Unfinished Business by Nora Roberts

for as long as I can remember…”
    â€œWere your parents,” he said quietly. “Another permanent set.”
    â€œYes.” She relaxed a little, grateful that he understood. “I know that’s not reasonable. It’s not even reality. But…”
    â€œIt should be,” he finished for her. “My dear child, there is far too much in life that’s unfair. I had twenty-eight years with Emily, and had planned for twenty-eight more. It wasn’t to be. During the time I had with her, I loved her absolutely. We were lucky enough to grow into people each of us could continue to love. When she died, I thought that a part of my life was over. Your mother was Emily’s closest and dearest friend, and that was how I continued to look at Loretta, for several years. Then she became mine—my closest and dearest friend. I think Emily would have been pleased.”
    â€œYou make me feel like a child.”
    â€œYou’re always a child when it comes to your parents.” He glanced down at her plate. “Have you lost your sweet tooth?”
    â€œNo.” She laughed a little. “My appetite.”
    â€œI didn’t want to sound like an old fogy and tell you you’re too thin. But you are, a bit. Loretta mentioned you weren’t eating well. Or sleeping well.”
    Vanessa raised a brow. She hadn’t realized her mother had noticed. “I suppose I’m keyed up. The last couple of years have been pretty hectic.”
    â€œWhen’s the last time you had a physical?”
    Now she did laugh. “You sound like Brady. I’m fine, Dr. Tucker. Concert tours makes you tough. It’s just nerves.”
    He nodded, but promised himself that he’d keep an eye on her. “I hope you’ll play for me soon.”
    â€œI’m already breaking in the new piano. In fact, I should get back. I’ve been skimping on my practice time lately.”
    As she rose, Brady came through the connecting door. It annoyed him to see her there. It wasn’t bad enough that she’d been in his head all day. Now she was in his kitchen. He nodded to her, then glanced down at the pie.
    â€œThe dependable Mrs. Leary.” He grinned at his father. “Were you going to leave any for me?”
    â€œShe’s my patient.”
    â€œHe always hoards the goodies,” Brady said to Vanessa,dipping a finger in the meringue on her plate. “You wanted to see me before I left?”
    â€œYou wanted me to look over the Crampton file.” Ham tapped a finger on a folder on the counter. “I made some notes.”
    â€œThanks.”
    â€œI’ve got some things to tie up.” He took Vanessa by the shoulders and kissed her soundly. “Come back soon.”
    â€œI will.” She’d never been able to stay away.
    â€œThe barbecue’s in two weeks. I expect you to be here.”
    â€œI wouldn’t miss it.”
    â€œBrady,” he said as he left, “behave yourself with that girl.”
    Brady grinned as the door closed. “He still figures I’m going to talk you into the back seat of my car.”
    â€œYou did talk me into the back seat of your car.”
    â€œYeah.” The memory made him restless. “Any coffee?”
    â€œTea,” she said. “With lemon verbena.”
    With a grunt, he turned and took a carton of milk from the refrigerator. “I’m glad you stopped by to see him. He’s crazy about you.”
    â€œThe feeling’s mutual.”
    â€œYou going to eat that pie?”
    â€œNo, I was just—” he sat down and dug in “—leaving.”
    â€œWhat’s your hurry?” he asked over a forkful.
    â€œI’m not in a hurry, I just—”
    â€œSit down.” He poured an enormous glass of milk.
    â€œYour appetite’s as healthy as ever, I see.”
    â€œClean living.”
    She should go, really. But he looked so relaxed, and