Dominic didn’t even want to think it. But what if by a stroke of fate, Nathalie had been the woman Raoul had adored, and she had used a different name with him?
Why would she be looking for him now? She knew he’d had to marry another woman. Did she come to the vineyard to find out about his life because she’d never been able to let him go in her heart?
If it was true, Dominic was haunted by the thought that Nathalie had loved his cousin and had been looking for him. He knew Raoul had never forgotten his love for her.
Dominic’s eyes closed tightly for a minute when he considered yesterday when he’d started kissing her again in the galley. If she hadn’t stopped him, they might have ended up making love all night long. Bon Dieu.
Until he’d had a certain conversation with his cousin tonight and ascertained the truth, he needed to take her home now.
“Dominic? I know that what I’ve revealed has shocked you.”
You mean crucified me. “That’s one way of putting it, but I’m glad I have the truth at last and will drive you back to your house.”
“Thank you. I hope you can forgive me.”
“There’s nothing to forgive. The vineyard is grateful for the excellent work you’ve put in. Pretty soon those red stains will be gone.” He started the car and took her home.
She opened the door and jumped out the second he pulled up in front of her house. “Whether you believe me or not, I’ve loved every moment we’ve spent together.” There were tears in her voice. “I’ll never forget you, Dominic.”
Those throbbing words would stay with him all the way to Vence. “A bientôt, Nathalie.”
He’d rebelled against saying goodbye to her. But if she and Raoul had been lovers... His cousin would soon be free of Sabine. He and Nathalie could finally be together.
Raw pain clawed his insides as he drove to the estate and hurried inside his apartment. He and his cousin were going to have the talk of their lives. For the first time in his, he felt like death.
But Raoul texted him later and told him a problem had come up at work and he’d had to drive to their warehouse in Saint Jeannet. He wouldn’t be back until the next evening.
It was just as well since Dominic needed to calm down before he talked to his cousin. He didn’t want them to have been lovers.
Dominic couldn’t bear it.
* * *
Nathalie had been staying home for the rest of the week to take care of Alain while her mother ran the pharmacy with Denis. It gave Minerve some time off. Next week Nathalie would go back to her routine at the pharmacy.
She adored her nephew and played with him to her heart’s content. He would be her baby one day, the only one she would ever have. She would spend the rest of her life giving him all the love she could while she loved Dominic in silence. There was no man in the world like him.
If he was the one Antoinette had fallen for, Nathalie understood why she’d told Claire he was the only man she would ever love. Nathalie couldn’t imagine loving another man either.
On Saturday morning she took Alain to the local park as usual and walked around with him, holding his hand. His little giggles while they fed the ducks in the pond delighted her. When she could tell he was tired, she took him home for lunch and a nap.
While it was quiet, she phoned Claire to tell her everything that had happened. “I quit my job.” She’d also said goodbye to Dominic, but she didn’t confess her feelings for him to Claire. That would have to remain her secret.
“I know you had hopes, but I can’t say I blame you.”
“You and Mom were right. I have no proof. But I want to thank you with all my heart for your help.”
“Oh, Nathalie. I was happy to give you any information I could. What are you going to do now?”
“Start adoption proceedings for Alain.”
“How wonderful!”
“I’m his doting, would-be mother. After it’s official, I want him to start calling me Maman and we’ll all live together with my mother. He loves his grand-mere.”
“Antoinette was lucky you’re there for her son. I miss her.”
“So do I. One day I’ll bring Alain by to meet you. Thanks again for everything. Talk to you soon.”