The Shared Study
The Lance-Trace estate was a sprawling estate, not as large as the Lance estate but much larger than any of the other Lance children's. Amber Ann had been her grandfather's favorite grandchild. He spoiled her and always gave her the best and the biggest portion—when giving to his grandchildren.
Amber and Dan had decided to return there together.
On the flight home from the Himalayas, Amber and Dan had stayed in a comfortable silence for a long while and then Amber had looked over to him, her eyes thoughtful. "I've been thinking. Maybe it's time for us to live together again."
Dan's head had snapped up; excitement ran through his being like white-hot fire. He fought to calm himself, his leg bouncing, his hand tapping his computer.
Amber smiled. "If we are to salvage our marriage, I really think we need to make a true effort. Living separately is not an honest try."
Dan had risen slowly and walked to her. She stood just as he arrived at her side and he took her into a warm embrace. "Thank you for trusting me again." Dan's voice was the softest flutter against her neck.
Now Amber sat at her massive desk in their huge joint study, her hand on her neck where she had felt that flutter hours earlier, but she didn't look up. Instead, she focused on her tasks. She was trying her best to focus on the finishing touches of the Blue Serene gallery. The soft opening was planned and she wanted to make sure she had enough pieces. She foresaw pieces selling quickly and she wanted to make sure that they were all placed well and that everything had a suitable replacement.
Dan was equally busying himself. He was looking at different properties, hoping for something worth buying. He had already spoken to both David and Amber and they all decided on the areas and to purchase at least two commercial properties and at least one residential property.
But his mind kept wandering. He thought of their trips to the Mediterranean and the Himalayas. Amber in swimsuits, her smile, her vibrancy—it all swam in his mind and kept him distracted.
Then there was a knock at the door and they both jumped inwardly, then spoke in unison. "Enter!"
Angélique Fox entered with a professional expression permanently etched across her face. "Sir, Madame. As requested, all personal items have been returned to the estate." She texted photos to Amber. "The lake house and villa have been set, as per instruction."
Amber opened her phone once she heard the notification and nodded as she flipped through all of the photos that had been sent. She looked up with a smile. "Thank you very much, Angélique." She looked to Dan then back to her phone.
Dan smiled. "Thank you, Angélique. That will be all."
He turned back to his work without a word. His nerves were back on edge as soon as Angélique Fox left the room. He was almost startled when Amber spoke. "Do you think we should buy a new home together—maybe have a fresh start of things?"
He looked up at her—surprise coloring his face—had she always known? He had always resented living in a Lance property. It was a constant reminder of his arranged marriage and the idea that the Lances were just a step above the Traces. He had often wanted to move or buy something of his own and, if he were honest, it was one of the main reasons that he was forever accepting resort and hotel reviews.
But now he was conflicted. He didn't want to admit the truth to Amber. He didn't want her to know that he had been so miserable and that, ultimately, he had not given her a chance.
Amber giggled and the sound made Dan's heart flutter. It was melodious and something that the ear ended up craving. "Calm down, Dan. I know you haven't enjoyed being here." She frowned, becoming a bit reflective. "You probably stayed away because of your reluctance to live here." She crinkled her nose. "I kind of ruined your life a bit, didn't I?"
Dan's eyes went wide and he sprang from his seat. But then his mouth was dry and he couldn't speak over the massive lump in his throat. Amber giggled again.
Dan cleared his throat and looked down before he spoke. "I think that this house would be good for our first son but… you are right… I never really liked it here."
Amber nodded as she looked around the huge room, paneled walls, floors stained a dark cherry—and the furniture a mix of antique and modern. She inhaled deeply; the smell of cedar, vanilla, and the faintest musk filled her senses.
"I would love to live with you at the lake house, though. I would enjoy staying somewhere that you envisioned."
Amber looked up, startled. Her mind was suddenly abuzz and her heart tightening in her chest. She smiled slowly and her eyes brightened. "Are you sure?"
Dan stood and went to her. She stood as well—as if to greet him after a long absence. "I am quite sure. I know I have been a fool, underestimating you, devaluing you. But I am so proud. Proud that you are my wife and proud that you are so capable."
Amber rushed to him. She could not help herself. She had not realized that she had wanted him so much, but the closer she got to him, the more she wanted him. They kissed and suddenly they were fiercely tearing their clothing away from each other. Dan brought her face to his and crushed her in a kiss so full of passion Amber was not sure if she would be able to breathe in the same way again.
They found themselves on the large custom-made sofa—intertwined and so suddenly lost in each other.
Today Dan and Amber Trace were adding a new complication to their lives—today they created a Timothy. The first of many joys and a thread that would knot into the most horrid complication they would ever face.