Now six years old, after having been examined by some of the finest specialists in the country, the family had been told that Tyler was a puzzle. He could be a high-functioning autistic, though he didn’t fit the mold. He might also prove to be a nonverbal genius or just a very late bloomer. They were all patiently making their way through the maze that had become Tyler’s personal challenge. Christina and her parents were actively involved in every aspect of the little boy’s life. Though Tyler remained unresponsive to most of the things that went on around him, his family was convinced that they would eventually hit upon the key to help him live a normal, productive life.
Ted had a sudden thought. “Just because the party’s starting to break up, it needn’t end. If you and Mark would like to come back to our place, we can keep the celebration going a little longer. I’m sure Mrs. Mellon and Bonnie would enjoy the chance to offer their congratulations.”
Christina nodded. “Oh, I’d like that. Maybe we could even wake